How many powerheads?

[ZachsZoo]

I am planning on setting up a 120 gallon reef tank, my question is, how many powerhweads should there be and what should there ratings be, I was thinking either 4 600gph powerheads, or maybe 2 850gph powerheads?

 

[GimpyFin]

It can vary depending on the powerheads. What type are you considering?

 

[billdogg]

What are you planning on keeping? For my 4x2x2 120 DT, I use a eheim 1262 as the return and up until a couple months ago, 4 x 1500gph koralias for in tank circulation. I have since switched out to 2 x Gyre 250's and am very happy with the increase in flow.

If you are planning on a SPS reef, 40x or more is what you should be aiming for. I figure my DT is at about 80x for in-tank circulation.

 

[VGT]

Depends on your goals. I have a 4x2x2, with a pair of MP40s and a pair of MP10s. They're dialed down a lot, but have great random flow throughout the tank.

I also paid for all of them what you'd pay for a single MP40QD, so there's that, too. Bargain hunt and shop around for good equipment, rather than sticking a half dozen ugly cheapo powerheads.

 

[ZachsZoo]

It will be LPS and softie dominated, but I was thinking of possibly adding some SPS after about 1-2 years. I will be using an eheim 1250 for a return, so what about 2 koralia 3rd gen 1350s?

 

[GimpyFin]

The Koralias are good power heads for the $$, IMO. Similar to Bill, I used a few of them before switching to a gyre. (Still use them for mixing water.) Though, I'm guessing you'll want at least 3 if you go that route.