How much powerhead flow is needed?

blukat40

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I am two weeks or so out from starting my first saltwater tank. I have a 36 gallon Bow Front and it will have live rock. I know that water circulation is key but how do you determine how much? Is there a way to guage how much powerhead gph is needed or is it trial and error?
 
When thinking of flow you want to move a large column of water instead of a narrow stream. If you are keeping softies you'll need less flow.. sps you'll need more. An alternating flow is always good too... for a 36 just starting out.... I would THINK you'd be ok with 2 maxijet 1200s. If you can put the broad flow mod on them... even BETTER.

If you want to spend a lil cash then 1 mp20 will do it.

B
 
Will you be using a sump of any sort? You'll have SOME flow from that. Depending on your budget, there are tons of options! As said above, it depends on what you want to keep, coral wise. I shoot for 10-12 times my display volume, but some people go even more than that.
 
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