Fish and Flow

[Quang]

This might come off as elementary but I'm a bit curious about the relationship between fish metabolism and the flow in our tanks.
Here's my thinking. Fish work harder in a higher flow tanks ----> increase in metabolism ----> extra feeding ----> more nutrients ----> affecting water quality.

That's one part of the pie.
How about the health of the fish, especially if those fish are not naturally exposed to that type of water movement in the wild? Perhaps a shortening of their lives since they have to "work harder" swimming around?
Don't mind my late night/delusional rambling, but these are some interesting dynamics. Well, at least to me. :idea:
Any experts care to chime in? Is there a more formal discussion of this topic out there?

 

[Killerdrgn]

Well i'm guessing they're not being blasted, and should have decent places to hide and chill out so i don't think this may be an issue.

 

[noodleman]

froggie, how about you going excercise everyday for a few hours, and report back on your metabolism

 

[Quang]

lol noodle.

in re-reading this thread, this topic sounds so silly. it was 3 o'clock in the morning and i was procrastinating for a paper. Late Night Thread how i miss thee.

 

[KathyC]

Hey Frog..not silly, mostly (ok, so I said mostly) good questions.
You kinda lost most of your audience when you asked for 'experts' to chime in...lol

so comments to follow from a non-expert ...
I've watched fish in my tank (moderate flow) and in others (really high flow) and it seems to me that many like to be in high flow..at least for brief periods of time. Since most of us here have reef tanks, there are places for the fish to hang out where the flow isn't so intense due to the way we aquascape, so I doubt we're shortening their lives due to high flow.
I'd think their little fins get tired after a while...but have to wonder if 'exercise' is beneficial to fish? Heck, they might even live longer!
We already know that fish such as Tangs are 'poop machines' due to their high rate of activity, and increased level of eating that they do affect water quality, so I'd have to believe that any fish we are causing to expend more energy, therefore requiring more food, would also affect water quality.

I should have just written 'yes' as my reply...lol
Not that I EVER stay up late..but the late night loonies (did I say that??)seem to be gathering in RG more than using the late night thread anymore. You could change that