I would like to introduce more water moverment in my tank (150 gallons). My question is can power heads be fully submersible (sp) I would like to hide the unit in the back somewhere, any suggestions on brands and types would be helpful. thx
Power Head
- Thread starter Cirean
- Start date
I've got several Penguin powerheads that are highly reliable.
I have a Rio that is junk -- it constantly is stopping for no apparent reason. I've heard similar reports on Rios from others, too.
I have a ZooMed Power Sweep (the nozzle automatically sweeps back and forth to distribute the circulation. The powerhead has been pretty reliable, but the sweep function will often stop for days at a time, then start working again for no reason.
If I were to buy a powerhead now, I'd either get a Penguin or try one of the new Eheim Aquaballs. I'm sure there are other good (and bad) powerheads out there, but these are one I've used.
Jim
I have a Rio that is junk -- it constantly is stopping for no apparent reason. I've heard similar reports on Rios from others, too.
I have a ZooMed Power Sweep (the nozzle automatically sweeps back and forth to distribute the circulation. The powerhead has been pretty reliable, but the sweep function will often stop for days at a time, then start working again for no reason.
If I were to buy a powerhead now, I'd either get a Penguin or try one of the new Eheim Aquaballs. I'm sure there are other good (and bad) powerheads out there, but these are one I've used.
Jim
Maxi jet power heads are tough enough to stay in the reefers tanks for years, so freshwater should be a vacation for them. and they are cheapest at www.marinedepot.com
I would suggest an Undergravel Jet system to provide water movement throughout the tank instead of from just one spot.
An undergravel jet system may be a fun DIY project, but it is pretty much overkill if simple water circulation or something to power a UGF is all that's wanted. Probably rates right up there with a UV sterilizer in terms of actual necessity.
Jim
Jim
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Check out this thread, I am quite sure this is what he is talking about. http://64.191.28.50/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2532
I would also recommend the Maxi-jets - all the saltwater folks at wetwebmedia love them
Actually Jim, having built one - I disagree. First, you can make one of these things pretty simple (mine cost less than $5 and took about 15 minutes to make) - and second, rather than having one powerhead pushing flow in a certain area, the undergravel jet can help disperse it to 3 or more spots throughout the tank. So IMO you get better, more even flow thru the tank
Now, if the zoo-med rotating powerheads were reliable in terms of rotating, then I would agree a bit more with you. But unless you want to have several low force powerheads spread thru your tank, I think a jet system works better for overall water circulation than a single fixed powerhead. Just my opinion
Oh - I guess one caveat I should mention is I am talking using them in a BIG tank - ie mine's in my 72 gallon. They would indeed be overkill in a 20 gallon.
Actually Jim, having built one - I disagree. First, you can make one of these things pretty simple (mine cost less than $5 and took about 15 minutes to make) - and second, rather than having one powerhead pushing flow in a certain area, the undergravel jet can help disperse it to 3 or more spots throughout the tank. So IMO you get better, more even flow thru the tank
Now, if the zoo-med rotating powerheads were reliable in terms of rotating, then I would agree a bit more with you. But unless you want to have several low force powerheads spread thru your tank, I think a jet system works better for overall water circulation than a single fixed powerhead. Just my opinion
Oh - I guess one caveat I should mention is I am talking using them in a BIG tank - ie mine's in my 72 gallon. They would indeed be overkill in a 20 gallon.
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