How to achieve the right flow

[sillysidewinder]

I'm a little bit confused on how to position the powerhead and return pump in my ~12 gallon nano. From what I understand, the best type of flow would be a random one where the water is not circulating in a repetitive motion. How should I position the powerhead and return pump in order to best achieve this? Thanks people!

 

[tosiek]

Theres no way of doing this with a stationary powerhead or one that you can't control. Some of the wavy corals can help make it a bit more random but its always going to be pretty constant. Setting up your return to intersect the powerheads flow would help increase randomness but it will still be pretty constant.

Its not something thats really needed though, you can still have a linear flow in your tank and have all the coral happy. Just adjust coral placement to the amount of flow they enjoy.

 

[KathyC]

Zoo-Med makes a fairly small P/H with a sweeping motion or you could use a Hydor P/H with the rotating flow insert piece.

..or you could always buy a Vortech for it

 

[tosiek]

=)

http://ecotechmarine.com/products/vortech/vortech-mp10/

 

[SanmanReefer]

I don't know if you wanna get a Vortech for a 12 gallon tank. Too much money iMO. Why don't you get a Koralia Nano powerhead and plug it into a timer, have it switch on/off to get that random effect you're looking for? Hope this helps.

 

[sillysidewinder]

so the powerhead i am using is a koralia nano 240. As of right now I have it crossing the return flow in an "x" formation. my euphelia are extremely happy, however, i know that my acans could be opened up a bit more. i moved them yesterday to a spot with less flow and will monitor them for the next couple of days. they do seem to be open a little bit more now.

it's tough because i want to fill the tank completely with corals and getting them all in the right position to match their necessary flow is proving to be tough! i've got to say though, water changes in a 12 gallon tank are so easy! i love it!

i would love an mp10, but way out of my price range. i'd rather spend the money on corals than on equipment. as of now, for lighting i have an evil par38 hooked up to a desktop lamp fixture and for the powerhead a koralia nano 240 as i stated above. just keeping it really simple and cheap.

 

[JonnyJ]

just break the bank and buy a vortech. i have 2, 1 on each tank and they are 7 gallons a piece.

they are worth every penny, they hold value and run great.

 

[sillysidewinder]

maybe someday. but for the time being its the koralia nano. just checked in on the tank and the acans are much happier in their new spot. hopefully they stay happy, im trying to keep my hand out of the tank as much as possible.