powerheads, please explain
- Thread starter nycwaters
- Start date
musipilot
Member
Agreed, these are something you NEED to have. The ocean is always moving, and moving FAST. You want to simulate the environment as best you can.
In our 92 gallon reef tank, we have 4 powerheads, they total 1200 gallons per hour of movement, which is a lot. We have two who's flow meet at the back corner of the tank which creates a big 'disturbance' in the water, one in the front blowing across, and one in the rock that blows forward. Two of them go off at night with the lights to simulate 'calmer night seas'.
In addition to moving the water, they do keep junk from accumulating in the tank, and by blowing water on the glass it prevents film algae build up.
In our 92 gallon reef tank, we have 4 powerheads, they total 1200 gallons per hour of movement, which is a lot. We have two who's flow meet at the back corner of the tank which creates a big 'disturbance' in the water, one in the front blowing across, and one in the rock that blows forward. Two of them go off at night with the lights to simulate 'calmer night seas'.
In addition to moving the water, they do keep junk from accumulating in the tank, and by blowing water on the glass it prevents film algae build up.
musipilot
Member
I've used RIOs, which are great, until they burn out (which they will do within a year) and Maxi-Jets, which I use exclusively now. You want your tank volume (55 gals, 90 gals, whatever) turned over about 10 times an hour in my opinion. Therefore...a 100 gallon tank would need powerheads adding up to 1000 gallons per hour. I like to divide it by 4 powerheads, so 4 250gph heads would be about right. The GPH rating of the powerhead is printed right on the box, and usually stated on websites where you can buy them.
Another reason I like the maxi-jets is that the flow can be turned down a bit if you wish.
Another reason I like the maxi-jets is that the flow can be turned down a bit if you wish.