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Flow pumps in saltwater aquariums

The current is a very important factor in the saltwater aquarium. Here I will explain what you need to consider when using current pumps in a saltwater aquarium.

Why do I need flow in the aquarium?

The water movement in your aquarium not only simulates the natural movement of the sea it is too essential for a healthy aquarium. The current carries away pollutants and, for example, transports food to the corals. Your aquarium will only work if there is enough water movement. This movement can be generated with flow pumps in saltwater aquariums.

How many flow pumps are needed?

Two is always better than one, but why? With two pumps you can, on the one hand, your aquarium flows more evenly, and on the other is just such good wave simulation possible. Two are also recommended in nano aquariums so that a good reef flow can also be achieved. For large tanks, the quantity must of course be adjusted. Here then four or more Flow pumps are recommended.

The volume of water in circulation

In the case of a mixed tank, a general rule applies with an ideal circulation volume of the 10 to 15 times your pelvic volume. This means that in a 100-liter pool, your pumps need to circulate 1000 to 1500 liters per hour. A pure SPS coral pool should sink higher here even 30-50 times is recommended. If you have a tank with corals that don’t like currents, you can reduce the amount of circulation.

Selection of flow pumps

When the choice is yours Traffic volume is decisive, because once this information is selected. If we assume, as described above, a 100-liter mixing tank, the two flow pumps have to handle 1000-1500 liters per hour. However, the correct bitrate must be set Not that easy so you should get up adjustable pumps to Fall back on. These make tuning much easier and as your coral grows the current may need to be adjusted. Thus, two flow pumps with a capacity of 500 liters per hour or more are required for the swimming pool example mentioned.

are highly recommended Flow pumps with control. Not only can the flow intensity be adjusted very easily here, but also different wave simulations. Also, some controllers have a one-night mode (power reduction in the dark) and a Supply Mode (turn off the pump for 10 minutes).

How are flow pumps placed in the saltwater aquarium?

The purpose of an ideal current in your aquarium is annular flow. As its name suggests, it is a flow in a circle. In this way, all parts of the aquarium should be optimally infused. Several pumps can be used for this in long tanks. The flow through the upper part is stronger than the lower part. But the bottom must receive enough current so that no collection points for dirt result. Do not place the flow pump too high, it should not suck in air. The whole thing is completed with a simulation of waves because you can be sure that all the corals in the tank are crossed from all sides.

There are different ways to achieve circular flow. Which works best depends on your tank and reef:

  • First placement is on the right and left of the side window. One in the upper zone and one in the lower zone. One is placed slightly to the right and the other to the left.
  • Second placement to the right and left of the back wall. One in the upper zone and one in the lower zone. The outlet in the middle to the front flap. Wave simulation is important here.

Advice: Want to check if you have an annular flow? Then put some food on the surface of the water and look down the path.

It takes a while to get the perfect flow, you will often need to place the pumps differently or adjust the pump performance.

What else should I consider?

When setting your flow pumps in the saltwater aquarium, also consider your reef, the reef should also be well drained become. Likewise later on the placement of your corals. Create with your flow high and low flow areas and place your corals in the right areas.
Hazard: Anemones can enter flow pumps mortally wounded. If you want to keep anemones in your tank, you need to block the suction of your pump so that nothing happens.

What is the maintenance effort?

Over time, deposits and algae settle on and in the pump. If you notice that the flow pump no longer has the same performance or has completely failed, cleaning is in order. Otherwise, usually enough reviews every six months. To do this, the pump is taken out of the aquarium, completely disassembled, and cleaned with a brush and clean water. It is also important to remove and rinse the impeller.

Although initially a lot of delicacies are necessary, finding the right attitude is a great job. Then it is also a pleasure to see how well your animals feel and grow in your aquarium.

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