Hey mrkookm,

1. Remember that my head height is close to 5' so, only 1200 gph at that level

I used to have two 500 gph pumps, but Tom had suggested going higher. I chose the 1800 gph as it was not much more $ than the 1200, and with the ball valve I knew I could reduce if necessary......

2. I do get good pearling within 1-2 hours of lights on and it is very obvious, so the DC color is not as important to me, as the other visual clues as per Tom's earlier response. Tank is very healthy.......

3. My fish DEFINITELY like the higher current. They spend most of the day swimming against it in large schools, which I like

4. Planted community tank with several hundred small tetras, corys, dwarf cichlids. No big fish, rays, or sharks .

I am now curious about the reduced flow and will try it later for a few minutes and see if there is a difference in pearling..........

thanks for your replies