For flow rate and to measure where i put stuff i find out using this method;
A short ribbon gives me a good sense of the flow
A long ribbon gives me the direction and path of the flow.
Each time you must turn your stick to see which current is predominent or your ribbon will stay in its original position and give you fasle reading. A turn of the stick forces the ribbon to realine itself to the new and actual current and give you accurate reading. Long ribbon also shows you also where the different currents and flow meet.
So to position a fragile or demanding coral or invert do this at different heights , because it changes drastically because of obstical, namely your rockwork and aquascape, if you didn't think your scape matters with your flow think again. Dead spots can be created because of bad pump positioning, or aquascape. You may need 4 pumps if you have them in the wrong place, while you could get away with 3 or even 2 if they're place in a good and studied fashion, = less money spent on powerheads = less power spent = more money for fish etc.... making sense.
It a piece of christmass ribbon on a stick just saying
From behind a rock this came out pretty strong
This place was for calm waters corals , when the ribbon yields and sway and gives, mild currents. Straight ribbons unyielding very strong currents. Waving ribbons, turbulent and meeting currents, you don't want a bubble coral there.
Dont ever forget the back chanels they can be surprisingly strong
A waving spot, very harsh
My engeneer crewman.
