I have questions about powerheads

ahubble

New Member
Hello Everyone,'
'
I am only 4 weeks into this new hobby and am learning much from this group , However some things are confusing and misleading to a Newby!!
I have a 75 gallon fish and live rock only tank. I was advised to put in a powerhead and the brand is Marineland 1200 watt.
Is this really needed for my type of tank? I ask because when it is on my fish struggle to move around the tank and tend to houver in the furthest corner away from the current.
I have moved the powerhead in different directions and fish still struggle.
Please advise...
 

jerth6932

Active Member
Marine land 1200's are maxi jets ( power head mode 295 gph and 1300 gph circulation mode) do they had the modification on them? This would be the only way I would know of a maxi jet 1200 to have power to really move a fish around, even at that in a 75g I don't think it would do much to the fish, as the ocean has really strong currants. The fish are use to these currants.
I have a Mag 7 = 700 gph
2 korallia 550's = 1100 gph
2 korallia 3's = 1700 gph
in a 55 gallon with no problems at all for circulating.
 

ahubble

New Member
No modificaton. I was just worried because I have a juvinile clown fish and he looks like he struggles, If it wont harm them I will turn it back on . Thanks!
 

a&a2

Member

Hello Everyone,'
'
I am only 4 weeks into this new hobby and am learning much from this group , However some things are confusing and misleading to a Newby!!

I have a 75 gallon fish and live rock only tank. I was advised to put in a powerhead and the brand is Marineland 1200 watt.

Is this really needed for my type of tank? I ask because when it is on my fish struggle to move around the tank and tend to houver in the furthest corner away from the current.

I have moved the powerhead in different directions and fish still struggle.

Please advise...
I turn mine off while I feed as to not over pollute/over feed tank
 

deejeff442

Active Member
overfeed? what does a ph have to do with overfeeding?over pollute ? no clue on that one
you can have 5 of those ph's in the tank and still be nowhere nears what the ocean does.
 

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by A&A2 http:///forum/thread/385534/i-have-questions-about-powerheads#post_3381439
Quote:
Originally Posted by ahubble
http:///forum/thread/385534/i-have-questions-about-powerheads#post_3381389
Hello Everyone,'
'
I am only 4 weeks into this new hobby and am learning much from this group , However some things are confusing and misleading to a Newby!!
I have a 75 gallon fish and live rock only tank. I was advised to put in a powerhead and the brand is Marineland 1200 watt.
Is this really needed for my type of tank? I ask because when it is on my fish struggle to move around the tank and tend to houver in the furthest corner away from the current.
I have moved the powerhead in different directions and fish still struggle.
Please advise...
I turn mine off while I feed as to not over pollute/over feed tank
I turn off my pumps on my seahorse tank because horses are so slow and messy eaters. Most regular fish enjoy the chase. The power heads move the food around and they feel like they are chasing down the tasty meal. The little that goes into the rock are eaten by the tiny critters who live in them, like little serpent stars, bristle worms, hermit crabs, some types of snails and amphipods, AKA the clean up crew (CUC).
We get our fish very young from the fish store (most of the time). The strong currents are like exercise and it's good for them, just like in the ocean....it helps them grow big and strong.
 
S

saxman

Guest
The reason for PH's in a FOWLR is to provide supplemental flow to low flow areas to reduce the growth of nuisance algae and detritus buildup. I realize folks are saying that this is nothing compared to the ocean, but you must take into consideration that you have a very finite amount of space, esp. in a setup as small as a 75 gal, so having too much flow can indeed become an issue since the fish are "stuck" in close proximity to the source (PH). You can aim the PH's in such a manner as to remove dead areas, or provide "spot flow" or additional surface turbulance without stressing the fish.
I like to design the flow into my setups from the beginning so I don't have to use PH's, which are unsightly, heat the water, and take up tank space.
 

deejeff442

Active Member
i have mp40 powerheads that are alot more powerful than the marineland when they are turned up in the cycle.the fish will go head on with these maybe 6 inches in front of it.not all the time but i do catch them here and there.if the flow seems to bee too much stack the rocks in front of it about 6 or 7 inches away.this will disperse the flow .really those types of powerheads are long outdated.a good cheap ph is the korilias.one # 3 or #4 on each end will work perfect for your set up.then use the marineland to mix saltwater.
 

ahubble

New Member
Thank You everyone for the replies...it is very helpful to have a resource such as your personal experience and knowledge to rely on for guidance!
 

ahubble

New Member
I visit this site every nite and read and read and read!!! I am sure I will have several questions over time.
 
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