Powerhead - why do I need one?

[jarice1978]

I have had a tank for about 3 months now. I have an Emperor 400 filter and a bubble strip at the back of the aquarium for circulation. The tank is 55 gallon. I have read a lot about how benificial power heads are for circulation.
Should I get one?
What kind do I need?
How do I install them?
Every powerhead I have looked at in the pet stores says "For undergravel Filters" Is that true? Because I do not have an undergravel filter.
Somone also mentioned that you can used the power head to pump new water into your tank from the pre mix tank. Is that true? Because that would definitely be a plus!
Any advice would help!
Thanks
Joe

 

[shrimp134]

Yes, people say you need a Ph..I have 2 in my 29g..I am not really sure on the brands and the power of them but I know you should get them..I believe u actually need them..they circulate the water so there is not a build up of junk I believe...I would wait for someone else who knows more but that is my .02

 

[ivanfj]

Maxijet PH's are the best IMO. They don't need a UGF to work. You just need to put it in your tank and plug it in and they will create waterflow. Fish need some kind of waterflow. It's like gravity to human.

 

[jkvjl]

It helps break down the salt also. and the fish love circulation.

 

[beckzilla]

You might think about taking out the bubble strip to stop salt creep and it is not necessary. PHs are much better for your tank.

 

[maverick005]

if you plan on haveing corals 10-20 times turnover rate is reccomended. so thats 550 to 1100 GPH (gallons per hour).
HTH
-brandon

 

[thomas712]

Originally posted by jarice1978
The tank is 55 gallon.
Should I get one?
What kind do I need?
How do I install them?
Every powerhead I have looked at in the pet stores says "For undergravel Filters" Is that true? Because I do not have an undergravel filter.
Somone also mentioned that you can used the power head to pump new water into your tank from the pre mix tank. Is that true? Because that would definitely be a plus!
Joe
Yes you should get maybe 3 of them for a 55.
As was stated the Maxi Jets are top rated.
Many can be used with UGF's, you just don't need to use those parts that come with them.
I use a MJ 1200 to pump water change water from a 29 gallon to my 90 gallon.
I would strongly suggest getting the MJ 900's they use much less power than the MJ 1200 and still give good flow. Use two in the tank and save one for mixing water changes or as a spare.
Thomas

 

[spmnarciso]

I would definitetly get rid of the bubble wall, no good!
10-20X turnover I agree. I have close to 20X. I like Rio pumps.

 

[jarice1978]

Thanks for all the input.!
Actually the bubble wall doesn't do too bad. I will probably get rid of it.
I went to ***** last night and they seemed to have a few different models of power heads.
AquaClear
Marineland
Profile
ZooMed rotating
here is the link for the above:?
Link deleted, links to other vendors is not allowed by the host of this site
Are any of these okay to use? Also they all said for underground filters. I do not have an underground filter. Someone mentioned a certian brand earlier that works without an underground filter. Do all of them work without one?
ALSO, where is a good place to buy one? ***** and all of the major pet stores do mot carry MaxiJet. Is there somewhere online I can find one

 

[thomas712]

You will need to do a search on line for Maxi Jets, you'll find them. In most cases you will be able to get many of the products you need for less than shopping at ***** or many LFS.
Please do not post links like you did in the above post it is not allowed.
I strongly suggest you search for the Maxi Jets you will not be disappointed with them.
Thomas

 

[spmnarciso]

I'm pretty sure all powerheads work without a UGF. All they do is pull water from your substrate and pump out, so that you don't get to much junk building up. Don't get any from *****. Go online or to a good LFS and get a maxijet or Rio powerhead. Get 2 - 500GPH or 3 - 300GPH. Don't get an UGF!!!
Go here: http://www.thatpetplace.com/MainPro/...0.aspx?SKW=F68
Great prices!!