water flow rate

martym · #1 07-11-2005, 03:05 PM

Disregarding filtration rate, what do you use for a flow rate guide in your tanks? I have read read anywhere from 3x to over 30x per hour.
Thanks

muck · #2 07-11-2005, 03:22 PM

It more depends on what you want to keep in your tank.
If you have some idea that would help..

martym · #3 07-11-2005, 03:27 PM

Of course it would, sorry. SPS.

Invigor · #4 07-11-2005, 03:38 PM

the more the better

although 6000gph in a 20gal wouldn't be good.

martym · #5 07-11-2005, 03:42 PM

There has to be a point of too much flow though. I wouldn't want to push 3500gpm through a 10g tank. As cool as that would look, that would be too much.

muck · #6 07-11-2005, 03:48 PM

Its a 10G tank we are talking about..??

mr_alberta · #7 07-11-2005, 03:53 PM

For an SPS tank, I wouldn't do something as low as 3x. Try to do at least 10 - 15x.

Personally, on my 60G cube, I run about 3700GPH total turnover which is ~62x or so? As long as the flow is dispersed and not coming out like a jet it'll be fine.

muck · #8 07-11-2005, 03:55 PM

What harvey's trying to say is...

If the fish are plastered against the sides of the tank there is too much flow.

martym · #9 07-11-2005, 04:30 PM

It is for a 20g. I want to do a closed loop, to get rid of the powerhead in the tank. I'm just trying to figure out what size of pump I should get.

muck · #10 07-11-2005, 04:35 PM

what size plumbing are you using?