Tip of the Week #3: Optimizing Water Flow for Coral Health

Water movement is the unsung hero of reef success. Proper flow delivers oxygen and nutrients, removes waste, and prevents detritus from settling on coral tissue. Matching flow patterns to each coral type keeps polyps open, colours vibrant, and growth steady.

Key Takeaways

• SPS love turbulence: Place powerheads in various areas to create strong, randomized flow. You want the water to look turbulent!
• LPS prefer indirect pulses: Moderate, alternating flow avoids blasting fleshy tissue while still sweeping away debris.
• Softies thrive in gentle currents: Lower, laminar flow prevents tearing while maintaining gas exchange—aim for calmer corners or lower zones.
• Eliminate dead spots: Use angled returns or additional nano‑pumps behind rockwork to keep detritus suspended for filtration export.

Proper, coral‑specific flow (strong and random for SPS, moderate for LPS, moderate/gentle for softies) boosts gas exchange, nutrient delivery, and waste removal—driving healthier, faster‑growing reefs. 

Email or DM us on Instagram if you have any other reef, coral or fish related questions!

kelownacorals@gmail.com

@kelownacorals