Is surface agitation required?

GuOD · 03/01/2008, 09:05 PM

Hi all,

I have my tank setup with 2 PHs shooting water but there is absolutely zero surface agitation in my tank right now.

I was wondering if this will cause problems? There's no sump so it's not being agitated in a sump or anything.

Do I need to add a 3rd powerhead to agitate the surface? Will this affect pH?

Bender · 03/01/2008, 09:11 PM

Having some surface agitation will help elimiinate the protein slick that forms on the top of a stagnate tank. It also helps with better gas exchange.

Roy G. Biv · 03/01/2008, 09:13 PM

I believe it will affect the pH. With no sump, there is hardly any gas exchange. Also you will notice that all of the oils collect at the top and you will see the rainbow of scum up there. If you use a fluval or other canister filter they make skimmer adapters so that it pulls the water off of the surface rather than the middle of the tank.

GuOD · 03/01/2008, 09:14 PM

I have definitely noticed a scum forming on top! That's what made me start to wonder.

I have my tank with just 2 PH right now and a sump mixing with about ~90g of water and some Phs... hoping to connect them tomorrow.

I guess I'll take a PH out of the sump and put it in the tank to cause surface agitation

It's too bad the Tunzes can't aim up only slightly down.

03/01/2008, 09:05 PM	#1
GuOD Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 665	Is surface agitation required? Hi all, I have my tank setup with 2 PHs shooting water but there is absolutely zero surface agitation in my tank right now. I was wondering if this will cause problems? There's no sump so it's not being agitated in a sump or anything. Do I need to add a 3rd powerhead to agitate the surface? Will this affect pH?

03/01/2008, 09:11 PM	#2
Bender Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Granger ,IN USA Posts: 1,013	Having some surface agitation will help elimiinate the protein slick that forms on the top of a stagnate tank. It also helps with better gas exchange. __________________ Bender Current Tank Info: 180 inwall reef tank

03/01/2008, 09:13 PM	#3
Roy G. Biv Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,646	I believe it will affect the pH. With no sump, there is hardly any gas exchange. Also you will notice that all of the oils collect at the top and you will see the rainbow of scum up there. If you use a fluval or other canister filter they make skimmer adapters so that it pulls the water off of the surface rather than the middle of the tank.

03/01/2008, 09:14 PM	#4
GuOD Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 665	I have definitely noticed a scum forming on top! That's what made me start to wonder. I have my tank with just 2 PH right now and a sump mixing with about ~90g of water and some Phs... hoping to connect them tomorrow. I guess I'll take a PH out of the sump and put it in the tank to cause surface agitation It's too bad the Tunzes can't aim up only slightly down.