Water Flow
Table of Contents
Aside from lighting demand for the reef aquarium, the basic setup was not all that complicated. My original design for the reef aquarium equipment was a bit underpowered and I found myself having to add additional aquarium pumps and wave making devices.
Every one of the all glass aquarium tanks were drilled andhad a small triangular overflow constructed in the corner. The sump had two drilled holes in which I mounted to each and external pump (1200gph). I went with external aquarium pumps to control heat, and looking back it was a good idea, my aquarium chiller ran in the winter from time to time as well.
The main aquarium pump ran the front three tanks, and the secondary pump ran the back reef and lagoon. Each of the two separate lines returned to the sump and passed through biological and mechanical filtration.
In hindsight, I should have run three aquarium pumps, and had the second power the back reef alone, and the third (a smaller aquarium pump) run the lagoon. In the following year I was acutely aware that I needed to retrofit the system to adapt to this model.
In the sump I had constructed a wet dry filter with bio balls in an area about 3 feet wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches high, (The aquarium bio balls were removed after 6 months). One of each of the lines ran into a temperature controlling device, the secondary sump a 1000 watt inline aquarium heater and the primary pump a 1/3 hp aquarium chiller. In addition, a canister filter was run inline prior to the aquarium heater. Two submersible pumps were in the sump, one supplying a protein skimmer, the other a hyperbaric reactor and two mechanical modules filled with carbon to provide additional filtration for the reef aquarium.
The Essential Guide to Reef Aquarium Water Flow
When it comes to setting up a thriving reef aquarium, understanding the dynamics of water flow is crucial. It’s not just about keeping the water moving; it’s about mimicking the natural environments that coral reefs flourish in. In the wild, corals are subject to a variety of water movements, from gentle currents to powerful waves, each playing a role in their health and growth. For the hobbyist looking to recreate a slice of the ocean at home, mastering the art of water flow can be the difference between a thriving ecosystem and a struggling one. This guide dives into the importance of water flow in reef aquariums, exploring the science behind it and offering practical advice for optimizing it in your tank.
The Science of Water Movement
Understanding Flow Dynamics
In the realm of reef aquariums, the term “laminar flow” refers to a smooth, consistent water movement, whereas “turbulent flow” is more chaotic and variable. Each type of flow has its place in the aquarium, mimicking the diverse conditions found in natural reefs. Laminar flow can simulate the gentle currents of a lagoon, ideal for delicate corals and sessile invertebrates. Turbulent flow, on the other hand, replicates the vigorous water movement found around reef crests, which is essential for the health of many stony corals and sessile invertebrates.
The Role of Gyres and Eddies
Gyres and eddies, large-scale circular movements of water, play a significant role in nutrient distribution and waste removal in the ocean. In an aquarium setting, creating miniature versions of these can significantly enhance the health of your reef system. Devices like wavemakers and powerheads are engineered to generate these complex flow patterns, ensuring that detritus does not settle and that nutrients are evenly distributed throughout the tank.
Equipment and Technology
Choosing the Right Powerheads
Powerheads are the workhorses of water movement in a reef aquarium, providing targeted flow that can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of your coral inhabitants. When selecting a powerhead, consider factors like flow rate, adjustability, and the ability to create varied flow patterns. Modern powerheads often come with controllers that allow for the simulation of natural flow patterns, such as tidal cycles and random flow modes, which can greatly benefit the overall health of your reef ecosystem.
The Advantages of Wave Makers
Wave makers take water movement to the next level by creating surging motions that mimic ocean waves. This type of dynamic flow is particularly beneficial for hard corals, such as Acropora spp., which thrive in high-energy environments. Wave makers can also help prevent dead spots in the aquarium where detritus accumulates, maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment for your reef inhabitants.
Flow Patterns and Coral Health
Targeted Flow for SPS Corals
Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals, such as those from the Acroporidae family, require high flow rates to thrive. These corals benefit from direct, turbulent flow that mimics their natural reef crest habitats. Ensuring adequate flow not only delivers necessary nutrients but also helps keep the coral surfaces free of sediment, which can inhibit growth and lead to health issues.
Optimizing Conditions for LPS and Soft Corals
Large Polyp Stony (LPS) and soft corals, such as Euphyllia spp. and Zoanthids, prefer more moderate flow conditions. For these species, a mix of laminar and gentle turbulent flow replicates the lower energy environments they inhabit in nature, such as reef slopes and lagoons. Proper flow ensures these corals receive the nutrients they need while preventing the accumulation of harmful sediments on their surfaces.
In conclusion, mastering water flow in a reef aquarium is not just about keeping the water moving; it’s about creating a dynamic environment that closely mimics the natural habitats of the diverse species living within it. From the gentle lagoons to the turbulent reef crests, recreating these conditions in your tank can lead to a healthier, more vibrant reef ecosystem.
FAQs on Reef Aquarium Water Flow
1. Why is water flow important in a reef aquarium?
Water flow is crucial in a reef aquarium because it mimics the natural currents that corals and other marine life are adapted to. It helps in the delivery of nutrients, removal of waste, and prevention of algae buildup, ensuring the health and growth of the reef ecosystem.
2. What is the difference between laminar and turbulent flow in an aquarium?
Laminar flow refers to smooth, unidirectional water movement, while turbulent flow is more chaotic and changes direction and speed frequently. Laminar flow is suitable for delicate species, whereas turbulent flow is preferred by many stony corals and helps prevent detritus from settling.
3. How do gyres and eddies benefit a reef aquarium?
Gyres and eddies, which are circular water movements, help distribute nutrients evenly and remove waste and detritus from the aquarium. Creating these water movements in a tank can enhance the health of the reef by mimicking natural ocean currents.
4. What should I look for in a powerhead for my reef tank?
When choosing a powerhead, consider the flow rate, adjustability, and the ability to create variable flow patterns. Look for models with controllers that can simulate natural water movements, such as tidal cycles, to benefit the reef inhabitants.
5. Can wave makers be used in any reef tank?
Wave makers are beneficial for most reef tanks, especially those housing hard corals that thrive in high-energy environments. However, the intensity and direction of the waves should be adjusted to suit the specific needs of your tank’s inhabitants to avoid causing stress or damage.
