Powerheads

[Wolf89]

Are two 530 GPH powerheads too much for a 20 gallon long (30")? Mixed reef. Do I place the corals directly in the path of the flow?

 

[WV Reefer]

Are two 530 GPH powerheads too much for a 20 gallon long (30")? Mixed reef. Do I place the corals directly in the path of the flow?

Depending on the type of corals I would say more flow. I have a 12 Long with two 660 powerheads on each end. Long tanks are tricky when it comes to flow.

 

[Wolf89]

Depending on the type of corals I would say more flow. I have a 12 Long with two 660 powerheads on each end. Long tanks are tricky when it comes to flow.

Well, I dont have any corals yet. I really like things like green star polyps, Kenya tree, and anemones. I also really like zoas.

 

[WV Reefer]

Well, I dont have any corals yet. I really like things like green star polyps, Kenya tree, and anemones. I also really like zoas.

All of those can take a lot of flow. :)

 

[LilElroyJetson]

I don’t think that would be too much flow, just direct them properly so corals aren’t getting blasted and I’m sure the the reef will appreciate it.

 

[Wolf89]

I don’t think that would be too much flow, just direct them properly so corals aren’t getting blasted and I’m sure the the reef will appreciate it.

what is the proper way to aim them? A picture showing where I should put them and their angle would be super helpful

 

[LilElroyJetson]

what is the proper way to aim them? A picture showing where I should put them and their angle would be super helpful

I wish I could give you an exact placement suggestion but this is different for every tank because of variables, such as: how fine-grained your sand is (is it going to get blown around or can you afford to really crank up the flow?), how your rockwork is structured, your tank dimensions, the power head flow pattern.

Many people often place powerheads without putting much effort into determining where the least amount of dead spots will be created, i.e. opposite sides of the tank pointed directly at each other, opposite sides both aimed at the center of the front panel of glass, set up to create a “gyre” motion, etc.

To start, I might have one about 2/3 of the way up slightly angled towards the water’s surface to create surface agitation for gas exchange on top of the flow and the other maybe 1/2 way up aimed at the center of the front glass (may create dunning of sand depending on above factors mentioned). These are just starting points and then you can play around with them to fine tune them to your liking depending on how you think your tank responds. If you haven’t hit the diatom phase yet, a cool little secret is that where the diatoms settle (and later the dietritus), will tell you where your dead spots are. Hope this is helpful! :)

 

[Wolf89]

I wish I could give you an exact placement suggestion but this is different for every tank because of variables, such as: how fine-grained your sand is (is it going to get blown around or can you afford to really crank up the flow?), how your rockwork is structured, your tank dimensions, the power head flow pattern.

Many people often place powerheads without putting much effort into determining where the least amount of dead spots will be created, i.e. opposite sides of the tank pointed directly at each other, opposite sides both aimed at the center of the front panel of glass, set up to create a “gyre” motion, etc.

To start, I might have one about 2/3 of the way up slightly angled towards the water’s surface to create surface agitation for gas exchange on top of the flow and the other maybe 1/2 way up aimed at the center of the front glass (may create dunning of sand depending on above factors mentioned). These are just starting points and then you can play around with them to fine tune them to your liking depending on how you think your tank responds. If you haven’t hit the diatom phase yet, a cool little secret is that where the diatoms settle (and later the dietritus), will tell you where your dead spots are. Hope this is helpful! :)

thank you so much, helped a lot. Should I place them on the back or the front?

 

[LilElroyJetson]

thank you so much, helped a lot. Should I place them on the back or the front?

Happy to help. Honestly, you can place them wherever you want and make it work with a little effort and observation. I place mine considering both, aesthetic appeal and ideal flow.

 

[Captain Quint]

Good thread folks. :)