Just how much flow ?

[Dr zoidberg]

Hi there,im in the middle of planning out a rio orinoco biotope tank messuring 100x50x40 (not quite sure whats going in there at the moment) and all the research i have done points to the fact that i should have a strong flow of water in the tank, my question is just how many lph am i looking at to make this strong flow ? been looking at marine flow pumps and can get my hands on 3,200 lph and 4,600 lph models would these be suitable for the job ?


Thanks Andy

[Matien]

Hi,
I run a 8500 lph pump (Tunze Turbelle Stream Pump 6080) on top of the filtration (eheim 2128) in a ca. 180l tank dedicated to L128 (they are 4) and even if you see there is some water movement, it does not seems to bother the fishes... It is not as impressive as I thougth it would be. Size of the tank is 1250*450*300 (mm).
Just keep in mind that the lph is not the only point to take into consideration : the form of the stream is pretty important too, and up to now I think the tunze product are pretty good (for the turbelle stream collection). It seems Koralia have some good product too.
Depending on the population you target, the current need may vary and some fishes may accomodate quiet easily a lower current.
See you soon,
Matien

[apistomaster]

My tanks all have a flow in tank ranging from 10 to 20 tank volumes per hour. The actual recirculation rate in units/ph is less than the flow rate. Some water is recirculated twice and some much less often. They are two different things.
This works for all the fish I keep/breed even discus. I deflect flows against a side glass or block it with bog wood in tanks for fish from quieter water like discus but let it rip for my Plecos and Sturisoma. Each tank also has an air stone or an air lift mode sponge filter.

[Dr zoidberg]

Thanks for the reply guys think im going to give the 4,600lph hydor koralia a go and see how that goes, that will give me a turn over of x20 tank volume a hour coupled with the 1200lph ext filter that will be running on the tank think that should be enough (fingers crossed) will keep everyone posted

Thanks andy

[Bigpig]

There is an aticle in this months Practical Fishkeepng magazine about setting up a river tank, which decusses flow etc.

[andywoolloo]

speaking of the Koralia power heads I have one in my syno tank and I love it! It's awesome and quiet. I love the magnetic part of it.

Only time it is loud is when u very first put it on then it slowly goes quiet. Also if sand gets in their it may get loud but then you just clean it out.

Awesome little powerhead.

[Dr zoidberg]

Will have to pick my copy of pfk up from work had the last 2wks off so not got new edition yet, got pump(koralia4) on order off tinternet £50quid thought that was quite good best price locally is £74.99, still not worked out what im putting in there yet might try combining my 2 passions catfish and puffers got some nice colomesus asellus in lfs and they like a nice amount of flow and there quite peaceful anybody else keep puffers ?

Andy.