Week 9: Why Flow Is Vital for a Successful Reef Tank. | 52 Weeks of Reefing

Today we will talk about why proper flow is important; give a solid overview of most the pump options out there including ac powerheads, wave makers, DC powerheads, Gyres and external closed loops. We will also hit on all the features of the most popular brands like Tunze powerheads, Vortech MP10, Vortech MP40 and the Vectra l1. Proper ongoing maintenance for your pumps and finish with the flow solution we selected for the #BRS160.
Water flow is one of the more important elements of a reef tank. Water movement promotes gas exchange which increases oxygen, decreases carbon dioxide and helps maintain the pH of the tank.
Proper water flow also plays an important role in biological function within the coral. Good flow will keep the coral’s tissue surrounded with oxygen rich water, calcium and alkalinity which promotes proper respiration and calcification. Ecotech MP10 and Ecotech MP 40 powerheads have been a staple in reefing for almost a decade now.
Water flow also serves as the mechanism which corals use to pump and circulate fluids, nutrients, important elements and waste within the coral by constantly pushing on the corals soft tissue with irregular patterns.
Strong flow is also believed to be closely related to preventing coral bleaching by helping the coral rid itself of the toxic oxygen radicals which can be produced with long intense lighting periods like those found in many reef aquariums.
These days flow is almost always provided with a powerhead of some type which is just a small efficient pump that uses an impeller or propeller to shoot high velocity water out the front. This type of pump is generally really easy to install and consumes very little power for the amount of flow it creates.
AC power heads are the most popular simply because they are the most affordable. There are three major brands which all have different advantages: Tunze, Hydor, and Sicce.
When more control over flow and efficiency is desired, DC powerheads will be your best bet. DC pumps are not only capable of always starting in the correct direction every time but they also can slowly and evenly ramp up and down from zero gallons to thousands of gallons an hour. This also opens the pumps up to some really unique designs. Tunze, VorTech, Neptune, and Maxspect all offer controllable DC pumps.
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@muffemod]

I gave a powerhead to a friend to start his tank. He called me and said, "Thanks for the water-fan." ^__^

[@jackiekearney]

😅

[@TrickyMickTrucking]

Yeah, they are all water-fans now.

[@matthewwellendorf6524]

Seriously the best thing for new reeefers. Cant thank you enough.

[@1royalwolf]

Yet to watch one of your vids that isn't informative and easy to understand. By miles the best reefkeeping series of videos ive ever watched. Thanks for your efforts

[@psycholocke4090]

if you are looking for a all in one power out safety option. try to consider UPS or APU option from the IT section. these can be sized to your needs depending on the wattage and the expected time to cover. the main advantage here is a safe electrical installation without wiring on a car battery. none the less. thank you for your in depth overview. it is helping us a lot in making the right decisions for our first reef tank.

[@johngrape4162]

Excellent video!!!I appreciate all the effort this took. Especially the simulation of flow in the tank.

[@Forgetii]

Thanks, flow is an area I have had problems with in the past. Your video helped to clear up the confusion. I'm sooo hooked on Thursdays now that you're running this blog. I'm looking at setting up a new reef system when I finally get settled and your blog is going to be my blueprint.., not to mention your company as my one source for all things reef.

[@garrettmitchell9134]

Great thorough analysis on all of the available pumps. It's definitely a decision on personal preference and how you would like your flow. For example, I did a vortech in my smaller display/lagoon tank because I liked the features of a vortech that didn't need to have a controller. For my display I went with two gyres from BRS on an alternating cycle of 4 hours on pulse mode. Then display is 60x36x24 and I have been very impressed and happy with the ebb and flow they create throughout the day. Happy Reefing Everyone!

[@tonyblack7046]

Thank you for your expert advise and thank you for getting back so quick! thanks guys

[@andrewhales9771]

Haven't watched the video yet but already gave you a thumbs up! Love you BRS!!!

[@christopherm.7310]

Roger at Tunze is awesome. Thanks for mentioning him.

[@Tony-os2qc]

Great vid, lots of info for the newbies!

[@10OVO30]

Love you guys!! can't wait to start my tank build when I retire from the Air Force! #BRS

[@paulfigas3829]

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!

