Too much current

Deity · 09-22-2003, 01:08 PM

I have a 72 gal Bow. I have 2 350 gal per hour powerheads on each side of the tank, 1 about half way down, other 1/3 down in the water. I also have a 600 gal per hour output from a filter about an inch under the water level flowing between the 2 powerhead currents. I placed a Ocellaris Clown and a Firefish Goby in the tank. The clown was laboring just to stay in the same area. The Goby not so bad since it stays near the substrate.

I had read somewhere that 6-10 times flowrate was good for water movement, but it seems too strong. I removed 1 powerhead but that didn't seem to help much. I just turned the 2nd powerhead off but now I'm worried the water is too stagnant.

ReefDave · 09-22-2003, 01:23 PM

Deity,
No doubt someone more informed than me will happen along and give some advice, but hopefully I can help in the time being. Your clown is an open water swimmer (compared to the goby) and is used to currents and tides on the reef. In the wild this fish would have to labor as hard or harder to maintain a position. Surely there are spots in your tank (between rocks, etc) where the clown COULD go if it wanted, but is choosing to stay in the current.....

Like I said someone with more experience will happen along soon enough, but I don't think you need to stress about the current you have.

Dave

Prismaco · 09-22-2003, 01:52 PM

I have 4 power heads along with my return in my 37g...so you should be fine... Just make sure and keep an eye on the dead spots of your tank...

-Paul

yardboy · 09-22-2003, 02:35 PM

When I first set up my 70 gallon I only used my 700gph return for current. I'd bought a 250gph powerhead but every time I hooked it up it seemed like way too much current in the tank. More reading and I finally just turned th ph on and left it. A few days later I couldn't really understand why I thought it was too much current!? Now I'm thinking about another powerhead as there are some low current spots I think need flushing.
I'm just back from a dive trip and even when the surface was glassy and there was no real current at the edge, there was a lot of movement on the reef, stray currents and eddies and such. When there was wind and some waves and current, the movement was quite vigorous and everything seemed happy.

Mkelly · 09-22-2003, 05:22 PM

What else is in the tank is it a fish only or a reef tank? Movement will be dictated by the corals, Some need lots of movement some dont.

I have a mag 18 hooked to two return lines, 7 power heads 2 of which are 2500's this is in a 180 gallon tank,and everyone seems happy. My 2 perc's clowns along with the Tang are constantly swiming in and out of the different currents.

Silly question but I have to ask.

Do you have a wave maker? If so what kind can you adjust the settings etc. If not then maybe consider one.

Mike

Joel · 09-22-2003, 11:32 PM

I have, between the cls and return around 2000 gph going through my 135 and everything seems very happy. My saddleback clowns "play" in the current almost like they are in a lap pool. But when they get tired they go back to their anenome where the current is a lot less. They are not the only fish that do this so do the Tangs and Bangaiis just not as often as the clowns.