Do I need a powerhead/wavemaker in my 10 Gallon?

[myrcies]

Do I need a powerhead/wavemaker in my 10 Gallon? I assumed the airstones created more than enough current, but I was uncertain.

Would a Fluval CP1 be utilitarian in such a small tank? I know that Imagitarium also sells really small circulation pumps. Or are they completely unnecessary in such small tanks? Thank you all so much.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Do I need a powerhead/wavemaker in my 10 Gallon? I assumed the airstones created more than enough current, but I was uncertain.

Would a Fluval CP1 be utilitarian in such a small tank? I know that Imagitarium also sells really small circulation pumps. Or are they completely unnecessary in such small tanks? Thank you all so much.

What are you planning to add to the tank?

Coral need flow and fish appreciate it - they are after all, used to living in the ocean.

Airstones are typically for freshwater tanks, unless treating some illness.

In my 13g nano tank I have a Nero 3 wavemaker.

 

[myrcies]

What are you planning to add to the tank?

Coral need flow and fish appreciate it - they are after all, used to living in the ocean.

Airstones are typically for freshwater tanks, unless treating some illness.

In my 13g nano tank I have a Nero 3 wavemaker.

Mine is an invertebrate-only tank, but I plan to try adding some corals in 2 weeks or so.

Do you not keep airstones in your tank? I swapped out for sponge filters recently. How else would you put oxygen in your tank?

 

[Pod_01]

How else would you put oxygen in your tank?

On my 10gal I use this:

Works great at aeration, removes waste and keeps water clean.

Also I use this to move the water in the tank:

Good luck,

 

[myrcies]

On my 10gal I use this:

Works great at aeration, removes waste and keeps water clean.

Also I use this to move the water in the tank:

Good luck,

Do I need a protein skimmer on my 10 Gallon?

I just have two sponge filters and a Sicce Nano Micron Compact Internal Filter.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I would always suggest a powerhead for good tank health, even my 5 gallon invert tank had a powerhead, water movement is very important, and an airstone won't cut it. I would not use a protein skimmer on that size tank, too much equipment becomes an eyesore.

 

[Pod_01]

Do I need a protein skimmer on my 10 Gallon?

I just have two sponge filters and a Sicce Nano Micron Compact Internal Filter.

On my 10gal I use the skimmer that is in the picture. As mentioned it increases oxygen level, removes waste etc… one piece of equipment that does it all.

I also use teaspoon of GAC (Granular activated carbon ROX 0.8 in a bag) to remove DOC and toxins from water. Replaced every 4 weeks and it makes water nice and clear.

That is all I use for filtering.

From my experience sponges and filters tend to require additional maintenance effort and if not maintained can lead to problems especially in a small tank. I am not really good at following set maintenance routine, so I like methods that are flexibility. Also helps when you go away for a week+.

Good luck,

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Mine is an invertebrate-only tank, but I plan to try adding some corals in 2 weeks or so.

Do you not keep airstones in your tank? I swapped out for sponge filters recently. How else would you put oxygen in your tank?

Airstones can be tricky due to salt spray and salt creep.

 

[Tahoe61]

Your 10 gallon will definitely benefit from a small power head.

 

[Unitylover]

I have a 256 GPH powerhead, good circulation

 

[Barb0713]

Your 10 gallon will definitely benefit from a small power head.

I actually use a oase small wave maker. 44 bucks on the opposite side of my return pump with is putting out 250gph. The tiny wave maker has a range from like 135 to 185. I have my ne all the way up on high in a 20 gallon and my flow is perfect and random very little in dead spots. Mounted 1/3 down the tank, it has the top agitated. I have many powerheads here of all shapes and sizes from the past but, everything I tried was too strong for this tank.

 

[Science/G]

A Hygger Mini would do the trick