Power Heads

[hitman12131976]

I think that's what they're called. Supposedly these are better than air pumps? True/False? What are the pros and cons?

[rusty-nail-z]

powerheads are better... i realizd this as i started to set up my saltwater coral tank. In my first tank ( 29G saltwater) i just had a air pump powering a little spinnnig wheel and a bridge, etc. This gets some bubbles, and thus, surface agitation going, but not much. I believe the idea is to get good surface agitation to help with gaseous exhanges (carbon dioxide with oxygen, dont really know the science, just know that its better for your tank.) So yeah, get a powerhead , depending on what size u have. Id say get one that pumps 10x your tanks volume per hour. ( 20 gallon = 200 gph). Id say this would be more than enough currrent going through your tank. The added current, surface agitation, etc also adds a lively feel to your tank that i like as well. As for where to point it in your tanks, its probably up to you, i have mine in the back right corner. It has a flow adjuster so that I can direct the flow diagonally upwards towards the surface, pretty cool.....

[hitman12131976]

Doesn't the power filter create this "agitation", or it is better to just have more (like having a 40 gallong power filter for a 20 gallon tank to create currents, etc).

[Rbishop]

They turn over more water than an airstone, lots more.

[musho3210]

Doesn't the power filter create this "agitation", or it is better to just have more (like having a 40 gallong power filter for a 20 gallon tank to create currents, etc).

power heads can be placed anywhere in the tank whereas those HOB power filters are only at the top. This is the main difference. Depending on fish more may be better

[hitman12131976]

Okay, I have to look into this as well. Thanks

[Dempsey]

I understand that there are many variables, but generally with a fresh water 60 gal undergraval running a magnum 360, would a 600gph pwrhd be ok if I am running them at opposite ends of the tank. I have also never run a reverse flow pwrhd. How would each affect the performance of the magnum using a filter basket and amonacarb with sleave?

[PikeCichlid]

They turn over more water than an airstone, lots more.With Venturi enabled the powerhead becomes a dual-force.Throwing air bubbles in at faster flow than norm for the highest level of gas exchange capible by your equipment.

[Star_Rider]

RFUG is better then standard powerhead driven UFG's . they push water thru the filters as aopposed to pulling water thru the plates.
they help reduce mulm that builds up under the ugf plates.they also use prefilters redusing the solids that may get pused thru to the plates. do not use the air hose when running reverse flow .. the bubbles will conflict with the flow of the water(rising in the tube )