Powerheads.... necessary?? What size???

fryebaby9431 · 08/24/2017, 08:07 AM

Hey guys I have a 40 gallon breeder tank. My tank is FOWLR as of now, I am new to the hobby. Last water reading ammonia 0 nitrates 0 nitrites just above 0. I bought my tank established and transported it. I have a baby porcupine puffer , 4 damsels, 2 starfish and a lawnmower blenny. The guy I bought the tank from included two powerheads I'll include a picture of them. I tried to plug one in yesterday and ran an errand. I came back and the suction cup came undone and my tank was a sandstorm it was blowing sand all over the tank and rocks. Plus when it was running it looked kinda powerful. My question is. Are they necessary? What type? How many? Do you run them 24 hours a day?

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jayball · 08/24/2017, 08:19 AM

Personally I would grab another PH to use. Something with a suction cup/magnet to keep it from falling off. Hydor Korilla is a good line you wont have to worry about falling off and it is quiet and reliable. You should be able to do with one in the 800 - 1200 GPH range for F/O and some corals with lower demand..

It is important to keep circulation going in the tank, use a powerhead.

RobZilla04 · 08/24/2017, 08:24 AM

Yes these are needed to move the water around, create circulation, and promote filtration. There are many brands in varying price ranges. A 40B does not require much more than what is mentioned above.

allendehl · 08/24/2017, 09:40 AM

Hi guys, let me piggy back on this thread. Newbie here setting up a brand new tank. I wasn't counting on having power heads at first. I thought that the circulation from my return pump was enough. is this a mistake?

My tank will be a Red Sea Reefer 350 (75 G)

mcgyvr · 08/24/2017, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allendehl

Hi guys, let me piggy back on this thread. Newbie here setting up a brand new tank. I wasn't counting on having power heads at first. I thought that the circulation from my return pump was enough. is this a mistake?

My tank will be a Red Sea Reefer 350 (75 G)

We like to throw around a number of about 30x display tank volume in total "circulation" in the tank.. Typically the return pump is sized at about 5-10x display tank volume.. Powerheads are used to provide the rest of the desired flow..

So yes.. its likely that relying on return pump flow alone is a mistake..
Many run higher than 30x too.. Some of the SPS coral guys can run 75-100x display size as SPS like a lot of flow to keep them happy.

Personally I think I'm around 60x with my mixed reef (softie/LPS/SPS)

five.five-six · 08/24/2017, 09:56 AM

Those korelias are supposed to have a magnet that looks just like the suction cup that goes on the outside of the glas, keeps them from falling off. I just threw 2 away, let me check see if they are still in the trash. Their yours for the price of shipping. Or you could just go to the hardware store and get some magnets but that will keep the powerheads from falling off. Yes, keep powerheads in the tank. You could do closed loop but those are expensive, complicated and more chance for leaking.

allendehl · 08/24/2017, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

We like to throw around a number of about 30x display tank volume in total "circulation" in the tank.. Typically the return pump is sized at about 5-10x display tank volume.. Powerheads are used to provide the rest of the desired flow..

So yes.. its likely that relying on return pump flow alone is a mistake..
Many run higher than 30x too.. Some of the SPS coral guys can run 75-100x display size as SPS like a lot of flow to keep them happy.

Personally I think I'm around 60x with my mixed reef (softie/LPS/SPS)

Uh oh...back to shopping then.

Let me practice math here. 30X of my 75g DT is 2250gph, I already have 714gph from the pump, so I'd be looking at an extra 1500gph minimum, correct?
Now, is it better all in one power head or split it in two for a more even flow? Downside I see of having two, other than price, is an extra electrical outlet.

five.five-six · 08/24/2017, 10:03 AM

The SPS tank I'm building is at 55X, though I may add another 1500GPH, but it's a gyre so it's a very efficient use of flow.

RobZilla04 · 08/24/2017, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allendehl

Uh oh...back to shopping then.

Let me practice math here. 30X of my 75g DT is 2250gph, I already have 714gph from the pump, so I'd be looking at an extra 1500gph minimum, correct?
Now, is it better all in one power head or split it in two for a more even flow? Downside I see of having two, other than price, is an extra electrical outlet.

