powerhead gph?

[rica5tully]

If I have a 55-gallon tank with live rock and an Aqua C Remora skimmer, what should I have for powerheads/circulation?

Should I have 2 AquaClear powerheads (175 gph each) for a total of 350 gph? Is that enough? Or is it too much?

I'm worried that I have clowns, etc. in the tank it'll be too much current in there. But if I have less, maybe my bio-filtration will suffer? Any advice?

Thank you very much.

[VoodooChild]

That much is fine, especially for a taller tank like a 55. Keep on eye on the fish to make sure they don't blow around, but I don't think you'll have any problems at all. Do you know the GPH of the Remora? That could change things...

[Corax]

The Remora runs off a Maxi-Jet 600 PH (if you choose the upgrade, for the love of God don't get the Rio!) when runs at 230gph I believe.

I have the same setup, a 55, Remora with the MJ600, and I have 2 other MJ600's and an AC301 in the tank. I also have an AC300 HOB filter for when I need it.

[BrianH]

If you plan on having 2 powerheads I would bump up the gph to 250 to 300 gph. You should shoot for a minimum of 10x your tank volume turnover per hour. Don't worry about your clowns, they will be fine.

Brian

[rica5tully]

Thanks for the input! Now I have two more questions:

1) I bought an Aqua C Remora used (got a good deal) but it has the RIO pump. What is the problem with Rios? Is it too late to get the Maxi-jet pump somewhere else?

2) On a 55, where do I put the powerheads? I thought I'd put the skimmer in the middle and a powerhead at each end pointing in toward the middle, is this right?

Thanks!

[rica5tully]

also, what's the best powerhead to buy?

Aquaclear or Maxijet?

Thanks.

[BrianH]

Rio's have a habit of dieing, leaking oil and poisoning tanks. I don't think you'll have a problem putting the maxijet on the remora. If you do contact aqua C for advice.

As for the powerheads, I recommend maxijets. I would place them in the back corners pointing towards the middle of the front pane of glass.

Brian