Powerhead Queries

[NathanS]

Hi guys,

My LFS is attempting to sell me a Powerhead, saying that for the survival of my fish its essential. From my understanding, a powerhead is simply for waterflow and to increase aeration and gas exchange... I am already running an Interpet PF 2 filter with ventri in a 14 US gallon tank...do you think I need to add a Powerhead also?

The LFS is also attempting to sell me a spray bar...again, would I need this?

Thanks,

Nathan

 

[fatheadminnow]

No, you do not NEED these items, but the powerhead is really nice to have.

A power head will create a current in your tank and maybe move around pockets of ammonia in your tank which will reduce the chance of an algae out break or ammonia spike.

With a pray bar, all it really does is spray the retuning water from the filter onto the surface, which will just help a little with aeration.

The bottom line is, these items are in no way shape or form essential for the survival for your fish!

A powerhead is nice though, but your tank is small enough that it probably won't do much of a difference.

-FHM

 

[OldMan47]

I have several power heads that I use with my sponge filters to power them and I find them useful tools in my bag of tricks. They are not necessary to the fish's health except that I would need another way to move water through a filter if I didn't have them. I like to use sponges in my fry tanks and a power head makes it easy to use a sponge without a lot of airline tubing and noisy air pumps.