power head size

antjtc · 01/07/2012, 11:00 PM

Do I really need to put in a powerhead in my 90 gal DT FOWLR tank for current? I don't like the look of them hanging on the side of the tank. If so, how big (gph?) What is a good brand? I plan to run a 500 gph mag drive pump for return in my sump and a filstar xp4 canister for chem filtration.

Thanks.

thegrun · 01/08/2012, 01:24 AM

For a fish only tank, you would want a minimum of 10 times your tank's volume (900 GPH). You may need more flow than this if you notice dead spots where algae, diatoms or cyanobacteria start to multiply. This 900 GPH is delivers GPH so you need to figure out how much flow your pumps are actually delivering after head height flow reductions. There are many good powerheads on the market. Koralia and Tunze come to mind. If you want a pump with a small in-tank footprint and are willing to spend more money, Ecotech MP-10's or MP-40's are great and they offer several nice varying flow programs.

01/07/2012, 11:00 PM	#1
antjtc Jon Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Clayton,California Posts: 222	power head size Do I really need to put in a powerhead in my 90 gal DT FOWLR tank for current? I don't like the look of them hanging on the side of the tank. If so, how big (gph?) What is a good brand? I plan to run a 500 gph mag drive pump for return in my sump and a filstar xp4 canister for chem filtration. Thanks.

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01/08/2012, 01:24 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	For a fish only tank, you would want a minimum of 10 times your tank's volume (900 GPH). You may need more flow than this if you notice dead spots where algae, diatoms or cyanobacteria start to multiply. This 900 GPH is delivers GPH so you need to figure out how much flow your pumps are actually delivering after head height flow reductions. There are many good powerheads on the market. Koralia and Tunze come to mind. If you want a pump with a small in-tank footprint and are willing to spend more money, Ecotech MP-10's or MP-40's are great and they offer several nice varying flow programs.