how much gph powerhead

[angelsj247]

I have a 20 gal fowlr soon to upgrade and put some corals in, plus i will be adding another 15 lbs of live rock. I have one power head that is 145gph. i have heard that that is not enough. How much should i have? and should i get two? thanks for the help.

 

[angelsj247]

anyone?

 

[goda]

what ever looks good. thinks should sway a lil

 

[cornelious0_0]

I was about to say the same...I'd go for about 150-200gph for a tank that size but maybe have in each back corner blowing out towards the middle, or on each side blowing towards each other. It's not so much about gph but covering enough "surface area" in/on the water...stronger powerheads will create a stronger current, but that's based on your personal needs, I'd look at placing the powerhead(s) where they make the most difference and then seeing if you need anything stronger.

 

[littlemannin]

The rule of thumb is 10 times turn over per hour I think. So a 145 gph + any filters or skimmers... I think you may be fine. Just watch for algae.

 

[Andrew]

A seio 620 would be perfect for the tank if you are going to start adding corals. What kind of corals are you going to be keeping?

 

[cornelious0_0]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7328250#post7328250 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by littlemannin
The rule of thumb is 10 times turn over per hour I think. So a 145 gph + any filters or skimmers... I think you may be fine. Just watch for algae.

Yeah, that's the general rule of thumb that I try to go by also.

 

[angelsj247]

i havent read much about corals yet.. so not to sure what im giong to be keeping.. just got a book bout them today.. so the ill be starting with the easy ones
so should i get 2 powerheads that add up to about 200gph and put them one in each corner? cuz i cant find any that are 100 gph or below.. i have one 145 gph.. so should i add another one of those?

 

[angelsj247]

o and i dont have a skimmer

 

[littlemannin]

another may help. but (correct me if im wrong) You may be able to plumb 2 outlets from the one. Although I would buy another one. you will probley upgrade your tank later ( its always gonna be in the back of your mind) and you can use it in that also.

 

[Andrew]

Go for a 10-15X turnover rate if you plan to keep soft corals, mushrooms, zoas, ect.

Also since you don't have a skimmer, I would recommend getting one. A coralife65 skimmer would work good. I use one on my 20 holding tank but used to use it on my 75 and this is what it pulled:

 

[littlemannin]

Yes, a skimmer would be a better investment

 

[cornelious0_0]

A skimmer would be a VERY good investment, especially if you wanna get more into some "touchy" fish or corals. I've learned the hard way on this one...and I try to make sure that nobody else makes the same mistake.

 

[Iam]

Yeap.. I am new in this hobby.. But I learned the lessons after killing all my fish...
I have 60g...
I use 2 powerheads on each sides
1 200gph
2 211gph
And a skimmer...

Getting a goos kimmer is one of the best investments...