Half of surface with no agitation

Ryand63 · 10/10/2012, 05:21 PM

So I have a standard 55 gallon with about 50 lbs LR and 50 lbs LS. I'm using two powerheads, one rated at 750 gph and one at 950 gph. I have one pointed towards the surface for agitation but the other half of the surface gets none so it accumulates looks like dust and what not. If I point them both at the surface it creates almost like littler funnels in a couple random places. Is it bad to not have full surface agitation?

sporto0 · 10/10/2012, 05:26 PM

I have always tried to create as much surface agitation as possible to create as much gas exchange as possible, hence I use mechanical filters for this reason mostly, as well as the fact they are excellent debris removers, but I'm not going to get into the "nitrate" argument with anyone today, IMO half of the surface agitated is better than none & more is better than less in this case.

yogoshio · 10/10/2012, 05:27 PM

Are you utilizing any overflows or anything? Sumps?

hollister · 10/10/2012, 05:39 PM

A hang on back filter or other type works great for breaking the surface tension. But you want good water circulation through out the tank to prevent uneatin food and fish waste from collecting and increasing the effectivness of your best bio filters , the LR and LS.
You dont need alot of surface movment just something to break that surface tension.

Ryand63 · 10/10/2012, 05:50 PM

No sump or anything just ordering a hob reef octopus bh 1000. Some should be more concerned with the flow in the tank than the whole surface agitation. Once the skimmer comes in it will help I hope.

sporto0 · 10/10/2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryand63

No sump or anything just ordering a hob reef octopus bh 1000. Some should be more concerned with the flow in the tank than the whole surface agitation. Once the skimmer comes in it will help I hope.

Flow & surface agitation are both important, not just surface tension breaking, most healthy tanks, mine included, employ both, good tank circulation with good surface agitation. Your two power heads should be plenty enough for flow, I would either employ an HOB filter or purchase another powerhead or maxi-jet for the surface.

Ryand63 · 10/10/2012, 06:34 PM

I do have another powerhead but I use it for water changes and mixing salt. Maybe I'll have to buy another. The hob skimmer should help though right?

SushiGirl · 10/10/2012, 08:51 PM

The skimmer should help if it has surface skimming abilities. You can aim a powerhead from across the tank toward the skimmer and it should suck all that out.

10/10/2012, 05:21 PM	#1
Ryand63 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,045	Half of surface with no agitation So I have a standard 55 gallon with about 50 lbs LR and 50 lbs LS. I'm using two powerheads, one rated at 750 gph and one at 950 gph. I have one pointed towards the surface for agitation but the other half of the surface gets none so it accumulates looks like dust and what not. If I point them both at the surface it creates almost like littler funnels in a couple random places. Is it bad to not have full surface agitation? __________________ 55 Gallon FOWLR - BeamsWork 48" LED's w/ Reef Octopus Bh-90 10 Gallon QT

10/10/2012, 05:50 PM	#5
Ryand63 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,045	No sump or anything just ordering a hob reef octopus bh 1000. Some should be more concerned with the flow in the tank than the whole surface agitation. Once the skimmer comes in it will help I hope. __________________ 55 Gallon FOWLR - BeamsWork 48" LED's w/ Reef Octopus Bh-90 10 Gallon QT

10/10/2012, 06:34 PM	#7
Ryand63 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,045	I do have another powerhead but I use it for water changes and mixing salt. Maybe I'll have to buy another. The hob skimmer should help though right? __________________ 55 Gallon FOWLR - BeamsWork 48" LED's w/ Reef Octopus Bh-90 10 Gallon QT

10/10/2012, 08:51 PM	#8
SushiGirl Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Fort Worth, TX USA Posts: 8,267	The skimmer should help if it has surface skimming abilities. You can aim a powerhead from across the tank toward the skimmer and it should suck all that out. __________________ Visit my Homepage or "My Albums" (via Profile) for hitchhiker pics. Current Tank Info: 55g softy/LPS tank & 20L reef tank

10/10/2012, 05:26 PM	#2
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	I have always tried to create as much surface agitation as possible to create as much gas exchange as possible, hence I use mechanical filters for this reason mostly, as well as the fact they are excellent debris removers, but I'm not going to get into the "nitrate" argument with anyone today, IMO half of the surface agitated is better than none & more is better than less in this case.

10/10/2012, 05:27 PM	#3
yogoshio Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 163	Are you utilizing any overflows or anything? Sumps?

10/10/2012, 05:39 PM	#4
hollister Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,037	A hang on back filter or other type works great for breaking the surface tension. But you want good water circulation through out the tank to prevent uneatin food and fish waste from collecting and increasing the effectivness of your best bio filters , the LR and LS. You dont need alot of surface movment just something to break that surface tension.