One power head, or better yet wavemaker, could be enough to provide enough flow depending on your aquascape and amount of rockwork.

mcgyvr · 08/24/2017, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allendehl

Now, is it better all in one power head or split it in two for a more even flow? Downside I see of having two, other than price, is an extra electrical outlet.

As stated one could be enough to provide the flow but you also want to prevent as many stagnant areas as possible where "poop" will just collect/rot and usually thats easier accomplished with more powerheads..

I always plan on at least 2 powerheads..

fryebaby9431 · 08/24/2017, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

As stated one could be enough to provide the flow but you also want to prevent as many stagnant areas as possible where "poop" will just collect/rot and usually thats easier accomplished with more powerheads..

I always plan on at least 2 powerheads..

The one I got coming in the mail does not have a controlller. Do I leave it running 24/7? Even during feeding?

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allendehl · 08/24/2017, 10:54 AM

I am looking at the Jebao PP4, it seems to be controllable up to over 1000gph. 2X should be enough since I only need around 1500 extra gph.
Any experience with this PH? It is considerable cheaper than any other PH of the same flow.

Thanks!

mcgyvr · 08/24/2017, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fryebaby9431

The one I got coming in the mail does not have a controlller. Do I leave it running 24/7? Even during feeding?

yes leave it running and yes you can turn it off during feeding if you want to but you don't have to.

mcgyvr · 08/24/2017, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allendehl

I am looking at the Jebao PP4, it seems to be controllable up to over 1000gph. 2X should be enough since I only need around 1500 extra gph.
Any experience with this PH? It is considerable cheaper than any other PH of the same flow.

Thanks!

Yes Jebao PP series is a good pump..
In general avoid any "first generation" Jebao stuff but after that they seem to get it right..

They are usually not as reliable as something like a Tunze but they are much cheaper so.. welcome to life now.. Low cost Chinese products blah blah blah..

billdogg · 08/24/2017, 12:42 PM

I always suggest that you use at least 2 power heads in addition to the return pump to provide adequate "random" flow in your tank. The total amount needed, however, is dependent on just what it is you plan on keeping. A FOWLR could get by with 20x or so. Softies and some LPS in the 30x range, and SPS 40x or more. In my 120g SPS dominated reef, I use 2 x Gyre 250's for a combined total from them of ~ 100x when they are both on full power at the same time. I'm considering adding a couple small powerheads just because of the fact that as my corals have grown, flow has been reduced in some areas near the back of the tank. I don't really even bother counting the return pump in that (in my case, a eheim 1262 that adds another 750-800gph)

jm.02

allendehl · 08/24/2017, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Yes Jebao PP series is a good pump..
In general avoid any "first generation" Jebao stuff but after that they seem to get it right..

They are usually not as reliable as something like a Tunze but they are much cheaper so.. welcome to life now.. Low cost Chinese products blah blah blah..

Thank you!...adding to the shopping list now. Hope they hold up long enough to get me through all the expenses of starting up and give me some time to recover

mcgyvr · 08/24/2017, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allendehl

Thank you!...adding to the shopping list now. Hope they hold up long enough to get me through all the expenses of starting up and give me some time to recover

They will.. I have them.. 2 x PP8s and 1 x PP4 and they are doing great and have been for a while now..

Dr RBG · 08/25/2017, 04:54 PM

Hydor Koralia 3G Third Generation Pump Replacement Magnet Mount Set (XP3907)
Our Price: $28.99
(Hydor part XP3907).

But it may not pay as you might get a new pump for a little more

catchthemtides · 08/27/2017, 08:49 PM

I've read this somewhere on a particular website (The Spruce if I'm not mistaken) and yes is their answer for your question — especially if you get quality powerheads.

Powerheads mainly improve water circulation and oxygenation in an aquarium and such would result to a better quality of the water; the good quality of water would foster the inhabitants inside the aquarium.

