Flow levels in a tank, and nightly scheduling?

[ScotJ]

I recently got some wave makers for my tank, and I got in the habit of turning them off at night as I saw someone else that had his on a timer to emulate the way the currents in the ocean work (or so he said). However, the guys at the LFS said I should always have the wave makers on and the more current the better.

What is correct?

 

[thincat]

There is wave action all the time in the ocean. The waves are calmer at night through, so maybe put some of the PC's on a timer if your wave maker does not have a night feature.
TC

 

[ryshark]

When I had a wavemaker device I left it on always. My new powerhead has a wavemaker built in and it goes into "night mode" at night which is basically 50% of the power which is run throughout the day. Some people think its only there to save the longevity of the powerhead others think it is more natural. I don't believe it will make a difference as far as coral growth/color if it is left on constantly or is run in "night mode." I think the same would apply to your wavemaker. What wavemaker do you have?

 

[TheChad]

I don't have a "Wave Maker", but I do leave all my powerheads/pumps on 24/7 and my corals grow like weeds. My fish usuall tuck into a coral/rock/cave at night when the lights go out, so Unless you are doing it for yourself I don't believe it makes any difference for the fish.

-TheChad