Wavemaker and Powerheads

gemini9 · Oct 31, 2014

What's up everyone? So far so good with my tank. Since I've finally seemed to have beaten my earlier nitrate problem, I've been doing allot more with the tank and looking to get a Hydor Koralia Smart Wave Pump and 2 new powerheads. I currently use a Marineland Maxijet400 that gives me about 500 gph. I also have a skimmer and a Marineland Penguin 350 HOB filter system that gives some flow as well.

Along with my new Hydor Wave pump, I am also going to get 2 new powerheads. The maxi jet is kinda bulky and I don't really like it. I am also starting add a few corals, zoas etc, and I'm wondering exactly how much flow I need. I have a 36 inch long 30 gallong tank. Hagen has some rather inexpensive powerheads and I was considering getting 2 CP1s, which yield 265 gph each. That would give me 530 gph from the PHs alone. Do you recommend I get more flow than that? The CP2 provides 425 gph each, so should I go with 2 of those instead? Or ... one 265 gph CP1 and one 425 gph CP2?

Last question is about the placement of the 2 new powerheads. One on each side of the tank? Hey thanks for the help everyone. You guys are always awesome.

ReeferEric · Nov 2, 2014

Look into the Jebaos, they are more expensive but will be a lot better in the long run. Everyone always goes the inexpensive route but end up spending money twice on the same thing.

gemini9 · Nov 2, 2014

Hydor powerheads any good? Hydor wavemaker and Hydor powerheads?

Damon · Nov 2, 2014

The hydors "work" to push water, but as the previous poster stated, there are much better options for corals at a reasonable price. I have run vortechs on my previous systems and now in my 50 long I'm running 2 jebao wp10s.

For what they want for the hydors and amount of water they "actually" push, combined with their standard linear flow pattern, I wouldn't do them. Especially when you add in the cost of the wave maker, and that annoying clicking sound (when I tried their maker with the hydors) of them turning on and off. Just not worth the cost imho..