Sand storm...pumps on or no?

meegwell · 12/01/2012, 03:09 PM

I just added sand to my tank as as expected ive got a big time sand storm. Should I leave powerheads on in the tank or not?

thegrun · 12/01/2012, 03:19 PM

If you are using a filter sock I would keep them on to keep the fine sand in suspension, otherwise turn them off to let it settle down quicker (assuming you have a sump/return pump running). If not leave the powerheads on, you want some water movement.

garydan · 12/01/2012, 11:22 PM

The pumps have bushings, the bushings are cooled and lubricated by water, the fine particles will basically sand down the bushings and kill the pumps... Been there, done that. I'd put on a cheap powerhead you don't care about if you want flow.

12/01/2012, 03:09 PM	#1
meegwell Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 608	Sand storm...pumps on or no? I just added sand to my tank as as expected ive got a big time sand storm. Should I leave powerheads on in the tank or not? __________________ 90g mixed reef \| 30g sump \| 2x250 phoenix HQI; 4x54 (ati blue plus, ati aquablue special, geissman tru actinic, geissmann purple)\| NAC 6 Skimmer \| 2x MP40wes \| eheim 1262 return\| AWI typhoon 5 rodi \|

12/01/2012, 03:19 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If you are using a filter sock I would keep them on to keep the fine sand in suspension, otherwise turn them off to let it settle down quicker (assuming you have a sump/return pump running). If not leave the powerheads on, you want some water movement.

12/01/2012, 11:22 PM	#3
garydan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 180	The pumps have bushings, the bushings are cooled and lubricated by water, the fine particles will basically sand down the bushings and kill the pumps... Been there, done that. I'd put on a cheap powerhead you don't care about if you want flow.