power heads necessary?

[debbie]

Hi, I am currently running a Mini Aqua Clear in my 10 gal nano. I have had this filter running for the past 1 1/2 yrs, no problems but I am wondering if it is necessary to have a powerhead in my tank also?
What size of one would fit this tank without blowing everything all over the place?
My current filter is positioned in the center so I get even flow, there is also rippling on the water surface too.
I am just curious is they are really necessary/
:happyfish

 

[reefnut]

Powerheads are not nessesary... water flow is necessary. The Mini Aqua Clear puts out around 100gph so I would say you're good unless you have sps corals.

 

[andretti]

Sorry, gotta disagree here. :sleepy: True water flow is necessary, but you need total circulation throughout the tank or you will have "dead spots" which are area of water that do not get circulated or moved. The powerfilter will not create current and/or movement throughout the tank.

 

[reefnut]

In a 10g tank... why wouldn't it??

 

[andretti]

Well...a 10 gallon I see your point but there still maybe the bottom corners that are getting no flow. :thinking: I'd put a little Aquaclear 20 in there especially if there are going to be corals, but that's just my opinion.

 

[reefnut]

Wouldn't hurt for sure!!