Do we need power heads?

[BlueMoonFox]

I have a 10gal that I've started. I know there are supposed to be more difficult, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I'm working with a canister rated for 25 gals and I haven't noticed any dead spots. I only have softies and a monti cap. Do I really need a power head for more flow? I'm still new and learning so I am more than willing to hear and heed. Thanks!

 

[MondoBongo]

a tank that small is a lot easier to manage the flow in. if you're not seeing any dead spots, and you're happy with your flow pattern, i wouldn't worry about it.

the only other real consideration is oxygenation of the water. but again, if your flow is good and you're not noticing any issues, i wouldn't be too concerned about it.

you can always add one later if you need/want to change the flow in the tank, but if it's not broken, then don't worry about fixing it.

 

[Dmorty217]

a tank that small is a lot easier to manage the flow in. if you're not seeing any dead spots, and you're happy with your flow pattern, i wouldn't worry about it.

the only other real consideration is oxygenation of the water. but again, if your flow is good and you're not noticing any issues, i wouldn't be too concerned about it.

you can always add one later if you need/want to change the flow in the tank, but if it's not broken, then don't worry about fixing it.

+1 also with a tank that size finding a power head small enough that won't cause too much flow will be a issue. The canister filter should provide enough flow

 

[cloak]

I would definitely add one or two small power heads to the tank if you can. A canister filter rated for a 25 gallon tank just isn't going to cut it, especially if you decide to go with corals that tend to appreciate the stronger currents. They might survive, but they just won't be as vibrant IMO. Just as an example, here's a picture of my old 10 gallon tank. I was using an Aquaclear 30 HOB filter, an Aquaclear 30 power head and a Fluval Sea CP 1 power head I believe. I couldn't imagine just running the canister filter you have on this tank and that's it. GL.

 

[BlueMoonFox]

Well, I have a koralia 240 that I tried to set up at one point. I couldn't find a place that my Xenia didn't stay balled up by. How long will most corals take to adjust to changes in flow? This may sound like an odd question. Are power heads 'dimable' using a dimmer switch? Thanks everyone!

 

[MondoBongo]

Well, I have a koralia 240 that I tried to set up at one point. I couldn't find a place that my Xenia didn't stay balled up by. How long will most corals take to adjust to changes in flow? This may sound like an odd question. Are power heads 'dimable' using a dimmer switch? Thanks everyone!

Some are, some are not.

The vortech pumps are a good example of powerheads with that capability. There are others too I'm sure but I can't think of any names off hand.

 

[Reef Frog]

What are you keeping in the tank! That will dictate how much &'what kind of flow is best.

The problem with a 10tg is they most lower priced powerheads are pretty big and take up a lot of space and look out of place. Personally is go with at least a 20g or even a little larger. Tanks are cheap. Petco has them on sale periodically for only $20. And they don't take up much more space. And the options for the number & types of fish expands greatly and stability is a little easier to achieve.

 

[BlueMoonFox]

So far I'm looking at just keeping softies except a few LPS' that were given to me. Fish-wise looking at a goby and a clown. I went small because I already had the tank and don't really have room for anymore. It's more of an experiment to see if I can do it and if I like it. If so, when I get to my next station I will be turning our 150g into a salt reef.