Aquaclear and Maxijet powerheads

[lake_tuna]

Does AC powerheads come with the flow direction-adjusting adapter at the output? I know the Maxijet ones do because the box shows it, but AC's don't seem to. I'm looking for a lower-rated one that I can use in my 40g to circulate the water a little bit (not too much). Adjustable flowrate is a plus, but then Maxijets don't seem to have that feature.

Which one do I get? Any recommendations?

 

[toddnbecka]

Aquaclear powerheads all have an adjustable flow rate, and the larger models are also designed to be used for reverse-flow. The flow adjuster isn't on the output, it's part of the housing below the motor/impeller assembly.

 

[lake_tuna]

I meant the small adapter that attaches to the output to direct the water coming out of the powerhead. AC doesn't have them it seems?

 

[bgourami320]

That would be a good feature, I have a Whisper 20(for 10 gal) and there is no way to direct the output. I always have a crater in the front of the tank where the sand was moved.

 

[platytudes]

I know what you mean, I like the adjustable quality of AC powerheads, but the fact that it's missing ***that part you speak of, is a little annoying.

Have you looked into the Koralia line of powerheads at all? If you just need water movement, you can't beat their line. The nano moves 265 gph, not that much, but for its size and power usage (3 watts) it's amazing. Very small and discreet, and I love the fact that it comes with magnets instead of suction cups. One magnet on the outside keeps it securely fastened.

You can rotate the head a little but you can't make it have a diagonal flow, so if that's the direction you were hoping to aim it, it won't work for you. It is not adjustable.

Personally, between the two, I would recommend a Maxi - I like their mounting bracket (3 suction cups keep it on there pretty firm) and the fact that they are not as bulky as the AC ones.

The AC ones are nice because they are black and adjustable, but that's it. Oh, and they can also run in reverse - so if you ever plan to do a reverse UGF...

Anyhow, out of the two I recommend Maxi, but once I started using Koralia powerheads (for circulation purposes only, not to power UGF) I never looked back


***I just checked my Maxijet manual and they call it a "flow deflector"

 

[coach_z]

The reason I don't like power heads is that they shoot one single stream of water across your tank. Yea, the diffuser helps redirect and disperse the flow a bit, but it just makes it into a flat stream. For this reason I like the Koralias circulation pumps. Look into the Koralia Nano

 

[toddnbecka]

The smaller aquaclear powerheads should have the flow diverter, at least they used to. I haven't bought new ones for years, but the smaller models had them, the larger ones didn't.

 

[lake_tuna]

Hm, this Koralia Nano might be the one I need, or it will be the Maxijet. I think I've seen Koralia Nano in reef tanks. It doesn't look like an eye sore, either, lol.