Creating the right water movement is crucial for coral health and growth. In the wild, corals thrive in ever-changing wave conditions that bring nutrients and remove waste. With Ecotech Marine’s smart flow pumps—such as the Vortechand Vectra lines—you can recreate these natural rhythms in your saltwater aquarium through intelligent programming using the Mobius app.
This guide explores how to use flow patterns, schedules, and app features to maximize coral growth and colorationwhile maintaining tank stability.
1. Why Flow Matters for Corals
Flow isn’t just about keeping the water moving—it’s about:
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Gas exchange: Increasing oxygen and reducing CO2.
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Nutrient delivery: Ensuring corals receive food like amino acids and phytoplankton.
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Waste removal: Preventing detritus buildup and reducing cyanobacteria growth.
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Tissue development: Encouraging strong coral tissue and skeletal growth.
2. Flow Modes in Ecotech Vortech Pumps
Ecotech’s Vortech MP10, MP40, and MP60 feature multiple flow modes that mimic natural reef conditions:
| Mode | Ideal For | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reef Crest | SPS corals | High-energy bursts with randomness |
| Lagoon Mode | LPS/Softies | Gentle rolling flow with soft pulses |
| Gyre Mode | Mixed reefs | Circular, laminar flow around tank edges |
| Tidal Swell | Natural realism | Alternating directional flow for realism |
| Nutrient Transport | All reefs | Pulses + surges to lift detritus to overflow |
🌀 Tip: SPS corals (like Acropora) thrive in turbulent, high-flow setups such as Reef Crest mode running 70–100%.
3. Programming Schedules with Mobius
The Mobius app makes advanced scheduling simple. Here’s how to get started:
Step-by-Step Setup:
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Download Mobius (iOS/Android)
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Add Your Pump via Bluetooth
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Create a Schedule:
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Morning: Lagoon (gentle wake-up)
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Midday: Reef Crest or Gyre (max growth)
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Evening: Nutrient Transport (clean-up)
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Night: Constant Low Speed (rest cycle)
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Sync Multiple Pumps for cross-flow or alternating gyres.
📱 Mobius lets you create multi-pump scenes, adjust ramp times, and monitor performance from anywhere.
4. Using Vectra Return Pumps for Flow Enhancement
While Vectra pumps primarily function as return pumps, they offer smart flow control in:
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Closed-loop configurations: Enhances turnover without surface disturbance.
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Randomized output: Prevents detritus zones and increases oxygenation.
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Feeding mode: Temporarily slows or stops return for spot feeding corals.
5. Fine-Tuning Flow for Specific Corals
| Coral Type | Flow Preference | Suggested Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Acropora (SPS) | High, chaotic | Reef Crest / Tidal Swell |
| LPS (e.g. Euphyllia) | Moderate, random | Lagoon / Gyre |
| Zoanthids, Mushrooms | Low to moderate | Lagoon / Constant Speed |
| Gorgonians | Moderate, consistent | Gyre or Constant |
🧪 Pro Tip: Observe coral polyp extension and tissue response—too much flow will cause retraction or tissue peeling, while too little may cause detritus to accumulate.
6. Extra Tips for Coral Success
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Avoid laminar jets that blast corals directly—aim for indirect turbulence.
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Place pumps at different heights and angles for 3D flow.
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Rotate flow modes weekly to mimic changing tides and prevent stagnation.
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Clean pump impellers and wet sides monthly to maintain performance.
Final Thoughts
Ecotech’s smart pumps and Mobius app allow reefkeepers to move beyond static circulation and simulate dynamic reef environments—helping corals thrive, color up, and grow faster. With a well-planned flow schedule, your reef will not only look better—it will function better.
