powerhead question

[duck]

I have a aquatech 170 in my 20 gallon tank... I have the air tube going out of the tank it and produces a ton of bubbles in the tank...

This is probly good but at the same time it always makes my tank looks kinda dirty or hazzy. the bubbles are sooo small.... the tnak is only a foot tall and a foot wide .. it looks like sand floating around.... what would happen if I just plg the air tube... the current is still being produced its just not injected with air..
Could this be bad.. any pros or cons either way?

the tank just never looks clear.

[EhfiYann]

Dear Duck,

I hope that the powerhead isn't your only filtration...

If not, then you filter (hang-on probably) should be disturbing the surface enough to allow for good gaz exchange. In that case, you do not need to inject more air via you powerhead venturi.

Less bubbles, less noise too.

:D

[mogurnda]

Plug it. The splash from the bubbles wil also increase salt creep.

[duck]

well the tank is small 36x12x12.. couple of big rocks in it I guess about 22 gallons of water ...... 170 gph filter not enough??? sheesh.. thats almost 8 tank cycles and hour....

I do have a big hob filter I am using too .. I plan on loading it up with crushed rock soon....the hob filter was for a 30 gallon tank.

[mogurnda]

sheesh.. thats almost 8 tank cycles and hour.... I like lots of circulation. I am using a mag 5 (nominal 500 gph) on the 20. For the 90, there is a mag 9.5 (about 800 gph at 4 ft) for the return, plus I'll be adding a 1100 gph closed loop when I get a minute to plumb it.

You don't need that much, but 10 times per hour is about minimum.

[duck]

Okay with the air inlet plugged it really doesn't seem so "HARSH"

it actualy looks kinda peaceful in the tank.. lol.. I am sure witht he HOB that I do get more then 10 full cycles and hour... I could probly get anouther powerhead.. If I did.. should it be placed directly nect to the other one so they both blow the same direction.. should they both be on the outsides facing towards each other blowing into the middle.... or should they both be in the midle blowingoppsite directions outward.

Thanks.

[benjen]

Usual recommendation is the two sides blowing towards the center front or something similar. Uneven turbulence is good.