Powerhead / flow question

[critofer]

Hey guys,
I have a 29 gallon gunna be reef tank. its NOT a Biocube.

I have 2 maxi-jet 1200 powerheads, but i only have one in the tank. with both of them in it seems like my anemone and corals are going to get blow off their rocks.

What do you guys think? should i put both in? i would have them in the top back corners pointing towards the middle of the tank.

I heard the more flow the better so i am just wondering

Thanks


critofer

 

[Steve Wright2]

Hi Critofer
Im new around here so please wait until more experienced members chime in

the maxijet is about 300 gph
is that the only source of water movement you have at present?

its only just over 10 x your water volume, being moved per hour and the addition of a second maxi jet will make it 20 x your water volume

20 x water volume per hour, is not a lot of flow in my opinion, even in a softie tank

the trick is to deflect the flow if possible, bouncing it of the glass before it goes out over the tank inhabitants


I would experiment with placement of the 2 maxijets
pointing one of the upwards for good surface movement and thus gas exchange

if you start with them in the back corners, both pointed towards the tank front glass
you will have created chaotic flow due to the bounce off glass effect of the water from 2 different power heads converging

in my experience, when introducing extra water movement, you do get a period of adjustment from the corals and even the fish sometimes

Steve

 

[critofer]

well i also have a emperor 280 filter also

 

[aleonn]

My MJ1200 has very narrow, laminar flow. There's something that comes with the pump that can spread out the flow a little bit, though, I'm not sure what it's called. You can position both powerheads on each side of the tank to oppose each other. Try combinations of facing up and towards the front glass, to promote random flow.

 

[Alunai]

This thread has already proved very informative. :thumbsup: