Need advice AC110 enough flow for a ADA 8 gallon

[davskee]

I've been checking out all these cool little nano reefs and decieded yesterday to buy one. I bought the tank, filter and heater today and wanted to know if the filter I have will be enough flow in my tank, its a AC110. Its pretty big and I'm gonna use it as a refugium. Anyone out there use this filter on their nano? Is it enough or do I still need a powerhead? If I still need one I was gonna get a MP10 cause of the small footprint. I'd rather not spend the money on the MP10 and buy corals.

Equipment
ADA Tank (18in X 10.5in X 12in)
Aqua Clear 110 Hang-On-Back Power Filter
Marineland Stealth Pro Shatter-Proof Heater - 25 Watt
DIY LED Deluxe Nano Kit from reefledlights
??Ecotech MP10??


http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz304/davskee/IMG_0818.jpg?t=1281582502

[hk855]

I don't know the flow for that filter but it should be ok for leathers and softies as well as an lps or two. Also don't place the rock where it would inhibit flow, high up where the return is.

[davskee]

Thanks! But I'll be running mostly SPS on that rock.

[vegita51]

Yeah you are going to need more flow if you are doing sps. The mp10 is nice but you probably won't have to operate it at full power in such a small tank.

[musicalrebellion]

koralia nanos are a nice, cheaper option than the MP10
but nothing really compares to MP10s

[psykobowler]

An mp10 is all you need. You already went for a killer tank so might as well spend the cash for the wavemaker not a power head. Adjustable flow is the key.

[davskee]

True and the price for a non wireless mp10 is down to 150 so it doesnt hurt as much.

[Agu]

Aquaclear 110 moves 428 gallons per hour, that's 53.5 times turnover per hour on an 8 gallon tank. I use the AC70 on ten gallon tanks with softies and LPS and had to downgrade the impeller because the flow was too high. Where do you people come up with the AC 110 being inadequate flow :confused: ?

However it's laminar (straight line) flow. You might consider a secondary powerhead on a wavemaker/timer to create more chaotic flow. That's what I do in my tens.

[CaptHook]

Im running the 110(used to be the 500) but works great,but didnt like the flow pattern on it and blew the sand evrywhere.So I slit a pvc pipe in half and drilled into the sides of the filter and suspended it with cable ties.now the flow is diverted to the right and left.You can even get fancy and drill a few holes in it to still get the ripples for the leds.You could also paint the pvc with plastic fusion..It was gd to read yr thread cause Im at the stage where I might do a few pumps. Gd luck with yr build

[psykobowler]

The ac 110 definitely has enough flow but I always push for a wavemaker which makes random flow.

[davskee]

I was thinking on putting small pieces of pexi on the lip to have it return the water in different directions.