Are HOB filters and/or Canister filters enough water flow without powerheads?

[miogpsrocks]

Hello.

In a 29 gallon or possible 40 gallon, are the large HOB filters and/or canister filters usually enough water flow without a power head for Soft corals?

Thanks.

[ffmedic]

Eh maybe but I wouldn't run it like that korlia Powerhead are so cheap I'd buy a couple.

[miogpsrocks]

Originally Posted by ffmedic

Eh maybe but I wouldn't run it like that korlia Powerhead are so cheap I'd buy a couple.

Is there flow rate you are looking for? Like gallons per hour for a 40 gallon aquarium,etc...?

Thanks.

[Marchillo]

Depends what you are looking to do. If you want fish only you can do 10x's --- 40 x 10 = 400 gph. For some corals 30-40 xs

In a 40 Id do 2 - 425 koralias at a minimum on opposite sides to avoid dead spots. They will run you $50 for 2 of them. This is 20 xs. I just found its tough to avoid dead spots with less

[CStrickland]

http://smile.amazon.com/SUNSUN-Subme...werhead+2+pack

this is what I'd do. they last about a year until the clips break off that hold them on the glass, but I'm always moving them around so it's probs my fault

[sumer]

Originally Posted by ffmedic

Eh maybe but I wouldn't run it like that korlia Powerhead are so cheap I'd buy a couple.

They also have powerhead these days which have an automatic rotator as the nozzle. It rotates automatically.

[whosurcaddie]

Originally Posted by CStrickland

http://smile.amazon.com/SUNSUN-Subme...werhead+2+pack

this is what I'd do. they last about a year until the clips break off that hold them on the glass, but I'm always moving them around so it's probs my fault

Hell at 18$ why not.

[Shawn O]

At the very least, they'd be good for mixing SW or in a QT / TTM tank. Throw-away powerheads, who'da thunk it?

[miogpsrocks]

Originally Posted by CStrickland

http://smile.amazon.com/SUNSUN-Subme...werhead+2+pack

this is what I'd do. they last about a year until the clips break off that hold them on the glass, but I'm always moving them around so it's probs my fault

Those are 530 gallon each, 1060 total. Is that too much for a 29 gallon aquarium?


Thanks.

[jayball]

Originally Posted by miogpsrocks

Those are 530 gallon each, 1060 total. Is that too much for a 29 gallon aquarium?


Thanks.

They will give you about 36X turnover. It may require some careful placement of the flow pattern but for soft coral tank just put leathers in the most violent parts of the tank. Most leathers, especially toadstools, need some strong flow.

[CStrickland]

Yeah I was thinking for the 40. Flow is funny though. Like I have 2,000 gph in my 55 buut I like to hide the ph's behind rocks and stuff. That diverted current makes the tank seem muuuuch slower than if all 2000 were out in the open.

I'd prolly still get the 2pack. It's nice to have a spare for mixing up saltwater for your changes if you wind up not needing it.

BTW maybe look into canister filters and hob's before you buy anything like that. It's not necessary for a reef tank, and that money would be better spent elsewhere IMO. But you'll prolly have a sump return anyway, so it's a good question to ask about. Basically that stuff doesn't count toward your math for the in-tank flow

[jrp1588]

I run 2000gph in my 29gal bare bottom tank. I actually wish I had 1 more powerhead to really remove ALL dead spots. My tank is all SPS, LPS, and zoas though. Softies would probably hate it.

[nuxx]

Yeah def. add at least one small powerhead!