[@pabloesquivel9899]

awesome video!!!! best reff chanel right here right now!

[@habutti]

Good stuff guys, nailed it again.

[@luizmakesvideos]

This was very informative, Thanks!

[@briansfishtanks]

Great overview on a lot of great pumps!

[@grumpbert]

Cheers Ryan!

[@mrdouglasbaker]

Love these guys!

[@chriscrigger5823]

Very informative. Thanks for the videos.

[@jonpastore9552]

Thank you very much. I love all of your videos and I will definitely by some equipment from the brs website

[@ricex2]

very informative, nice vid

[@pewheretic7967]

This was one of the first "Yikes!" moments when I first began with reef tanks. Four, five and six hundred dollars per pump was outrageous, especially when you always have to have 2-4 pumps...or more!. For my small tanks (55 gallon and under) the inexpensive pumps do just fine, even if they have to be replaced every few years. For my huge tank (1,100 gallon) it was a no brainer to use a closed loop. It's the medium size tanks that are the more expensive gallon/pump cost for me. Like your 160, closed loop is a bit too much, but small, inexpensive pumps won't do the job either. Spending nearly $1,000.00 on just recirc pumps stings more than my anemones :( But, you gotta pay to play and they cost what they cost, whether we think it's "worth it" or not. We have to have good flow. One thing that is great about the process is that BRS has such a fantastic assortment of products, almost to the point of being overwhelming to some. But the product/category filter is so fine tuned that you don't even have to get lost in the product until you narrow down your options using the excellent category filter. The education you get on this site coupled with their honest and unbiased opinion can make even the harshest skeptic a fan-boy. :) Great job, guys. And tell your IT guys they're doing a great job on the site's layout and user interface. The newest iteration is very good indeed. (sheesh I rambled a lot)

[@brettoreilly]

wow what a amazing vid

[@thedaveyfamily905]

Just awesome series guys! Love the different vendors reviewed. This video could only be better if you had one of your charts like you do on other videos where they are side by side tested... Do you have a video for that? (power, form factor, gph, dc/ac, cost)?

[@alexeverson2015]

Hi, great vid by the way, I recently bought the Nuvo 30L and I am wondering what I should get and the placement. I am mostly planning on softies, but I might want to get some lps corals later on. Thanks!

[@bubbashinobi1697]

Thank you for the great video, I know this was posted a while ago but I'm a new reefer. Does anyone know where is the best placement for a single pump on a BioCube for softies ?? Thanks for any help :)

[@keithstie]

Can you do a video on the variable flow/wave options of the apex? And options for multiple Apex power heads. I'm planning a peninsula 140 with the apex controller and 4 power heads. I like the random tidal on the vortex, want to mimic that.

[@AmerickiZivot]

Great video. I have a 10 gallon with soft corals, where should I position the hydor koralia?

[@DanPotter1974]

Great Vid and always worth revisiting, I do have a question regarding settings for an MP10/Wave maker, if I need 2000lph flow and run in short Pulse Mode at about 1 pulse a second do I need to set the pump at around 4000lph to achieve the desired flow for the tank as the pump is only working 1/2 the time?

[@zhilianz]

I like how you mount the controller and power strip. Did you have a tank building blog or thread?

[@RoboNarples-et6ky]

I'm replicating this build to the last detail except for this. I think I will use two mp40s

[@franklinmichael671]

5:18 I like the idea of mounting a couple of pumps at the back, what pumps can I mount that won't have cords going up? I like the Vortech MP10s but they are 235$ each. What other similar pumps are out there? Can you control 2 gyres with one controller? Or can you use one gyre without it's controller using an apex?

[@tstanley01]

Great video. Really like the pellets showing the different flow patterns. Did you guys consider two gyre for the tank on the controller module. If so, why did you decide against it. Finally, I noticed when the gyre fired back up it cavitated and introduced allot of bubbles. Is is possible to ramp them up slowly to avoid this? Great video series, and look forward to you other new line of videos also.

[@tstanley01]

+BulkReefSupplyCom The sicce XStream looks nice to me. There isn't much out there about them. How does the flow compare to the Tunze models you chose.

