Powerhead question

[bs]

How many powerheads do I need for a 90 gallon reef tank? I understand that the water needs to circulate like 15 times, but I dont know how to figure out how many power heads I need. If I had two 350 GPH powerheads would that give me 700gph circulation? Is that how this works? Add up the GPH's until I have the right amount?
Sorry, I know that's a lengthy question. I hope you understand what I'm asking.

 

[florida joe]

i would not get to hung up on GPH start with one look at the flow pattern and work from there fitting them in to your particular aqua-scape

 

[flower]

In my 90g mixed reef tank:
I have 2 #3 Koralias, 1 #4 Koralia and pointed at a cave 1 #2 koralia.
I also have a spray bar on one of my Canister filters pointed along the back vertically to push water behind the rocks.
Hope this helps.

 

[nycbob]

it really depends on the powerheads u obtain. some powerhead give very wide flow like koralia, tunze and vortex. while powerheads like mj give off straight flow. imo, if u get koralia, get 2 #4 and it should be good for a 90 gallon. i hv about 2500 gph in my 72 reef. i am currently using the koralia evolution 1050 and 1400 model.

 

[kacey]

When figuring out gph (gallons per hour) turnover, yes, you can add up the gph numbers of your powerheads, filter, return hose and pretty much anything that's pushing water into or around your tank. As a good rule of thumb, you want a gph 10 to 20 times your amount of water. So, in a 90g tank, you'd be aiming for a total gph of 900-1800.
The general consensus seems to be that more flow tends to be better (though some species of coral and critters prefer lower flow rates), and some people even have gph rates higher than 20 times their amount of water.

 

[bs]

Alright thanks alot this is all really helpful!