how much flow

[Darth]

so I have a 56 gal soon to be reef set up, got about 50lbs of live rock and am slowly adding livestock, how much flow should I have min-max??

[FocusFin]

Do you mean flow into the sump of turnover of water in the tank?

[Darth]

just in the tank I am not running a sump as yet just looking for water movement what are you using now mike? If you still have the same tank then we have the same tank I am not sure if I should 2 koralia 2,3, or 4's like how much flow is too much

[dan2x38]

Part will depend on reef, FOWLR and what corals... x5 is a good baseline but it depends. This is a debated topic of discussion everywhere I checked and anyone I asked. I've heard from 4 - 10 times. A variable flow is best for sure especially in a reef.

In my 75 with an overflow it is x5. In tank is about x8 and in fuge 4 - 5 times/hr. a little slower for macroalgae growth & DSB.

[Darth]

that's my issue is everywhere I check I have seen anywhere from 10 to 100 X I guess I am more curious as to what is everyone using it is going to be a free with sps and lps

[dan2x38]

SPS require high light as well as high flow. They depend on it to deliver their food phytoplankton. Some LPS will be affected by to high a flow. I would strongly suggest a sump for SPS they require very low or no NO3 levels. In a sump you can run a skimmer and build a fuge or attach on. These greatly reduce NO3 and PO4 as well.

I was aiming for 7-8 times/hr. flow and use aquascaping to control flow for certain LPS. Pumps and powerhead ratings are rated at the highest possible in optimal operating conditions so over estimating is not a bad thing.

This topic was one of the most debated of almost all in SW setups next to DSB. What it came down for me was to start out with a little and added on until I had the flow to prevent any detris/food settling without the substrate ending up being suspended - with my corals being happy. Plus got tons of opinions from the pros first hand experience around here. In my 33g I started with 2 Maxi Jet 900s with a return pump x5. When I upgraded to my 75 used an Evolution 1400, 1024 & Korlia 2 with same pump at x5.

Hope some of that helps and doesn't cause more confussion? 

[Darth]

I had my tank for  years with with sps, no sump, yes I know the benefits, and before I bought my tank was considering options but at this point there is no room for a sump, so that is out of the option, as far as lighting goes I know what to do there I am just old now and can't remember how much flow I had on the tank prior

[FocusFin]

just in the tank I am not running a sump as yet just looking for water movement what are you using now mike? If you still have the same tank then we have the same tank I am not sure if I should 2 koralia 2,3, or 4's like how much flow is too much

I merged your 56 old gallon and my old 56 gallon into a 110 gallon here: http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=34498.msg217048#msg217048

I've always preferred the larger Koralia 4 positioned in the bottom 1/3 of the tank on the back wall pointing up and towards the front glass.

[Hookup]

There are no good rules of thumb.

Sps require highest flow as you know.  I'd go with two k3's to start.

[reefdava16]

You have to design your flow around the aquascape which can have a huge positive or negative effect on what you are trying to accomplish.

[JD]

I am currently running 4 tanks with primarily SPS. I just did the math and found they are all running from 60 to 100 times. With the exception of my frag tank, which has a closed loop, all my pumps are variable flow. Being able to adjust your flow is truly the best solution.

[redbelly]

My 144g has a turn over rate of 72 times and I dont think its enough flow even when the pumps are running at full tilt and not in the variable flow modes.

IMO anything under a 30 times turn over rate and you are just begging for problems down the road, but as its been pointed out there are a lot of factors to consider and no stead fast rule.
Hookups suggestion of 2 K3's would be a good starting point though.

[Hookup]

I'm running two gold series hammerheads in CL's in my 180g

i think that's about 13,000 gph

its good IMO.... but I have really open rock work...

my 90g had one K4 and one K3 for a long time, grew SPS no issues...  this is what I was base'ing my two K3 recommendations on BTW.

[Darth]

thanks for all the advice guys, again reason why I love this place, sad thing is this just confirms what I read on other sites basically the only room of thumb if it disturbs the sand bed it's too much, I guess the fish will get used to the flow.