Discussion in regards to flow rate

[nc0gnet0]

I was about to post this to another thread then thought it best to open another thread for discussion and possibly a little debate (non-heated please).

There exist a notion that it takes X amount of time for the water to remain in the filter in order for the ammonia level to be effectively erradicated. Too much flow and the bio-filter losses its effiency. While I can see where in cases of extremes too much flow would be bad, and likewise too little flow would be even worse, I think they maybe a little more wiggle room on the high end than most here would suggest.

For instance if you double your flow rate and the result is a 50% reduction in ammonia removal, you have double your flow rate with a net result that would be equal in terms of total ammonia removed per hour..........

I will stop here and let others comment.

 

[DrDave]

The math, to me is sound. Twice the time vrs half the flow. In my case it would remove more solids to flow twice as much.

What I know is the 1150 GPH does fine with 1500 gallon pond through my 55 gallon Doc filter. Water is clear, nitrates and nitrites at zero.

 

[nc0gnet0]

I guess that is what I was alluding to, twice the flow would give you more mechanical filtration and the same ammonia/nitrate removal. Furthermore, the good bacteria does not only exist within the bio-filter but exist pretty much on every surface of the pond....plants/rocks/pots etc.