Need help with aquascaping/coral placement

[PJs_Bucket_List]

Common problem, but somewhat unique circumstances. As stated in other threads, my tank dimensions are somewhat problematic. 36"L x 12"W (closer to 11 1/2" inside, front to back) x 24"H. Two main rock structures take up most of the space and can't be removed from the tank. Thanks to a power outage Sunday I'm down to one wave maker, a Hygger 12W 1321gph Adjustable Cross flow. Currently not in a position to get another wave maker. However, the tank doesn't seem to be lacking flow. In fact, the combination of the tank's narrow shape and the wave maker's flow pattern is creating a problem with coral placement. I seriously need some help figuring this out! Most of my frags are currently on racks attached to the front glass. Not exactly ideal for enjoying tank viewing. But most, if not all, of my coral can't take the direct blasting from the wave maker. There's also the light requirements to consider, and my tank's depth. Following the standard protocol I've seen online isn't going to work for me, given my tank dimensions. Can someone please help me with figuring out how to set up the wave maker in an optimal position, and where to put the coral frags on the rock? I can PM you photos or videos of the tank to get a better idea of what I'm working with. Appreciate any help I can get! Thanks in advance, and thank you for reading this. Stay blessed!

 

[project1004]

I would put the powerhead on the very top of the tank (without causing the air bubbles) on one of the side and blast it “upward” breaking the tank surface. If possible, put on one of those on/off mode for more random flows.

I would put the corals from bottle of the tank and up. If you are using the coral racks, I wouldn’t put it directly in front of the power head even if it’s on the other end of the glass.

 

[PJs_Bucket_List]

I would put the powerhead on the very top of the tank (without causing the air bubbles) on one of the side and blast it “upward” breaking the tank surface. If possible, put on one of those on/off mode for more random flows.

I would put the corals from bottle of the tank and up. If you are using the coral racks, I wouldn’t put it directly in front of the power head even if it’s on the other end of the glass.

I currently have it set to random flow. Positioned just slightly above midway up on one end of the tank. So you think I should move it closer to the water surface? I can try that, but will the sudden change in the flow pattern negatively affect the coral? I know in most cases every change in the tank should be done slowly, so they can adjust to it.

 

[project1004]

Right, everything will affect the corals. You just want to give some time to see the effects. That’s the reason most corals should start from the bottom and adjust as where it fits the best. (Or look at the pictures of the other tanks to see where they seems to do best).

The reason I say to add to closer to the top was because you only have one powerhead without the sump? So I figure it will help with improvements to aeration (better gas exchange).

Adjusting your powerhead probably won’t affect your corals in much of negative ways.

Consider on/off mode instead of random if you have that mode. (Long duration in your case) I think it’s better mode for reef tanks.

 

[PJs_Bucket_List]

I'm still a little confused about the wave maker settings, honestly lol. The manual isn't exactly the easiest thing to understand, and a lot of things aren't even mentioned, much less explained. If I'm able to get even a small pump to add some water movement, where do you suggest placing it, given the wave maker being high up on one end?

 

[Hunna]

You want to create as much “randomness” with your flow as possible. It may take some playing around with settings and placement to achieve that. Most wave makers have multiple settings of the type of water movement they generate, including a “random” mode of some sort. That may be as simple as turning on and off every now and then, to something that’s fully adjustable to the percentage of power being used like Nero’s do.

They also sell Random Flow Generator return nozzles that will help accomplish this. There’s one company that claims their RFG return nozzles are so good you don’t even need additional wave makers. They run a 100-200 gallon system with SPS with just 2 of their RFG nozzles if I’m remembering correctly.