Water Movement for Z&P's

[jimsflies]

I've got a vortech MP-10 on my 29 gallon. I keep playing with different settings...tidal swell, nutrient transport, short pulse (resonant wave). Looking for input and experience about what the best flow setting is to grow Z&P's.

[Chris]

IMO Jim, just like any other coral it really depends on the specific z/p...... I had over 2000gph constantly turning in my 20g tall, and some loved it, but some hated it until I stuck them in a lower flow area.


Wish I had a better answer, but I don't

[CableGuy]

I find as long as you acclimate them properly and dont irriatate them they will go/grow anywhere. I have a few in direct flow and I've moved others there that will close up for a few mins and then just open up a little slower but after 30mins everything is back to normal.

[larryandlaura]

I run mine on reef crest. The zoas always seemed to like that mode. Trying short pulse this time around.

[MUCHO REEF]

Jim, I don't think there is one preset/ideal setting. I have heard and read of reefers who must purchase flow meters and other gadgets to pinpoint an ideal flow rate most conducive for optimal growth. In my opinion, there is none. I have done the same thing for nearly 20 years and it works with nothing more than visual observation. Since flow is but one of many variables which will dictate/determine growth, having it is still no guarantee for optimal growth or any growth at all. I have seen dozens of setups and most all are different and the growth has been great in most. For example, Acerhigh has consistently produced the best growth and skirt lenght that I have ever seen in any tank including my own. With a placement of 4 return flex nozzles at the top corners of his tank at a downward 45 degree angle, this guy grew skirts so long on ALL of his zoas and palys, they swung over the oral disc each time the current shifted which I recalled was on a 10 second cycle. His tank was dialed in perfectly, but the slightlest increase in said current would have resulted in complete retraction.

I have always recommended just enough current to wiggle each polyp, but not overpowering it to the point of causing total retraction, that's all you need to know and do. That's it, no gadgets, no meters, no intervention. Type of current? Random, sporadic and chaotic, but never overpowering, that's it, in my opinion.


MUCHO REEF

[Sir Patrick]

I would go with reefcrest, as it is about as random as it gets, and gives enough flow to keep the mats of polyps nice and clear, but fairly gental at the same time. On the 29 on reefcrest, I might run it around 65%, and adjust acordingly.

A nice bit of wave action would be great also, if you can dial one in. Shouldnt be too hard w/ an mp-10 on a 29 gallon to get a good one going. Would be very close to natural in short bursts.

[Rabidgoose]

I am on reefcrest at about 60% power on the 45C. Looking at new growth I am considering a stint at a little less flow.

[Jarred1]

Originally Posted by MUCHO REEF

Jim, I don't think there is one preset/ideal setting. I have heard and read of reefers who must purchase flow meters and other gadgets to pinpoint an ideal flow rate most conducive for optimal growth. In my opinion, there is none. I have done the same thing for nearly 20 years and it works with nothing more than visual observation. Since flow is but one of many variables which will dictate/determine growth, having it is still no guarantee for optimal growth or any growth at all. I have seen dozens of setups and most all are different and the growth has been great in most. For example, Acerhigh has consistently produced the best growth and skirt lenght that I have ever seen in any tank including my own. With a placement of 4 return flex nozzles at the top corners of his tank at a downward 45 degree angle, this guy grew skirts so long on ALL of his zoas and palys, they swung over the oral disc each time the current shifted which I recalled was on a 10 second cycle. His tank was dialed in perfectly, but the slightlest increase in said current would have resulted in complete retraction.

I have always recommended just enough current to wiggle each polyp, but not overpowering it to the point of causing total retraction, that's all you need to know and do. That's it, no gadgets, no meters, no intervention. Type of current? Random, sporadic and chaotic, but never overpowering, that's it, in my opinion.


MUCHO REEF

That is something else!