Powerheads- JBJ 45

Stosh · Mar 2, 2025

Hello, I'm a newbie working with a JBJ45 and now with (2) Jebao's EW10s used. They are staggered on left and right of the tank. Running at the lowest 30% and seems like too much flow. I'm new at this craft and not sure if these are specked out correctly at 1056 g/h each. This may be a real dumb question... If I take the recommended flow per hour on the tank (45 gal x 20 times tank size) it calculates 900 gph of circulation. Does this then mean I need two powerheads each sized at 450 g/h or am I a nimrod? Please explain. Also, looking for advice where to mount the heads and point. I've seen them placed all over and even the back of the tank which may look more aesthetically pleasing.

Thinking of maybe buying new. The forums are loaded with different opinions and types which to choose along with the quantity. Below are some of those models and please provide any other recommendations. Thanks for the help.

Jebao WP10, RW4, MP10, MJ 1200
425 powerheads
AI Nero's
Tunze
Sicce Xstream 8000

Peace River · Mar 2, 2025

One of the reasons for the disparity is that different corals require different flow rates. A typical configuration with two powerheads is lower across the back to stir up any detritus and higher across the front. The rate of the return pump and the agitation from the nozzle (e.g., whether or not there is a random flow generator attached) will also factor into the tank circulation discussion. At the end of the day, my suggestion is that you listen to your corals. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Stosh · Mar 3, 2025

My bad not to include. 95% of my tank will be LPS softies. Now, using the (2) stock FP1000 Flow Rate: 264 gal/h each. I'll be upgrading those soon and also looking for a pump recommendation not to get too greedy with advice! Hope this helps to speck out more the powerheads.

exnisstech · Mar 3, 2025

I have never calculated flow rate on any tank. I just look at the corals like @Peace River mentioned Also watch how food blows around the tank and also sand if being used. Coral snow can also be useful to see how the water is flowing. I don't think coral care at all about gph.
I think gph can be useful choosing new gear but it's useless for trying to please corals IME. Too much is just right then dial it down if needed.
I do suck at math so maybe I'm just making excuses for not calculating mine :face-with-hand-over-mouth:
This was my most successful mixed reef but I have no clue how many gph I was turning over .