New Reef - Few Miscellaneous ?s

[Bremmon]

This is what I have so far:

55 gal tank
40 lbs live rock (will be purchasing 20 more in two weeks)
60 lbs live sand
1 - Rio Powerhead - 550 gal/hr
Lighting is 192 watts PC Flourescent
AquaC Remora HOB Skimmer

We just set up our new 55 gal reef over the weekend and I have a few random questions:


1) Powerhead question - I read we should have at least 20x the total gallons in the tank for flow. Right away I see the need for another powerhead. My one power head seems to carve up the sand quite a bit. How can I stop it from doing that? I currently have it shooting from the back of the tank to the front on the left side. Would having the flow go lengthwise be better? Is there a way to diffuse the flow? I have directional output nozzle attached but either I aim it high and I get gurgling noise or I shoot it lower and it carves up the sand.

What about adding another powerhead? I will be multiplying the problem there. I did read that some have one power head aimed behind the rock so it reduces dead zones.

I guess the upside is that I am getting some really nice looking sand dunes in my aquarium

2) I read mixed thoughts on whether or not to let algae grow during the cycling phase. So, A) is it better to run lights to let algae grow, providing your cleanup crew with something to eat when they are introduced, B) Not run the lights, then introduce your cleanup crew with no algae, C) doesn't really matter?

Thanks for the replies in advance!

[phenom5]

1) Powerhead question - I read we should have at least 20x the total gallons in the tank for flow. Right away I see the need for another powerhead. My one power head seems to carve up the sand quite a bit. How can I stop it from doing that? I currently have it shooting from the back of the tank to the front on the left side. Would having the flow go lengthwise be better? Is there a way to diffuse the flow? I have directional output nozzle attached but either I aim it high and I get gurgling noise or I shoot it lower and it carves up the sand.

What about adding another powerhead? I will be multiplying the problem there. I did read that some have one power head aimed behind the rock so it reduces dead zones.

IMO/ IME your best bet would be to have 2 (or more) powerheads, and aim them towards each other. That way you get some good, random, turbulent flow. And yes, having them running them side to side instead of front to back should reduce the disturbance of your sandbed.

2) I read mixed thoughts on whether or not to let algae grow during the cycling phase. So, A) is it better to run lights to let algae grow, providing your cleanup crew with something to eat when they are introduced, B) Not run the lights, then introduce your cleanup crew with no algae, C) doesn't really matter?

Again, IMO/ IME I'd run your lights for a short period during your cycle. Maybe 3-4 hours a day, then once your cycle is complete, slowly bring them up to whatever amount of time your going to run them. You'll get algae regardless of what you do.

Hope this helps.

[techigirl78]

I'd probably get two more powerheads - koralias, nanostreams, or modded maxi-jets. These will have a good amount of diffuse flow that is easier to control. Also, Rios do not have a good rep and many just die a short time after being in tank. That is what happened to mine, so if you continue to use it I would at least have a backup.

[papagimp]

Originally posted by Bremmon
What about adding another powerhead? I will be multiplying the problem there. I did read that some have one power head aimed behind the rock so it reduces dead zones. [/B]

The problem isn't with the powerhead and too much flow, it's the direction you have the flow pointed. Get another powerhead (or whatever you have to in order to get the right amount of flow) and play with direction/aiming them till you get the desired effect. I thought the same thing as you when I first started, and it took me forever to add more flow to my tanks, it just looked like TOO MUCH, I"m now staring at 2,000gph in a 75g and wishing i had even more flow. Sandbed doesn't get disturbed one little bit. In fact, newly set up sandbed will probably get blown around alot easier, give it some time to all settle in the tank and the problem lessens naturally to some degree. Just be sure your suction cups are working optimally, nothing sucks like having a large powerhead fall down and aim straight down at the sandbed. makes a nice mess.

[Savas]

Just a comment on the Rio's: I had two of them. They lasted about 1 year. The salt water corroded the stainless steel shaft on both of them and they broke. My Maxi-Jets are still going strong.