Is a Power Head Needed?

[Aquat]

I have a 36 gallon bow front. My canister filter has a return flow of about 400 gph, but it isn't enough to reach down into the lower section to help with circulation of waste, debris, food, etc.

Would a Power Head help? I'll be heading down to Petco in about an hour. So post a comment. Do I need it? If so, what specification? (GPH)

 

[zakstrong]

10x flow isnt bad but not really good. especially out of a cansiter. typically it is very directional. i would get a maxi jet 1200. they have two attachments a impeller and a propeller. go with the propeller. it will give you a broad flow. cheap too about 20 bucks

 

[sasharotty]

Even for fo you should have more for the health of the fish. Keeps the water moving and aerates. Get some koralias cheap yet effective.

 

[Saltydrip]

Can't go wrong with a couple of Korilias. I have one big cheep eBay pump on one side and a korilia mini on the other end. I would much rather have several small pumps moving water in the right spots rather than one big one. All the glow in the world isn't worth anything if its in the wrong spots.

 

[ReeferBatman]

Depends on your bio-load...

On my heavily stocked 55 reef at home, I wouldn't go without powerhead... as others said, it ensures detritus doesn't build up, and gets oxygen to all the tank better...

But on my 'easy care' 29g reef I keep at work, the bioload is low, and I get by fine with a HOB filter as the only flow [see below]...

So, the answer varies on your needs.

 

[Aquat]

I found an Oceanic biocube power head at Petco for $30. It's rated at 250 GPH.

I had it in my hand and I left the store with more corals. Strange :rollface:

 

[KChan]

The amount of flow depends on the type of corals you are keeping. You could always put the powerhead on a timer.

 

[freeswimmingfis]

I found an Oceanic biocube power head at Petco for $30. It's rated at 250 GPH.

I had it in my hand and I left the store with more corals. Strange :rollface:

What corals did you buy?
Tell us about your tank setup, lights, filter, skimmer, ect.
How long has it been setup?

 

[Aquat]

What corals did you buy?
Tell us about your tank setup, lights, filter, skimmer, ect.
How long has it been setup?

Huge Zoa colony. Got it for a steal, 6x4 for $40 and another Duncan.
It's been a good close to 4 months. Everything is in check. Ammonia 0, Nitrate/nitrite 0, Phopshate 0.05 ppm, Calcium 400ppm.

HOB Refugium, and a canister rated at 400 gph. Loaded with Purigen, Chemi Pure

2x 48w T5HO, planning on buying another