[@jonpastore9552]

I am making a 20 gallon long reef tank and I dont know what I how I should configure the 2 powerheads to get good flow.

[@eastonscarrepairs7207]

Would you guys recommend putting in a undergravel pump? I know the only time I would be messing with the substraight is when I do the water change and I know that won't get all the waste and food ECT. So I was wondering if this would be a good idea so it helps clean the substraight all the time?

[@samiam9059]

Found keeping high orp reading makes it a lot easier if you get an infection of sorts in the tank to treat. The high oxygen helps so much with that. Keep mine around 380 with just media bags and a good skimmer, bio-pellets. Also seachem phosguard that does not leach back when exhausted.

[@samiam9059]

+BulkReefSupplyCom The ocean averages 350 so use that as a reference. When a reef with crashing waves is 400+. Part of nature oxidizing and cleansing the water.

[@-Gunnarsson-]

So much info my mind bleeds

[@sinatra617]

I went with the jebao slw 10 for my biocube 32. Work really well. Was thinking about getting one for the other side but thinking it may be over kill. What do you guys think? Overkill or better?

[@tonyblack7046]

Hello, i have a question in regards of type of flow. whats better, surge/gyre? or wave/pulse? i know at the end of the day that as long as theres good flow going threw the corals is good enough but i have a mixed reef. 1/3 leathers 1/3 lps and 1/3 sps. so i would love know what you guys at BRS prefer and why. please let me know.

[@abinder3]

You didn't mention the Tunze 6040 but I noticed that you had it in the box in the video. I have 2 setup, 1 on both ends of my 100gallon 5' tank. I don't have the deflector mounted on either one of them, just have them pointed up towards the surface. They are setup on an alternating mode creating a wave in the tank (got that idea from Rodger at Tunze). This setup creates a nice back and forth motion in the tank, especially in the center where I have my 'sea anemone island' setup. (I also use 2 Tunze DC return pumps set at a total of about 500 gallons or return water.) Does this seem like it would provide enough flow in the tank?

[@RoboNarples-et6ky]

What's your opinion on the tunze wavebox?

[@atravels1055]

What is the the wall material made out of @ 17:25 in the video where the ecotechs and outlets are mounted to? Looks cool.

[@heiwavt7289]

I'm looking to get a fluval evo 15 what would you recommend since I'm going to stock beginner softies

[@csthomas1026]

So about that battery back up option for the WAVs...

[@2008MrsKim]

Great info. I have been getting cyano and a lime green algae in one of the corners of my tank. It's a 6ft 180gl glass. My devils hand has grown three times it's size to the size of a basketball and attached to two large rocks. Other than re-scaping the tank , i'm not sure what to do about flow. I have two high flow hydros on the sides with one wave maker pointed in that direction to make currents around the coral, but it's touching the glass already so with that it's blocking flow. It doesn't get along with most of the other leathers so I put it in a corner all by itself, guess that wasn't such a bright idea. I didn't know it would get that large that quick. From the size of a tennis ball to a basketball in two years. Also, My 18in umbrella leather is suffering from the stagnant flow that used to circulate around the tank. Do you think my best option would be is to re-scape?

[@Fishpistol]

I was looking on the bulk reef site because you mentioned the IceCap Gyre interface module. Is it for sale yet? I didn't see it on the site. Wanted to get that and another Gyre to alternate the water with my apex.

[@pambradysharma204]

Can you share a video link or feedback on how your connect up the duracell battery to the Tunze powerhead? Is this still what you recommend? The reviews on the ecotech battery pack are poor at best... I need a battery back up to give me 24 -48 hours in a 180 gallon. I have a generator but I may need time to get home.

[@bwtegu7135]

what would be the best option for my 180 gal reef tank that wouldn't blow my sand around i was thinking 2 gyre 150s but i would love your guys input on it

[@yeshwanthyarremsetty528]

should i keep flow directly to rock or slightly upwards to create waves on surface?

