Let's get back to basics for a second

[cilyjr]

So if we are getting back to basics why exactly are we wanting more flow

I run this pump wide open, and still use 4 powerheads, connected to a wave maker to get adequate flow in the display.

Return pumps aren't for tank flow. You should be concerned only about sump flow through and if your only heating is in the sump, having the water turnover to not be too cold in the display.

If 4 powerheads are too many then get bigger powerheads.

I also notice very minimal flow thru the sump. Obviously the water is getting from chamber to chamber, but the violent splashing and salt creep mess I see in everyone else's units is not seen here.

That's not a problem. And could also be sump design related.

My macro algae is not thriving as it should, and i lead the lack of flow thru the chamber to blame.

How so? Are you testing for nitrates and PO4 are you sure the lighting is adequate?


Again I'm just asking exactly what you are trying to accomplish by trying to increase flow rate from the pump. Because if its just to increase some flow in the display,an eductor nozzle on the return might suffice

 

[Leadfootedracer]

Not looking for more display flow, I'm looking for more sump flow, which in return yields more display flow. Water in equals water out.

I am compiling a shopping list of things I want for the tank, and was under the impression my return pump was insufficient. I was asking here how to go about sizing the pump, for future replacement. The pump temp and noise level are adequate but the flow seems to be lacking.

I only test pH, Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates. I do not have another test kit at this time. The tank tests within reason with these tests. Always has. I use a light for a planted fresh water tank. It is a Finnex LED on a 14-15 hour cycle (I don't remember exactly) I have caulerpa and chaeto in the fuge now. When I first set it up the caulerpa was growing like wild fire. Now, it's been 2 months and it still hasn't needed to be trimmed. In those 2 months I added trigger pods and the chaeto. The pods are not residing in the sump as far as I can see and the chaeto is not growing at all.

4 power heads are too many, and I am planning on 2 bigger power heads. Those will be my next purchase actually.

As far as a sump design flaw, the drains simply drain into the left chamber, flow into the middle chamber, thru a single bubble trap and into the right chamber where the return pump is. It's so basic, there can't be that much of a design flaw. I do only heat in the sump, with 2 300w heaters. The 4 bulb T5 keeps the display toasty all on its own. There are many days where the display is 1-2 degrees hotter than the sump.


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[cilyjr]

I'm not suggesting that you have a design flaw in the sump. I'm saying that some of the more complicated sumps (eshopps in particular) are so well designed that there is no splashing regardless of the flow through.

OK so did you have the same flow when the caulerpa was growing like crazy? If so then I would look towards another cause.

Do you have an excess of nuisance algae growing in your display? If so remember green hair algae is thought to be a more efficient user of phosphate (hence the trend towards algae turf scrubbers)then caulerpa and chaeto. That could cause a stunt in macro algae growth. If no new nuisance algae is present then perhaps you've reached a point where you simply have so little excess nutrients growth is stunted. Also mentioned is that you added the chaeto and the caulerpa growth stunted, perhaps there is too much competition for the available nutrients. In my opinion from what was posted there is no direct correlation between slow flow and macro growth. Macro algae will grow in almost stagnant water if the nutrients are present

 

[Leadfootedracer]

I have started having green glass issues for about a month. My tank has ALWAYS been heavy on nutrients. I run UV, GAC, and GFO and still have problems. I feed enough for half the ocean and clean my skimmer cup 2-3 times a week. I've got snails and bristleworms out the wazoo and have recently discovered massive amounts of spaghetti worms too.

I honestly thought I should be able to see flow in the fuge. I put 2 plugs of Xenia in there for S&G's to monitor the flow. They don't move a single bit. They are 9" or so deep, on the trailing end of the chamber.


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[cilyjr]

I'm not saying you should or should not change your sump flow through. That said I'll be suprised if you see any increase in macro growth.

What do tests show for these excess nutrients?

 

[Leadfootedracer]

What do tests show for these excess nutrients?

Haven't actually tested the water outside of the generic API test kit (pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate). Everything in the tank appears to be extremely happy and healthy, so I've just been sort of winging it. I upped my every other day feedings to every day due to the noticeable competition for food in the tank amongst the fish.

 

[cilyjr]

Ok I feed. I feed once with frozen then an auto feeder feeds 2 more times. My Po4 sits between .02 and .05 nitrates are less than 5. What I'm getting at is it seems you might be trying to fix a problem you don't have.

If that's the case then use the money on a new coral (or the test kits you need). You obviously want to help your reef be its best and that's great. I'm just suggesting you make sure your fixing something that needs fixing.

 

[Leadfootedracer]

The algae growth on the glass is nuts. I scrape it 2-3 times a week. If I go 4 days, it's actually labor intensive to get off. Not a spot of green algae in the sump. I thought this was from lack of flow and high phosphates. I had a green water bloom late last year that the addition of UV and the media reactor cleared up in a few days/a week. The pump I was running those with crapped out back in late January and I only recently got it back up and running. (Been running a week or so)

Another member has turned my attention to nano/micro bubble scrubbing. I've been looking into it and may give it a shot. I'm a neat freak and would like to see the tank self sustain a higher level of cleanliness.

Like previously mentioned, the overall health of the tank appears to be spot on, to the point that I've actually fragged some corals to share with a friend.


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