yet another powerhead question

[Zagnut]

My son is starting a new 40 gal tank. He is paying for this himself (13 and no job - so is he really?) and so far has been able to find almost all used equipment. He has a Aqueon 500GPH and a Aqueon 1250GPH powerhead. From my research, that is far to much flow is is not? I was under the impression that he should have 15 to 20 times tank size, which should put him around 800GPH. Should he downsize to 2 500's? He does plan on coral growth, but is currently into his 2nd week of his initial cycle. He has 40 pounds of sand and 20 pounds of rock.

Thank you in advance.

[Reefing Madness]

My son is starting a new 40 gal tank. He is paying for this himself (13 and no job - so is he really?) and so far has been able to find almost all used equipment. He has a Aqueon 500GPH and a Aqueon 1250GPH powerhead. From my research, that is far to much flow is is not? I was under the impression that he should have 15 to 20 times tank size, which should put him around 800GPH. Should he downsize to 2 500's? He does plan on coral growth, but is currently into his 2nd week of his initial cycle. He has 40 pounds of sand and 20 pounds of rock.

Thank you in advance.

FOWLR tank is 10x the water volume, so his would be minimum of 400gph. A Reef is(minimum) 20x the water volume,yours being 800gph. And with the 2 you have its 625gph. Looks good to me. And down sizing to 2 500s, would put him at 1000gph, now that would probably be great for Hard Coral. If h'es going Reef Tank he should have 2lbs of Live Rock per gallon or 80lbs.