Powerheads

[blackwater]

This question is really gonna show my newbieness!

I'm just after some info about powerheads.. can you run them without a UGF?
How do most of them work? Does water get sucked in from the bottom of the powerhead and blown out horizontally throught the nozzle on the side?

I'm just looking to increase my water flow so I don't end up with any nasty deadspots.

Flame away. :)

[ben72227]

yes and yes. submersible powerheads hang on the sides of the tank. the output is directed at a (usually) deadspot to increase water flow. most people (in saltwater) use maxijets as they seem to be the best. rios are awful and they leak out yucky stuff, and all of the other brands are well..... not nearly as popular as maxijets.

[blackwater]

Thanks for the info ben!

Cheers!

[Jason A]

I'll second what Ben said PLUS, also ViaAqua pumps are also fully sealed and oil free and can run 100% dry with no problems.

I've used 2 of them including a small MaxiJet for almost a year now and they are excellent pumps...

But stay away from the Rio's.

[DEmigh]

Originally posted by blackwater
This question is really gonna show my newbieness! [...]

n00bs unite! :D

My experience with this board is that you have absolutely nothing to fear about asking so-called "stupid" questions. Most everyone is welcoming and eager to share knowledge about their hobby. Besides that, they're just plain great folks.

The flaming only comes when you argue (as opposed to asking for clarifications) about responses, or show, by repeated posts, that you're ignoring all the advice you're getting.

:)

[blackwater]

Thanks for the kind words DEmigh. :)

Is there such a thing as too much flow?
I only have a 70L tank (18.5G), so I don't want to be blasting everyone around too much. Should I get more than one powerheadi nthis size tank?

Also, is there any need to worry about sucking fish/inverts into the powerhead?

Thanks.

[OrionGirl]

One powerhead will be okay if there's another source of current, like a sump return. Otherwise have 2 powerheads, with a crossing current.

Most powerheads come with plastic guard/strainer to fit over the intake. This will protect most things. Healthy fish can resist an intake pull, but some inverts--xenia, sand sifter stars, colt corals, ect can get sucked in. Placement will be the best defense against this.

[blackwater]

Thanks OrionGirl, you always seem to be here and willing to answer even the simplest questions.
Your expertise and experience are most valuable!

Thanks again.

Chris

[ben72227]

I only have a 70L tank (18.5G), so I don't want to be blasting everyone around too much. Should I get more than one powerheadi nthis size tank?

the recommened water flow is minimum 10GPH and most people use over 20GPH. so about 2 to 4 maxijet 1200s if you don't have something like a sump return.

or, better yet, get something like a mag drive...