Biocube 29gal w/ Vortech MP10 flow question for coral recovery

[cheezefrog]

So I've had my tank up about 3 years now, other than the vortech pump it's got a Mag5(500gph) return with a custom sump underneath.

I wanted to get some recommendations for optimal flow. I haven't seen much explosive growth including this issue with a recovering open brain trachyphyllia that I've been trying to get back to good health for over a year now. I've crossed off almost every parameter that could be affecting his recovery and I'm somewhat leaning towards flow and/or placement. Tank is optimal in water chemistry, filtration, lighting, etc. don't know what else it could be.

I've looked around quite a bit on the internet and I've never really been able to find anything to in depth that is related to my tank. Since there are so many settings including placement what are some preferred and optimal modes, including location mounting of the vortech powerhead in a BioCube 29gal?

[Bingo1213]

I have a 25 gallon cube which would probably be much similar to your 29. The dimensions are 18x18x18. I have a return pump as well but it does not provide much flow since the outflow is directed straight to the surface of the water. I have an MP10 that is set to switch through different modes through out the day via my APEX. In the picture you can see the modes, the time they come on, the percentage and for pulse modes the time in-between pulses. Mine is place about 2-3 inches from the waters surface on the back pane of glass. My tank is a mixed reef and all the SPS seem to be doing great and the LPS, softies and clams are not getting beat up.

[cheezefrog]

thanks a bunch for the response, I've got an Apex too, but no wireless in the mp10. I'll look into it, very interesting setup you have. Thanks for sharing!

[jservedio]

I've got 2 MP10s in a standard 20g tall both set to 80% anti-synch in Reef Crest and get the best growth out of my LPS so I really doubt it is ever too much flow. Corals that are recovering from injury don't like getting buffeted with direct turbulent water, but they need lots of indirect flow to recover.

 

Corals get all of their nutrients and get rid of all their waste by utilizing the water flowing over them - in general (as long as it isn't ripping their flesh off), the more flow, the more healthy they will be and the more they will be able to use the available light.

 

With one MP10 in a 28g cube, you should have that thing cranked way up. Not 100% because the dry sides don't have active cooling (the bearings will wear quickly at 100%), but 80-90% will be just fine.