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THE IMPORTANCE
OF CIRCULATION IN THE AQUARIUM
Many times the importance of good
circulation in your aquarium is over shadowed
by so many other factors of successful reef keeping!
Most people spend a lot of money on lighting,
filtration and even temperature control while
little money is spent on one very important aspect,
circulation!
While in the past powerheads
were our only means to provide this we have also
learned of their drawbacks. Placement is just
one of these, you know what I am talking
about (oh those suction cups) once they have been
placed it is only a matter of time before
they lose their suction then your powerhead comes
crashing down on your precious babies! Concealing
a powerhead can also become quite the construction
project and although it can be done, you will
still end up with this "unnatural thing"
in your tank not to mention you now will have
an additional source of heat. Unidirectional
flow is another issue. No where in nature is a
species subjected to a constant barrage of current.
Another drawback is the maintenance involved.
Powerheads being submersed in the water will have
a tendency to clog and unless regular cleaning
is on your schedule this obstruction can significantly
reduce your water motion.
In nature, water currents carry
life sustaining, "body building" nutrients
essential to healthy growth, while at the same
time, whisking away excess mucus and detritus.
Of
course you will want to be aware that once you
have created this "natural current",
more emphasis should be placed on where you have
selected to position some corals. Water
movement is not only important for reef aquaria
but also for saltwater fish and freshwater fish
aquariums. A good sweeping movement eliminates
"dead spots" allowing debris and detritus
to become suspended in the water column so your
overflow or canister filter can remove them from
your aquarium. In addition, good surface agitation
aides in better gas exchange and due to a mirror
effect of smooth water allows more light into
your tank.
In conclusion, if you want your
corals to look "perky" and your fish
to be "peppy" try adding an increased
source of circulation!!!
REFERENCES AND MORE READING:
- PALETTA, MIKE: CORAL AGGRESSION
IN REEF AQUARIA - SEA SCOPE 1989 WINTER VOL.
7 PG. 4
- ALBARADO, RONDEL: WATER CURRENT
AND THE REEF AQUARIUM - FAMA 11/90 PG. 172
- HANBY, DAVID: CIRCULATION
IN MARINE REEF AQUARIA - FAMA 7/94 PG. 176
- RIDDLE, DANA: WATER MOTION
IN THE REEF AQUARIUM PART II - AQUARIUM FRONTIERS
1/97 PG. 12
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