another dumb jcs112 question

[jcs11236]

hey guys

i was wondering if you could help me and my sick mind answer these questions:

1- what is the correct flow rate of a powerhead in a nano reef tank?
what would you guys use on my 10 gal hex?
i am currently using a 160 gph maxijet --is this to strong for my tank? i think its fine but i noticed that my star polyps are not opening up and i think the cause might be cause there getting hit with the powerhead directly
2- do you guys turn off you power heads at night when lights go off? just curious

thanks guys for your help all the time

:maitre

 

[Abarnswell]

If I remember correctly, I read that star polyps don't like a strong current. I have mine in areas of low current, and they are all very happy. Try moving them to a slower spot.

I'm afraid I can't answer about the powerhead. I don't use one, so I'm not sure. I tried one once in my 15g. but I thought it was too strong. So, I use two AquaClear HOB filters instead, spaced just so that their water output covers nearly all of the tank with varying degrees of flow. Then I place my corals in the tank relative to the flow rates so that everyone is happy.

Since I don't use a powerhead, I keep the water level at a certain point so that the outflow from the filters creates good surface agitation, so that there is good gas exchange.

 

[sadielynn]

in our 7gmb we have close to 300 gallons flowing in our tank
our pumps are hydor 500's we have 2 of those and also a 150 penguin filter for a total of about 300 -500 gph flowing we have it aimed at the walls on pointed to the back and one to the front our gsp get wacked pretty good in the current , and they are happy and opened yours may be just adjusting to the current . You may need to play with it a bit to see what works for you... BTW that is not a dumb question

 

[Abarnswell]

Yeah, there are no dumb questions... (except for mine).

 

[dragon79]

don't turn off your powerheads, period. Oxygen levels would go down, and whatever living things could possibly die. But as for the powerheads, try pointing toward a wall, or try pointing it up. You'll get better results from it.

 

[reefman23]

If I remember correctly, I read that star polyps don't like a strong current.

Actually, they do well in areas of medium to high current. I find that these little guys will go through periods where they just dont want to open. I have a gsp in my tank that hasnt opened in about 5 days, but then it will be fully extended and happy 24 hours a day (it usually doesnt even close at night).

i would say that in a nano, it is good to have 2 or 3 lower gph powerheads than 1 or 2 higher gph powerheads. in addition to my bak pak skimmer, i have 2 90 gph rio's (good powerheads for nanos because of their size and price).

 

[aromano]

I totally agree...

Powerheads on 24/7.

Star polyps will adjust to different currents, but they do go through periods where they don't expend for a couple of days.
Mine are right under the flow nozzle with a high current and fully expend during the day and sometimes don't even close at night.
This coral is very hardy and should do fine once it adjusts to your system.

 

[Chubosco]

I am running 160 gph and really thinking of adding an additional pump. Actually, I have an outside pump also. I have an airstone in the back. The stronger my current, the less protein slick I have. I don't think the current is all that strong at all. Mine is pointed at the surface. There is a definate bump on the surface where it hits but that is great for oxygen transfer. I want a wave maker or another internal pump.