08/24/2017, 08:07 AM	#1
fryebaby9431 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 26	Powerheads.... necessary?? What size??? Hey guys I have a 40 gallon breeder tank. My tank is FOWLR as of now, I am new to the hobby. Last water reading ammonia 0 nitrates 0 nitrites just above 0. I bought my tank established and transported it. I have a baby porcupine puffer , 4 damsels, 2 starfish and a lawnmower blenny. The guy I bought the tank from included two powerheads I'll include a picture of them. I tried to plug one in yesterday and ran an errand. I came back and the suction cup came undone and my tank was a sandstorm it was blowing sand all over the tank and rocks. Plus when it was running it looked kinda powerful. My question is. Are they necessary? What type? How many? Do you run them 24 hours a day? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/24/2017, 08:24 AM	#3
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	Yes these are needed to move the water around, create circulation, and promote filtration. There are many brands in varying price ranges. A 40B does not require much more than what is mentioned above. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

08/24/2017, 09:56 AM	#6
five.five-six Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Corona Posts: 7,827 Blog Entries: 6	Those korelias are supposed to have a magnet that looks just like the suction cup that goes on the outside of the glas, keeps them from falling off. I just threw 2 away, let me check see if they are still in the trash. Their yours for the price of shipping. Or you could just go to the hardware store and get some magnets but that will keep the powerheads from falling off. Yes, keep powerheads in the tank. You could do closed loop but those are expensive, complicated and more chance for leaking. __________________ Originally posted by yellowslayer13: "I hate that hole" Current Tank Info: SCMAS Member 225 peninsula euroreef RS180 Apex 400W X 3 20k radiums / Spectra mixed SPS

08/24/2017, 10:03 AM	#8
five.five-six Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Corona Posts: 7,827 Blog Entries: 6	The SPS tank I'm building is at 55X, though I may add another 1500GPH, but it's a gyre so it's a very efficient use of flow. __________________ Originally posted by yellowslayer13: "I hate that hole" Current Tank Info: SCMAS Member 225 peninsula euroreef RS180 Apex 400W X 3 20k radiums / Spectra mixed SPS

08/24/2017, 12:42 PM	#15
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I always suggest that you use at least 2 power heads in addition to the return pump to provide adequate "random" flow in your tank. The total amount needed, however, is dependent on just what it is you plan on keeping. A FOWLR could get by with 20x or so. Softies and some LPS in the 30x range, and SPS 40x or more. In my 120g SPS dominated reef, I use 2 x Gyre 250's for a combined total from them of ~ 100x when they are both on full power at the same time. I'm considering adding a couple small powerheads just because of the fact that as my corals have grown, flow has been reduced in some areas near the back of the tank. I don't really even bother counting the return pump in that (in my case, a eheim 1262 that adds another 750-800gph) jm.02 __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

08/24/2017, 08:19 AM	#2
jayball Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,671	Personally I would grab another PH to use. Something with a suction cup/magnet to keep it from falling off. Hydor Korilla is a good line you wont have to worry about falling off and it is quiet and reliable. You should be able to do with one in the 800 - 1200 GPH range for F/O and some corals with lower demand.. It is important to keep circulation going in the tank, use a powerhead.

08/24/2017, 09:40 AM	#4
allendehl Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 692	Hi guys, let me piggy back on this thread. Newbie here setting up a brand new tank. I wasn't counting on having power heads at first. I thought that the circulation from my return pump was enough. is this a mistake? My tank will be a Red Sea Reefer 350 (75 G)

08/24/2017, 10:54 AM	#12
allendehl Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 692	I am looking at the Jebao PP4, it seems to be controllable up to over 1000gph. 2X should be enough since I only need around 1500 extra gph. Any experience with this PH? It is considerable cheaper than any other PH of the same flow. Thanks!

08/25/2017, 04:54 PM	#18
Dr RBG Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: New England Posts: 163	Hydor Koralia 3G Third Generation Pump Replacement Magnet Mount Set (XP3907) Our Price: $28.99 (Hydor part XP3907). But it may not pay as you might get a new pump for a little more

08/27/2017, 08:49 PM	#19
catchthemtides Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 12	I've read this somewhere on a particular website (The Spruce if I'm not mistaken) and yes is their answer for your question — especially if you get quality powerheads. Powerheads mainly improve water circulation and oxygenation in an aquarium and such would result to a better quality of the water; the good quality of water would foster the inhabitants inside the aquarium.