Powerheads for a newbie

dogfacepuff

dogfacepuff

AC Members
May 24, 2007
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Northern Cali
Hello all,

I'm finally setting up my 90Gal reef tank this weekend. I need some advise some good powerheads to use with my reef keeper 2 with soft start. I purchased a new Hydor Koralia #3 and I'm not sure how it will work with the wavemaker. Has anyone used one for a wavemaker yet? Or... what is a good durible powerhead? Look forward to hearing from you!
 
You can only use it with a wave maker that varies the speed, not an on/off wavemaker. The prop will try to spin backwards at startup and they hit a stop and reverse and the on and off cycles will break it. Not to mention that when its off a fish could swim into the prop area. I think Seio makes a wavemaker that can be used with them,
 
I don't know much about wavemakers... so I'll leave that to someone else.

I do use Maxi Jet power heads and I've been pleased with them so far. They are quiet and reliable. I have heard they aren't the best to use with wavemakers, but this was just one person's opinion.

Don't know if that helped actually. lol.
 
I have 3 MJs in our 90g reef. I like them, but now that the Hydor Korillas are around, I'm considering switching to them.

I was always told the MJs were one of the better options for a wavemaker... never heard otherwise before. Then again, I've yet to try it myself, so I'm only going on what others have told me.
 
In my 90gal I have two Hydor #3s. They create alot of flow through the tank and I am happy with my decision on the #3s vs the #4s.
 
dogfacepuff: What do you want to keep in your 90 gallon?

I have a 90 gallon SPS/Clam tank and I use:
2 x Seio 1100's and 2x MJ 1200's

They aren't on a controller, but MJ's are good for on/off settings on controllers I've never seen one that does pulses.

I am going to upgrade my powerheads and get Tunze 6000's they are pricey but are unbeatable with the controller.

Neil
 
Forgot:

Wavemaker (with softstart)
There are 3 wavemaker cycles in the ReefKeeper, cycles A, B and C. When a channel is designated as a powerhead a cycle must be chosen for that channel. Cycles A/B alternate opposite each other, while cycle C alternates on and off independently. Under the wavemaker setup you choose how long you want each cycle time to be by dialing an A/B cycle time and a C cycle time. In normal operation an ‘A’, ‘B’ and/or ‘C’ is displayed on the LCD to indicate which cycle is on. During night mode the cycle times double creating a calmer environment. You can also program individual channels to be off during night mode if desired.
Softstart
Softstart is a much debated issue in the aquarium community; many argue about whether or not it even exists. The reality is that both camps are right in some way. Softstart does exist, however, it isn’t practical or cost- effective to implement perfectly. Digital Aquatics does implement “softer-start” for all channels. This is done to reduce the “clanking” of the impeller when a powerhead is turned on. Put Digital Aquatics to the test! The way to judge a product’s softstart capability is to listen to the pump when it turns on; there is always some clanking, but the goal is to reduce it as much as possible. Digital Aquatics tested many other products and has implemented what it feels is the best performing softstart available. Also, powerhead design is improving over time and pumps like the MaxiJet brand last much longer than some others.


I know someone who has the controller you are using. They have MJ 1200's on it. If you need more flow (probably want more wide spread) you can always modify the maxi jets. (www.mjmods.com) it turns it into a stream type pump like a Tunze or Seio... and like the Hydor you're using now with an tiny propeller.
 
Mainly stony corals and some reef safe fish, haven't completely decided.
Here are a few pics of my setup so far. I'm so excited!
IMG_0273.jpg

IMG_0276.jpg

IMG_0274.jpg
 
now sure exactly what you are looking for, how much you are looking to spend, or how many powerheads or anything, but this is what i have on my 40 breeder:
i have a red sea wavemaster pro with 3 MJs 1200s on the wavemaker setting. and then there is one slot which you can turn on or off the wavemaker in case it is somethign like a return pump or some other thing that you want all the time. and i have a hydor koralia 4 on that.
im sure that would be enough flow on a tank even your size. but if you are able, i woudl recomend a littlemore. but something like my setup is a suggestion if you arent looking to go all out pricewise.
 
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