Powerhead Placement

[SilverCityReef]

So I just got my powerheads in for my 40B and I am looking for input on best location to mount them. I could only afford to grab 2 but plan to add 2 more in future. The powerheads are the controllable Skimz SS9.0s which are rated up to 2377GPH. They are extremely small and can pretty much go anywhere but what is best location for most adequate flow throughout tank.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Correct flow will depend on your rock formation. I've found that unless you've got 2, one on either end, that you will usually end up with dead spots.

 

[SilverCityReef]

Correct flow will depend on your rock formation. I've found that unless you've got 2, one on either end, that you will usually end up with dead spots.

The rock structure shown in photos is the way it is going to stay unless I decide to add another 10lbs to add some height. I have about 5 inches in front and in back of the structure. Should I offset the 2 so one is aimed behind structure and other in front (vary flow if necessary) or should I have them even and vary the flow using the controller?

 

[Waters]

I personally would put them both on the back wall towards each side, about 2/3 of the way up from the bottom, and point they both upwards towards the center of the front glass, towards the top of the rock. The turbulence should provide movement in the front and back of the rock.

 

[Reefing Madness]

To be honest, it will be your eye that sees if you have dead spots and where they are once your tank is running, then you can tinker with the best spot. i generally don't like them on the back wall, because all the detritus gets pushed behind the rock work.

 

[davocean]

Each system will vary some depending on scape.

I personally like Waters suggestion and I like to bounce off the front panel too, when I can, but it does not always work, sometimes sand wells up, sometimes a flat rock might solve that.

My tank right now w/ my scape and anemone placement makes me have mine at both sides.

I have dual locklines pointed down behind rockwork to help avoid dead spots behind rocks, but agree, you can see what happens best, sometimes you have to play around and find what works best for your tank.

 

[Martin Kuhn]

Placing power heads and rock correctly is one of the most important things in the startup phase of a reef tank. Even if it might be boring this is their starting point for success ..... or not
- avoid ANY dead spots
- water flows best if it circulates in a circle in your tank
- typical 2 pump setup: one left sided in the front. The other on the right side more in the back (circle :) )
- avoid rocks to close to the glass
- avoid assembly of rocks
- avoid big single chunks of rocks.
- sand bed <= 1 inch as a rule of thumb
- not to many rocks! There will be corals later on also blocking the flow.


Why: correct water flow avoids fouling spots in your tank. Doing this right, you have a very good chance to avoid any nitrate and phosphate issues later on.

If your tank size allows: add fish cleaning your sand (v.sexguttata and v.puellaris are super).
After some months also sand dollars and digging sea stars are very nice. But not to early as they starve in new tanks (> 1/2 year)

 

[davocean]

Personally I would prefer turbulent flow as opposed to laminar flow, so I don't try for a continuous circling pattern, I think that tends to well sand.
I don't even sinc my vorts, I prefer somewhat chaotic random flow