Powerheads in nano reef tanks

[Redbird5]

I have a 2.5g maxspect dice pico aquarium I'm wanting to have a few softy coral in, hammer, maybe pulsing xania and a candy cane coral. Do I need a little power head for it? I was thinking about the hammer especially needing it.

 

[BristleWormHater]

I have a 2.5g maxspect dice pico aquarium I'm wanting to have a few softy coral in, hammer, maybe pulsing xania and a candy cane coral. Do I need a little power head for it? I was thinking about the hammer especially needing it.

No, its really hard to find a powerhead below 100 gph plus I don't think it would be needed. Ime hammers enjoy low-moderate flow, too much and it will harm the flesh band.
@VintageReefer can give you more info on hammer flow.

 

[TX_REEF]

you need water movement of some sort. on a tank that small, a HOB filter would likely be sufficient.

 

[Redbird5]

you need water movement of some sort. on a tank that small, a HOB filter would likely be sufficient.

here's the current set up. My plan is to get a bigger aquarium at some point, but I want a bigger house first. This is an AIO but the pumps died. I'm not sure what use this thing is. My LFS has one using the exact setup I have. They just have mushrooms in it and the occasional shrimp or small goby or clown.

 

[VintageReefer]

No, its really hard to find a powerhead below 100 gph plus I don't think it would be needed. Ime hammers enjoy low-moderate flow, too much and it will harm the flesh band.
@VintageReefer can give you more info on hammer flow.

The only one I know of that can go that low, and I’ve looked around many times, is this one run on one of the lower settings

https://a.co/d/1Enyk67
Your other option is to get a adjustable Dc return pump and a random flow generator on the return side of the aquarium. This could work very well in that tank

 

[BonnieB]

you need water movement of some sort. on a tank that small, a HOB filter would likely be sufficient.

here's the current set up. My plan is to get a bigger aquarium at some point, but I want a bigger house first. This is an AIO but the pumps died. I'm not sure what use this thing is. My LFS has one using the exact setup I have. They just have mushrooms in it and the occasional shrimp or small goby or clown.

If the LFS had the exact same setup then ask them for an adequate pump to replace yours. See if you can get one that has flow control so you can adjust it based on what you have. Most corals need flow of some kind if for nothing else than to keep detritus from collecting. With such a small tank I’m betting your return pump when replaced will be adequate!

 

[Redbird5]

If the LFS had the exact same setup then ask them for an adequate pump to replace yours. See if you can get one that has flow control so you can adjust it based on what you have. Most corals need flow of some kind if for nothing else than to keep detritus from collecting. With such a small tank I’m betting your return pump when replaced will be adequate!

I bought new syncra pumps and a heater for my maxspect aquarium. The pumps do 110 GPH. They are adjustable. Is that too much current or just right?

 

[BonnieB]

If the LFS had the exact same setup then ask them for an adequate pump to replace yours. See if you can get one that has flow control so you can adjust it based on what you have. Most corals need flow of some kind if for nothing else than to keep detritus from collecting. With such a small tank I’m betting your return pump when replaced will be adequate!

I bought new syncra pumps and a heater for my maxspect aquarium. The pumps do 110 GPH. They are adjustable. Is that too much current or just right?

If I’m not mistaken, I’ve been taught max flow rate should be 5-10 times your water volume.

 

[Redbird5]

If I’m not mistaken, I’ve been taught max flow rate should be 5-10 times your water volume.

I'm not sure what you mean. My aquarium is 2.5 gallons. The two filters will have an output of 220. Is that too much or too little?

 

[BonnieB]

If I’m not mistaken, I’ve been taught max flow rate should be 5-10 times your water volume.

I'm not sure what you mean. My aquarium is 2.5 gallons. The two filters will have an output of 220. Is that too much or too little?

That’s what my fish tech told me so for you it works be: For a 2.5-gallon pico tank, you should aim for a return pump with an actual flow rate of around 7.5 to 25 gallons per hour (GPH).