water flow

[MarcoPolo]

I know that asking for specific advise on how to position pumps is difficult as this is highly dependant on each tank - and what might work in one - may not be good for another tank. In my 120g SPS reef tank I have several powerful pumps and a wavebox. I think I have a good water flow in the tank, but what method can I use to 'test' how effective is my water flow? I always wonder how best to ensure the most efficient tank-sump-tank flow...any advise?

[kenjung]

In tank starts from your aquascaping a high gph does not equal better flow. A good flow should not have dead spot, SPS loves chaotic flow. In sump flow slow is better for contact time. Sump to tank flow should be at around 4 to 5 turnover in an hour.

[MarcoPolo]

what is a good way to generate chaotic flow?

[sedor]

Use your controller to generate random flow by turning only specific pumps on at a time. Your wavemaker will also really help create random flow.

[sdietz2469]

a good way to tell if you have really good flow is take one of your powerheads and blow it around on your rocks inbetween corals and see if alot of detritus picks up, if so move, or add some other flow... jmo

shane