15 Reasons Why Current/Flow are Essential

[MUCHO REEF]

Flow/current, via wavemakers, powerheads, pumps etc, serves many vital purposes.



1. Flow/current helps to keep live rock clean and clump free from settling detritus.

2. Aids in cleaning polyps that slough off by means of external cleaning.

3. It carries much needed food/nutrient to corals.

4. Often greatly enhances skirt length over time if on the medium to higher end.

5. Helps to remove waste and slim when new arrivals are stressed.

6. Moves uneaten food off the reef to allow other inverts on the substrate easier access as well as out of the tank via overflows.

7. Helps with surface water movement via oxygen/gas exchange.

8. It helps with calcification.

9. Causes a natural water sway/movement, back and forth motion which is extremely natural.

10. Current reduces shaded areas allowing more light penetration.

11. Causes a glitter line affect for Metal Halide users. Glitter lines are often viewed/seen in the ocean and it is a means of punching light deeper into ones system. The fluctuation from light to dark is a very natural one.

12. Prevents coral bleaching.

13. Current helps with evaporative cooling of the tank.

14. Prevents stagnation.

15. Removes film from the water surface, which increases light efficiency



This thread is not about turnover or means of achieving it, nor how said flow is achieved. It merely conveys the importance of having it and its short and long term benefits.


MUCHO REEF

[MizTanks]

Sweet right up. Thanks!

[Wy Renegade]

Nice post Mooch! Here's links to several very informative articles on corals and flow;

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/6/aafeature2

This is the first article in a series of 4;

#2 http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/8/aafeature/view

#3 http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/9/aafeature2/view

and #4 http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/11/aafeature/view

Also, not to steal or side track your topic, but perhaps it might also help this topic on ideal types and rates of flow get off the ground;

Ideal Flow in a Zoanthid Dominated Aquarium

And for those who want to talk about methods for generating flow, please check this thread;

How are you getting Flow in your Tank ?

I'd really love to see some more info/thoughts/observations on how the new vortex affect zoa/paly health, and which settings in particular, as well as other methods for generating random flow patterns in the tank.

Mooch, you've obviously had a lot of experience with both zoas and palys, perhaps you could give us the benefit of your observations in that first thread on types and rates?

[vittleking]

great info you 2 thanks a lot!! This is something I need to work on in my tank, and I understand a little more now, thanks!!