About Power Heads?

[sweetmisery]

OK, I am finally getting some final decisions and might get my new tank(planning on a 50-55 one) next week. Saw this Turbo Skimmer which uses power heads for it to ran...

But aside from that, do I need another use for power heads? Do I need to get another one aside from the one connected to the skimmer? Cuz I see some talking about power heads in their aquarium without mentioning skimmers. That certain turbo skimmer needs a 1100 power head.

Thanks, and let me just say that you guys gave me lots (and updated) infos everyday than what I can get in some expensive books. I appreciate it a lot!

[Gringoloco]

The powerheads are used to circulate water throughout your tank. This is is order to keep from having dead spots in your tank, as well as keep the water flow moving to carry food to inverts, and corals. Also some tank creatures need stronger current then other to survive. In my 55 gal I use 2 powerheads on each end of the tank. And in my 29 I use one to circulate the water. Hope this helps.

[sweetmisery]

It does!

And oh, for a 55 gallon tank, what size of powerhead do I need? Same as my skimmer - 1100? or can I use smaller ones, like 800. So if I powerhead for my skimmer, its advisable to have 2 other powerheads, or will 1 do?

[jman785]

sweetmisery,

Something that you might want to look into would be an External Closed-Loop, instead of running a powerhead, if your having troubles with deadzones in the tank, where food and detritus tend to stay and not be blown around. I'm fortunate to not have any deadzones in my tanks. If your interested in running a closed loop, I'd check out this thread.

http://www.coralforum.com/ftopic1990.html

[Gringoloco]

I run the PowerSweep 228 Rotating Powerhead (x2) in my 55, and PowerSweep 228 Rotating Powerhead (x1) in my 29, they are fairly cheap and get the job done and easy to maintain. But its up to you on what type of setup you want to run, a closed loop circulator works very well also.

[sweetmisery]

Hmmm... havent seen those External Closed Loop here, have to check it out. How much does it averagely cost? Say for a 55 gal?

And is a powerhead a must or can I do without? Is it more important than a skimmer?

[jman785]

Gringoloco,

How much do the PowerSweep's cost?

[jman785]

sweetmisery,

Definently get a skimmer first.

You build the Closed-Loops out of PVC piping. It just circulates the water better, and it doesn't run on a powerhead, it runs off of a pump...such as a Mag drive pump.

[Gringoloco]

I got my PowerSweeps for $40 for both. But a skimmer is def. recommended I wouldnt have a tank setup with livestock until the skimmer is setup, and working.

[sweetmisery]

So its safe to get a skimmer first then add power heads after a month or so?

[Gringoloco]

That would be safe to do. I would get the skimmer first, and then add the powerhead(s).

[coral_diver]

I bought my power sweep for $23 at a Pet supplies plus. Do some checking around if you are interested in them maybe on the internet. I love mine and I ran it prior to the skimmer to move the water but a skimmer is a definate necessity!

[cich1]

Hmmm... havent seen those External Closed Loop here, have to check it out. How much does it averagely cost? Say for a 55 gal?

And is a powerhead a must or can I do without? Is it more important than a skimmer?
heres a link to condimans dyi closed loop, pvc is very easy to work so it shouldn't be to difficult of a project
http://www.coralforum.com/ftopic1990.html

[jman785]

cich1,

One step ahead of you...look like 6 or 7 posts up heh..its otay though. I think that if you spent 23 dollars on a closed loop, you could easily have better flow control and better circulation period, than you could if you spent 23 dollars on a PowerSweep. Although, it doesn't matter, some would rather do it that way to keep the ugly piping out of their tank...

[FishinInTheDark]

I may be the only one, but I would not recommend a power sweep for saltwater. You have to take them out and clean them at least weekly or they stick. If I could go back, I would NOT get the two I have now.

Get a stationary powerhead with good flow instead.

Just my opinion. . .

Conni

[Condiman]

Hmmm... havent seen those External Closed Loop here, have to check it out. How much does it averagely cost? Say for a 55 gal?

Here is my pricelist:
Elbows and PVC material - $8.75
PVC Cement - $1.80
MAG 7 - $75.50
Saving Money on burned out powerheads - Priceless :-D

Another option that you could do for the external is to put a SCUD (Squid) in place of the T to switch the current back and forth but using one of those cuts down on the GPH.


And is a powerhead a must or can I do without? Is it more important than a skimmer?

I would say a powerhead is a bit more important then a skimmer. Cause you do need watercurrent for your corals to survive.

[sweetmisery]

I see... but since I might start having a FO tank, since I read it is recommended to add corals and such at a later period, I will probably get the powerheads a month or two after the skimmer and the rest.

Thank you all!

[jman785]

Good idea.

The SQWD (Squid) as Condiman has mentioned is a even better if you want to vary your flow patterns of your water. They can be found on Ebay I imagine...I've seen them go for as low as 20.00. Good luck.

[MikeS]

I'm with Conni on the powersweep...the powersweep is a pain to keep working right. I had one, I had to clean it about weekly to keep it working, and after about 3 months it became "stationary" anyway due to coralline growth.

On your flow question...you should aim for 10-15 times the volume of your tank in combined pump/powerhead GPH water flow. You can include the skimmer in this total.

Mike