[@tkotanko]

What Justin said. looking at the pellets really brings home the flow patterns... While I'd like to try some other options, the fact that Vortech is the only (to my knowledge) cordless option makes it simply not possible in my personal tank

[@Baddieyah_shops]

The Tunze 6095 with the controller that you guys used on your BRS 160 tank can it be connected and controlled by Apex?

[@crediblesole9494]

Should I have 1 or 2 pumps on a 24gal aquatic top cube? All around Reef tank.

[@MadeInGreatBritain]

Love your videos! Really really helpful. I always find myself rewatching them from time to time to recap on the facts and figures. Would love to be able to buy your stuff online. Do you ship to the uk

[@garayjayemt]

Would it be a good idea to have 2 wave makers for a 55 gallon?

[@alewelch]

We have a new 20 gallon saltwater tank. Should we use a pump or a filter is enough? If we need a pump, is one enough and which would be the most suitable one? Thank you!!!

[@andreadams5273]

What's a good pump for a 100 gallon tank? What is better a single or double fan wave maker?

[@marks1926]

I could be wrong here but at 18:06 into the plumming video if you pause it . isn't that shut off valve on the wrong side of the check valve? if you had to take off the cap to the check valve for maintenance on the seals Wouldn't it flow water out from the tank through the lock line if you took the cap off? my 90 gallon tank isn't up and running yet , so just wondering.. This build video series is awesome btw! = )

[@mypetscatsandfishes4535]

For safety reasons, please "SLIDE" the magnets into place, not slam it into the glass.

[@goxcpre]

I'll stick with Jebao-RW

[@Mainekarter2004]

6 of them.. LOVE LOVE LOVE.. however,, 2 have now refused to start.. cleaned vinegar treatment and still no start.. almost to the day warranty expired.. Fingers crossed..

[@nickmcalpin10]

Replace the ceramic bearing with short pieces of airline and theyll run. The ceramic to ceramic interface locks up with ca crystal growth.

[@HyperScopeOW]

Random dude yes you can they have master with skave controllers now

[@christopherlindsay7397]

I'm running a 40 gallon breeder and using a hydor 850gph pump and a water mover and having issues with rocks moving sand blowing ect should I remove the water mover and just use the hydor for my tank?

[@Copiousjam]

What is that tiny powerhead you're cleaning at 16:12?

[@zechariaparas9885]

Hi I have a 14x14 cube type aquarium wheres the best place to put my pump and where should it face?

[@lilcore205]

Why did y'all choose not to cover wave boxes? Are they good or bad?

[@nicoquintero1694]

Hey , I'm doing an experiment for my fluid mechanics class , what material are those pellets used to show flow called ?

[@raenkord7881]

I think it’s straight up just glitter

[@renman303]

I'm running a Tunze Wavebox (back left corner shooting lengthwise) along with 2 Tunze 6105's for main water movement (One centered on the long back wall facing the front glass and one on the far right facing the Wavebox) in my 225gal (72"x24"x30")...just so you could get a visual picture. I have a 55 gal sump that has 2 Eheim 1262's feeding the water back into the tank. One at each back corner. Question is, when the lights go down, I keep the Eheim's on and shut down all of the Tunze. Is this a bad idea?

[@bhamilton6541]

How big is the tank with the fox face, kole tang, and lion fish?

[@danieldonnelly7828]

would two tunze 6025 be good flow for a 40 breeder mixed reef?

[@patrickegal7578]

how about how much these pumps tend to blow and relocated substrate?

[@menkalos]

Just bought a pair of Neptune WAV circulation pumps from you guys, and it's like a hurricane in my 73 gallon Reefer 350. So I definitely have adequate flow. However, my corals are holding onto the rocks for dear life. I'm struggling with where to place them to get the good flow without killing them. Right now, they are on the back wall, near the top and in the corners, facing the front glass at a spot about a 1/4 way in from the edge. That diffuses the flow a bit, but it still seems excessive, even at only 1%. What would you recommend? Thanks again for the great information!

[@menkalos]

Just getting started. A bubble tip anenome, a couple long polyp leather mushrooms, a red war coral, a frog coral, a purple whip gorgonian, and a few others that I can't remember the names right off the bat.

