Help Needed On Powerheads.

[Jamie24]

Couple of things regarding a powerhead being put in my tank.

Firstly what is the actual job of the powerhead, Information on Google is very limited and normally mentioned in regards to Marine tanks, from what I make out it basically adds a current/flow in your water, but is that all it does ??

Secondly will I need one, My tank is the AS610T which some may know is tall and has the built in trickle filter, the filter is basically classed as a External filter and the intake tube along with the spout were the water trickle's back will produce no current at all so none will exist in the tank. Do I need this extra current with my tank being tall 28", I do have a bubble bar which will provide water agitation along with the spout but that's it, I have also read the extra current makes heating the tank easier as the water wont be still but not sure how true this is.

Thirdly if I do need one can anybody recommend one for my AS610T which is 130lts with dimensions of 24"x16"x28"

Appreciate any help

 

[nurglespuss]

Hi there,

yes I've (very!) recently go into powerheads myself, they add circulation as you've said and pelp tp prevent 'dead zones' where waste can build up etc.

I'm currently using a Hydor Koralina 900l nano power head, which is currently having some mild noise issues, but is otherwise very good

in your tank it would be useful to ensure water movement at all levels of the tank.

 

[Jamie24]

Thanks for the input, so basically it provides the current as I thought, might sound stupid but are these powered by mains (plug) or some type of internal power, Am I going to have a lead trailing in my tank.... Also can they be adjusted if some fish find the power to much ??

 

[nurglespuss]

Thanks for the input, so basically it provides the current as I thought, might sound stupid but are these powered by mains (plug) or some type of internal power, Am I going to have a lead trailing in my tank.... Also can they be adjusted if some fish find the power to much ??

No such thing as a dumb question

The one I have is mains powered, and is held in place by a very handy magnet

 

[Kizz]

after just switching back from the marine side , I would suggest the tunze brand you can also purchase a control unit for certain model's where you can alter the flow and times it's on , I have flow from my spray bar but in a 30" deep tank it doesn't really do much , I currently have a 2000lph powerhead running which is basically keeping the water moving , It also depends on the fish depends how much flow you have , some like discus like little to no flow at all , also if you have tetra etc you would have to ensure it is covered as any weak or ill fish can and will be sucked into the powerhead

hope that helps
Kizz

 

[Jamie24]

after just switching back from the marine side , I would suggest the tunze brand you can also purchase a control unit for certain model's where you can alter the flow and times it's on , I have flow from my spray bar but in a 30" deep tank it doesn't really do much , I currently have a 2000lph powerhead running which is basically keeping the water moving , It also depends on the fish depends how much flow you have , some like discus like little to no flow at all , also if you have tetra etc you would have to ensure it is covered as any weak or ill fish can and will be sucked into the powerhead

hope that helps
Kizz

Thanks, all good stuff but you lost me a little with the 2000lph... I know it means litre's per hour but how would I work out how many lph I would need for my tank, the powerhead on my filter is 650lhp, also should the powerhead not be left on all the time then or is that down to preference ??

 

[nurglespuss]

The power head should be on 24/7 (imagine it like a river - it never stops!) otherwise its a bit stressful for the fish.

I also picked up a 3000L/H power head (cheap on ebay) which I was advised not to use on my 30" tank as it would be too powerful...