Become a Coral Flow Pro in Record Time
Every coral in your tank is trying to tell you something — and if you know what to look for, their message is clear.
Water flow isn’t just about keeping detritus off the rocks. It’s how corals breathe, feed, and shed waste. Get it right, and your reef thrives. Get it wrong, and you’ll start seeing retraction, slime, or tissue recession.
Flow Basics by Coral Type
- Soft Corals (Zoas, Mushrooms, Leathers): Prefer gentle, indirect flow. If they're blowing sideways or closing up, it’s too much.
- LPS Corals (Torches, Hammers, Frogspawn): Need moderate, pulsing flow. Too strong and their flesh may tear or overextend.
- SPS Corals (Acros, Montis): Require high, turbulent flow to stay clean and healthy — especially in higher nutrient tanks.
Signs Your Flow Might Be Off
- Polyp extension shrinking or stopping? Try repositioning the coral.
- Tissue receding? It could be getting blasted by direct flow.
- Slimy buildup or detritus? That’s a dead zone — add circulation.
- Softies folding or leaning? Flow might be too intense or too direct.
Pro Tip: Flow isn’t one-size-fits-all. What helps one coral thrive might stress another. Observe, adjust, and give each coral a few days before making more changes.
Helpful Tools
- Wavemakers with random or variable modes
- Gyre pumps for wide flow patterns
- AI Nero or Ecotech Vortech (available at The Coral Shop)
- Use feeding mode to pause flow during target feeding
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