[@rtardbox]

how do i clean my tank shit? i get a 5 gallon bucket and put in 2 gallons of vinegar and 2 gallons of clorox bleach, both from costco, and soak my powerheads and let them run a few hours. i put in everything else that's messed up and let it polish it clean as a whistle. then i put the stuff in my rinse tank and stick it back in the tank. gets my clear pvc, pumps, piping, scrapers ... you name it ... super clean ... and if there is still a problem i add a quart or two of muriatic acid to the witches brew and there is no hope after that. as you can tell i get tired of scrubbing things with toothbrushes and still putting up with discoloration ... f**k that ... and if it damages the item i'm cleaning then who cares... i just get a new one ... the damn thing's gonna break over time anyway, might as well save my time and energy. and my maid hates doing it and does a shitty job when she tries so rather than paying her to do shit work i just soak it and rinse it and reinstall it or replace it. paying her to do a shitty job costs me more than just replacing the shit and my days of power-cleaning are done ... my time is worth more than this

[@lordnems997]

I so want the tank/tank stand they have. It looks so beautiful and elegant.

[@lordnems997]

Well I'm getting parts for my first tank currently.

[@lordnems997]

I have a 20 wide sump and a 40 gal breeder. I'm tempted to go for a harem tank with clowns but I'm not sure. I love watching your videos and would totally where a brs shirt. I just fell in love with tanks and salt water a month ago but fell hard. It's helping me get over anxiety and depression

[@lordnems997]

+BulkReefSupplyCom where at?

[@jonpastore9552]

I just got a 20 gallon long tank and I cant find a led light that can support corals and is around 100$. do you have any recommendations?

[@davidhorne1329]

In one of the many wonderful videos :) Ryan talked about setting up a Gyre... I think it was in the BRS160, I think with Maxspects, and I think with Apex code. ON/45 minute ramp down/off. Can you please point me in the right direction for that video? Thanks!

[@davidhorne1329]

That's it! Never would have found that....Thanks!

[@astrobot7]

What wave-maker should I get that is affordable for a 36 gallon salt water tank. Also do i need a sump or skimmer for a 36gallon or can i get away with out ?

[@drew1841]

At 10:15, what model of Tunze pumps are you using?

[@Mainekarter2004]

I also use a y DIVERTER on my return and have 2returns ,, so it oscillates return flow from one side to the other.. This is a huge flow pattern "freebie" really

[@elkimbo20031]

Can you say why the gyre XF150 was not an option you considered? I am tempted to get one but I see you did not include it on the review and that has raised a concern on my end, can you explain?

[@elkimbo20031]

+elkimbo20031 Never mind, I missed it on the video. Thanks

[@pjfreak99]

Just curious, isn't that a VorTech controller on your control board? Some product placement? :) I love these videos!

[@pjfreak99]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Yes. Yes. That makes sense. Thanks.

[@deebee68]

I'm not sure if I missed this... Do we have a dollar amount on this complete build?

[@anasansari8389]

can I use two jebao rw4 in 85 gallon reef tank?

[@braddeem4998]

Them ecotech DC pumps are super expensive for me anyway would you suggest anything else I have a 75 gallon tank And I can't seem to get the sides enough flow and deb ris settles there

[@crazycountrygirl8086]

What's a good one for a 10 gallon nano?

[@TheJohnny220]

Are you going to be doing Macna speakers videos again it almost that time

[@applehoe2592]

I'm getting a hydro korilia today and it's for a ten gal that does 240GPH

[@lawiez]

Went with 2 Gyre 250s, seems the best bang for the buck compared to MPs for me

[@lawiez]

Going to be my first saltwater tank, went for a red sea reefer 525. 2 XF230s would probably have been enough, but with the relatively small price difference, the 250s would (in my mind) give me more flexibility just in case. Also the new "random" mode is what sold it for me. Super great series btw, I'd say a must watch for anyone thinking about getting into the hobby. Even if some of the equipment/methods might be a little complicated or overkill for a beginner, it's always good to know that these technology/methods are out there.

