CodeBlueMedic
New member
I've got a Penguin 100 HOB for my 10 gallon QT that I plan on having setup permanently...How much flow is necessary for quarantining fish?
How much flow for a 10 gallon QT?
- Thread starter CodeBlueMedic
- Start date
wooden_reefer
New member
Try not to get the "mini" type box filter for a 10 gal fresh water setup.
Get one or two sizes up.
Then you should have enough flow usually.
The size of the filter chamber is important too.
If you have a FO tank and plan to get fish that are already rather large (you have money) to start, you may need to augment the filter chamber by the intake tube sucking from an additional chamber submerged in the tank. The setup needs to be careful to avoid too much restriction in intake.
Get one or two sizes up.
Then you should have enough flow usually.
The size of the filter chamber is important too.
If you have a FO tank and plan to get fish that are already rather large (you have money) to start, you may need to augment the filter chamber by the intake tube sucking from an additional chamber submerged in the tank. The setup needs to be careful to avoid too much restriction in intake.
CodeBlueMedic
New member
Would a 240 power head in addition to my HOB be too much?
wooden_reefer
New member
Since LR is not a good medium of biological filtration in QT, the usual circulation within the tank is not a good setup for QT.
A thin layer of crushed coral in QT has the disadvantage of difficulty of removal (when or if you have to use a drug that harms the bacteria).
The powerhead can be good, but some DIY is needed. You can have it suck from an internal box filter.
You generally do not need additional circulation if the water level is such that a nice wave and good agitation at the surface are created.
CodeBlueMedic
New member
I don't understand, I'm sorry...Why would DIY be needed on a barebottom tank with a power head and HOB filter?
wooden_reefer
New member
If you don't have any DIY for powerhead, all you would be doing is to circulate the water within the tank, not so much as effective biological filtration in QT. Since LR is not used, you need a filter chamber to place the medium.
And, additional circulation, besides the HOB power box, for the sake of igitating the surface is not needed.
If you are using the powerhead as a power for biological filtration, then some DIY filter chamber is needed.
You do not need a powerhead in addition to the HOB for circulation for gaseous exchange and movement around the fish's skin in QT.
CodeBlueMedic
New member
Oh okay, I understand what you are saying now. I have all the biological filtration I need in my HOB..Not only does it have a bio-wheel, but I also have it filled with ceramix biomax rings.
I was mainly asking about the necessity for a power head. So you are saying, the surface agitation with my HOB is sufficient and a power head is not needed? My concern was for dead spots in the oxygenation of the tank. I recently had a death in the tank and was concerned it could have been a contributing factor.
ViktorVaughn
Member
I have an old 240 koralia and a HOB tetra ex20 in my QT tank. Bare bottom with a few pvc pipes for hiding places. When I am medicating the tank I also run an airstone to make sure the water is plenty oxygenated.
My thinking on the powerhead is I run a ton of flow in my DT and figure getting used to the dramatic flow increase in addition to brighter lighting, new tank mates and surroundings is quite a lot to handle for the new fish.
My thinking on the powerhead is I run a ton of flow in my DT and figure getting used to the dramatic flow increase in addition to brighter lighting, new tank mates and surroundings is quite a lot to handle for the new fish.
wooden_reefer
New member
Just make sure you adjust the water level of the tank so that the strongest wave action is achieved at the surface as the water gashes out from the sprout of the filter, and don't get a very small box filter.
Pigpen17
New member
Interesting. So if I lower my water level to increase the "drop" of the water flow from my filter, that would increase the amount of flow and oxygen in the QT without having to run a power head. Actually, my filter is probably too small to do what you are saying, but it's an interesting approach.
wooden_reefer
New member
If you lower the water level, the power filter will have to overcome the head and the flow rate will be reduced.
Water dropping like a waterfall does not agitate the water surface the most.
I'd say water level that creates the best wave motion and agitates the surface the most is the best, and is the max flow rate for the filter.
Water dropping like a waterfall does not agitate the water surface the most.
I'd say water level that creates the best wave motion and agitates the surface the most is the best, and is the max flow rate for the filter.
CodeBlueMedic
New member
Yeah, I'm picking one up today...For a fish only QT, should I kinda aim it up at the surface? In my DT, I have them aimed at the wrong to help keep down the dead zones. Obviously my QT is completely empty.
Pigpen17
New member
I have done both. Pointed straight across the surface and tilted down. I prefer the tilted, but both get you sufficient water movement. I have been told in multiple conversations here that oxygenation is an issue in QT systems, so I have the airline attached and use it from time to time.
My powerhead is very low flow. I have to look it up, but it might be 80 gph. It's just a cheap LFS off the shelf deal.
My powerhead is very low flow. I have to look it up, but it might be 80 gph. It's just a cheap LFS off the shelf deal.
CodeBlueMedic
New member
With a 240, plus my HOB, I shouldn't need an airline, right? The HOB produces lots of bubbles on top
CodeBlueMedic
New member
Is there anyway to test o2 in the system?
Pigpen17
New member
I hope that's not too much powerhead. Like I said, I run just a Aquaclear 10 with 80 gph and that seems fine for a10g tank.
In both of my QT tanks I run a pretty standard HoB aqua clear filter in which I place enough seeded biomedia. This alone is probably sufficient to maintain required oxygen levels, but because I am paranoid and obsessive I also run a a powerhead to be absolutely certain. Typically I shoot for one that does about 10x tank volume per hour. FWIW also important if quarantining a fish like an Achilles Tang that needs lots of flow.
Similar threads
