Repositioning Powerheads?

HumanIMDB · 10/20/2006, 02:45 PM

How often should you change the direction/position of your powerheads?

I've had pretty good flow since doing some upgrades but started noticing a bit of a dead area in the front left of the tank which resulted in a minor diatom bloom. I pointed the nozzle of my powerhead in a different direction and the general movement in the tank appears to be better.

I'm wondering if I should redirect/reposition my powerheads every so often to keep the currents changing.

For flow I have a Fluval 104 (Carbon and LR Rubble), an AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto, and an AquaClear Powerhead 20. The AquaClear 20 is on the same timer as the lights and shuts off at night to simulate calmer seas.

The Fluval nozzle and the AquaClear 20 are on the back at the far left and far right of the tank and are now pointed toward the centre; 45 degree angles, they used to be pointed straight towards the front of the tank. The AquaClear 70 is at the centre of the back and flows at the front of the tank.

My mushrooms and blastomussa might need to be moved around as they don't appear to be too thrilled with the new flow direction.

Here are some pictures I took right after the most recent upgrades:

(Click for larger versions)

Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

kiknchikn · 10/20/2006, 02:49 PM

You could take one or more of those powerheads and fit them with a hydor-flo deflector, which "randomizes" the flow a little more. I believe they have fittings for most of the mainstream powerheads.

HumanIMDB · 10/20/2006, 03:08 PM

I've been looking at those...probably will get one in the next round of purchases.

kiknchikn · 10/20/2006, 03:32 PM

They work reasonably well. My only complaint is that the angle of deflection is aimed upwards, and for short tanks like mine (12" high) it is hard to position it so that it doesn't either blow sand all over the place or shoot water out of the tank as it spins.

10/20/2006, 02:45 PM	#1
HumanIMDB Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 1,556	Repositioning Powerheads? How often should you change the direction/position of your powerheads? I've had pretty good flow since doing some upgrades but started noticing a bit of a dead area in the front left of the tank which resulted in a minor diatom bloom. I pointed the nozzle of my powerhead in a different direction and the general movement in the tank appears to be better. I'm wondering if I should redirect/reposition my powerheads every so often to keep the currents changing. For flow I have a Fluval 104 (Carbon and LR Rubble), an AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto, and an AquaClear Powerhead 20. The AquaClear 20 is on the same timer as the lights and shuts off at night to simulate calmer seas. The Fluval nozzle and the AquaClear 20 are on the back at the far left and far right of the tank and are now pointed toward the centre; 45 degree angles, they used to be pointed straight towards the front of the tank. The AquaClear 70 is at the centre of the back and flows at the front of the tank. My mushrooms and blastomussa might need to be moved around as they don't appear to be too thrilled with the new flow direction. Here are some pictures I took right after the most recent upgrades: (Click for larger versions) Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chris __________________ Chris Rivers Will do computer support for frags. :) Click on the Red House to see our AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build thread. Current Tank Info: 10 Gal (Aqualight 96W Quad 50/50, AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto lit by 6500K Bulb, AquaClear Power Head 20, 50w Tronic Heater), 92 Gal All-Glass Corner (Cycling)

10/20/2006, 02:49 PM	#2
kiknchikn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bel Air, MD Posts: 1,556	You could take one or more of those powerheads and fit them with a hydor-flo deflector, which "randomizes" the flow a little more. I believe they have fittings for most of the mainstream powerheads. __________________ I am a proud member of the Chesapeake Marine Aquaria Society (CMAS). If you're in the Maryland area check us out! Current Tank Info: 30g nano reef

10/20/2006, 03:08 PM	#3
HumanIMDB Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 1,556	I've been looking at those...probably will get one in the next round of purchases. __________________ Chris Rivers Will do computer support for frags. :) Click on the Red House to see our AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build thread. Current Tank Info: 10 Gal (Aqualight 96W Quad 50/50, AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto lit by 6500K Bulb, AquaClear Power Head 20, 50w Tronic Heater), 92 Gal All-Glass Corner (Cycling)

10/20/2006, 03:32 PM	#4
kiknchikn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bel Air, MD Posts: 1,556	They work reasonably well. My only complaint is that the angle of deflection is aimed upwards, and for short tanks like mine (12" high) it is hard to position it so that it doesn't either blow sand all over the place or shoot water out of the tank as it spins. __________________ I am a proud member of the Chesapeake Marine Aquaria Society (CMAS). If you're in the Maryland area check us out! Current Tank Info: 30g nano reef