[@aaronhelsby8214]

Is it ok if the lps and softies occasionally get a high amount of turbulence? My mp40s are on reef crest so occasionally they get high for short periods

[@BRStv]

High amounts of turbulence for short periods of time should be ok. You just don't want sustained high turbulence for these coral types. Keep an eye on their tissue as you can normally tell when the flow is too high and causing harm.

[@grdpder]

The Jebao is very good also. I have the RW-8. Any thoughts on it...?

[@grdpder]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks. Fortunately, I bought three and they are all still working. The oldest one is approximately one year plus and the newest one I have is approxiamtely 4 mos or so. However, the fire claims you mentioned definitely concerns me. I guess everyone is taking a risk when buying items made in China...LOL

[@moetivation2378]

Is the tunze power head or ice cap compatible with the current loop controller?

[@moetivation2378]

@@BRStv thanks for the reply. It would be nice if you could use it like a mini Apex.

[@shawnriv9]

I must say, I'm very surprised with the power head choice to use on the 160. I personally would of gone with the VorTech pumps. I've had nothing but success with them and they seem the most low profile.

[@tstanley01]

+BulkReefSupplyCom I think these are a bit more modular as well. If you find a place that isn't getting good flow you can just preposition the pump, or even add another one. With Vortech pumps, you put them on the side glass and you get the flow you get. Not that it is bad flow, just maybe not as tune-able to your specific sized tank or aquascape.

[@decarli4280]

+shawnriv9 ya know shawn the thing that I LOVE about ecotech is I had a problem and I admit I dumped on ecotech but the owner contacted me personally and wanted to know what was wrong and took care of it PERSONALLY!!! that is what I call taking care of your customers. he never asked to re-vise the comment Neptune on the other hand does NOT!! a one link destroyed three key pieces of equipment and they don't want to take ANY responsibility what so ever. wonderful way to be at Christmas to your customers.

[@vincescipione7875]

I currently cannot justify spending $400 + on Ecotech wavemakers especially with the costs of running ZEOvit, so I currently only use Jebao Wavemakers, They work perfect for me and a lot of fellow local reefers. I am always forced to purchase through shady dealers on Amazon and Ebay, or overpriced versions from places like ReefBreeders, is there any chance BRS will ever start selling Jebao's? You guys must use them, I see you cleaning a WP-10 in the video.

[@armandoloya4190]

hi how much flow should I have in a 29gal tank one power head rated for 500gph would be fine?

[@shawnanderson8152]

I have a 10 gallon freshwater aquarium, would the hydor 240gph be okay for it ? I have live plants.

[@shawnanderson8152]

+BulkReefSupplyCom thank you.

[@reefghost7595]

what i wanna know is what is that green stuff in the water that shows the flow??? i mean this is great stuff and it really does show the differences in pumps but ive gone from hydor to gyre and now i have a gyre and the jaebo rw-8 but i still dont know what my flow truly is - can you use that green stuff once you have rock in the tank or no??? youll still be in the dark and basically guessing after you add the rocks and corals ???

[@reefghost7595]

how did you introduce them to the system and how did you get them all out??? im also guessing that BRS did not run the return pumps or overflow during this process as well correct?

[@reefghost7595]

:)

[@reefghost7595]

thank you for the quick reply

[@loganvalitine9756]

will it be good to use the Tuchelle nanostream 6095 for a 30 gallon long tank???

[@loganvalitine9756]

Thanks love your videos

[@abh3960]

rw8 for me..... i have a maxpect but couldnt figure out how to set it....

[@johnv4697]

Question Is there a difference between the Jebao rw-4 and the Jebao pp-4 wave maker and if so what is it.

[@johnv4697]

Thanks

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

So what would you recommend for a 120 gallon tank?? Thanks in advance :)

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

***** Ah yes, thank you. I guess I will then go with 4 pumps, sine the tank is fairly big :)

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

***** I've checked out the Korallias, and I have thought about those. When you had them, they must be good, so i will see if they do the job ;)

[@darthweezy]

Surprised you didn't mention a Tunze Wavebox...also you didn't mention options for flow on you main pump like loc-line, eductors, or Oceans Motions variable flow emitters... All of these are items I have on my 320.

[@truthspeaks6557]

So is loop current an non talking point?? Seems very nice