Which flow mode for hypancistrus tanks?

[illumnae]

Currently my hypancistrus tanks are utilizing a straightforward jebao wavemaker on constant flow mode for additional surface agitation and flow. I have just torn down my office reef tank and now have a spare maxspect gyre that I intend to use to replace the jebao so that the flow will be even throughout the tank and not just a single jet from the wavemaker. Should I continue to run the gyre on constant flow mode too, or would the hypancistrus enjoy other flow modes like wave, pulse, random etc more?

[TwoTankAmin]

The oxygen levels are more important than strong current. I have Hypans spawning in tanks with minimal flow using Poret foam cubes and/or Matten filters. I also have tanks with more flow using pumps and/or powerheads.

Bear in mind that while these fish live in rivers with current, and are adapted to do so, that they spawn and "sleep" in places which are sheltered from strong currents.

[illumnae]

Thanks, I do understand that and the primary purpose of the wavemaker are for surface agitation to increase oxygenation. I was just hoping to give them a flow pattern that they would prefer - e.g. marine species hide amongst reef rocks but prefer random or wave patterns over constant flow

[stuby]

The oxygen levels are more important than strong current. I have Hypans spawning in tanks with minimal flow using Poret foam cubes and/or Matten filters. I also have tanks with more flow using pumps and/or powerheads.

Bear in mind that while these fish live in rivers with current, and are adapted to do so, that they spawn and "sleep" in places which are sheltered from strong currents.

I agree Chris! To many people think current and oxygen levels are the same thing. I have bred a lot of different plecs in tanks that don't have a lot of current.... but I always have a lot of oxygen in the water.

Take care,
Chuck

[Lycosid]

Thanks, I do understand that and the primary purpose of the wavemaker are for surface agitation to increase oxygenation. I was just hoping to give them a flow pattern that they would prefer - e.g. marine species hide amongst reef rocks but prefer random or wave patterns over constant flow

Marine species probably prefer wave-like patterns because that's their natural environment. High-flow rivers are constant flow, though, so at first approximation that would be a good way to go.
In-tank objects can then allow the fish to choose to be in or out of the high-flow areas.

[illumnae]

I ended up going with random mode and so far it seems to be working out ok