View Full Version : Powerhead for mixing saltwater
105man
10-13-2003, 9:13 PM
I use 3-gallon pails to mix my water for water changes. Any particular submersible powerhead you would recommend for mixing, that is fairly inexpensive?
kreblak
10-13-2003, 9:24 PM
50 pound buckets of Instant Ocean used to come with a free minijet powerhead great for mixing. I'd say try to find a minijet. I got one of the free ones with my last bucket of IO, so that's what I use.
105man
10-13-2003, 9:27 PM
Thanks. Any particular size/power level?
I have an extra AquaClear but it's not submersible so I don't think it is as convenient.
BTW, I use Red Sea salt...it was what the tank started with and I have continued to just stay consistent with it.
kreblak
10-13-2003, 9:37 PM
For mixing in a 3 gallon pail the power level is really not an issue. Anything that pumps 20 gph or more will be just fine.
mogurnda
10-14-2003, 7:48 AM
I use aquaclear 302 and 402, but any will be fine.
SamsonNY
10-14-2003, 9:13 AM
If you lived on LI, I'd say stop by and I'd give you a minijet. I've got a bunch laying around from those IO buckets.
I actually hated it when they put it in there (sometimes it was T-shirts and sometimes a plastic plant) since I like to be able to dump the entire bucket into my mixing vat, but I had to be careful and grab the pump (or T-shirt or plastic plant) before it fell into the vat. :mad:
VoodooChild
10-14-2003, 10:46 AM
I used an old Penguin PH. That did a great job until I started using it again, whereas I switched to the free Mini-Jet. It works, though now I have a permanent salt crust on the bottom of the 10 gallon that didn't get mixed. Also, lol, it really pissed me off how they put the pump at the bottom of the bucket. I needed that thing right away! I ended up pouring the salt into this huge tupperware tub so I could get it. Just like cereal!
widdledink
10-14-2003, 11:52 AM
I use a RIO 90 to mix up my water. I also use a 50Gal Rubbermaid garbage can. They are great for this. Mix up the water, then store in somewhere out side with the lid on and its out of your way. Great when you live in apt. like I do.
Hey SamsonNY
If you want to get rid of some of the small IO powerheads I will send you postage if you realy want to get rid of a couple...
Let me know.
Grady
SamsonNY
10-14-2003, 12:18 PM
I'll send you one. (I have two, just checked and I PMed 105 if he wants one so I'm going to hang on to one in case he needs one..). E-mail me your address to: RDrakkir@aol.com.
Don't worry about postage. :cool:
OrionGirl
10-14-2003, 12:39 PM
I use a mag drive--but I'm mixing 65 gallons at a time, and the smaller pumps don't provide enough otion.
What AC ph do you have that is not submersible?
105man
10-14-2003, 4:46 PM
Aquaclear 301, not fully submersible.
Samson, thanks much, but based on what everyone says I think I can go with an extra Rio I have, or possibly the AquaClear...I just find the not submersible a bit of a hassle for mixing.
Thanks, all.
OrionGirl
10-14-2003, 5:12 PM
I have 301's in several aquariums, fully submersed. There is a line indicating a water level, but I've ignored it safely for several years now....
105man
10-14-2003, 8:09 PM
Oriongirl, thanks...sounds like a voice of real experience. I was toying with the idea that it might be submersible...maybe the manufacturer wants to be extremely cautious.
For mixing, at least, I will submerse!
Andy16
10-14-2003, 8:33 PM
I have submersed my AC 201 before the impellar fell down the drain:( :mad: I saw the line also but i decided that the it probably wouldnt matter, and luckily it didnt.
mogurnda
10-15-2003, 8:01 AM
You sure that's not a minimum water line?
kreblak
10-15-2003, 8:13 AM
The picture on the box for the AC 201 shows the thing submersed. I took that as an indication I could safely stick it completely underwater, which I have for some time now without incident.
105man
10-15-2003, 8:54 AM
Good point...I wonder about that water line. I know there is no statement anywhere saying it is submersible. I think I had noticed the picture on the box also...plus, I had thought they were all submersible, until after I got it home.
Maybe I will go on the manufacturer's site and see...I think it's a Hagen product.
kreblak
10-15-2003, 9:07 AM
Yeah, Hagan manufactures the Aquaclear line.
105man
10-15-2003, 1:04 PM
From Hagen, Customer Service:
"Yes, this Power Head is fully submersible. The entire unit, including the electrical cord, can be placed under water.
Yes, it is the minimum water line."
Originally posted by mogurnda
You sure that's not a minimum water line?
ding ding ding... we have a winner!
105man
10-15-2003, 4:19 PM
Even though the picture on the box actually shows it NOT submersed!...they should re-do the packaging and instructions.