Powerhead.

[cartandpeg]

Hi,
As to yet I have not set up nor received my new Aqauarium,it will be 240 odd ltrs with the filter system built into the hood,wet/dry type.Aqua One 980T.

So I do not know what the flow will be like from the filter outlet in regards to how much it will push the water around the tank.

So I was thinking maybe of adding a powerhead.

All I want is something that will circulate the water to take out any dead spots for heating etc and not have something that when I look at the tank and think "that is more like a washing machine in there".

Should I wait untill I get my new tank and go from there or if not should I go for something that is low in water turnover to keep the peacefullness of the tank that I am imagining.I suppose I am looking for something(if needed) that will not cost an arm and a leg,as the good lady keeps telling me that there is a good holiday sitting in the corner where the tank will go.

Subtstrate will be sand if that is any help in regards to stirring up the substrate.

Thank you.

 

[Aquascaper]

It will depend more on the fish you're stocking as long as the filter gives the required amount of filtration.

Some fish prefer slow water, like Discus, other like fast water, like Cichlids.

What were you planning in stocking?

 

[cartandpeg]

Thanks Aquascaper,
at present in my other tank I have five dwarf flame gouramis 8 neon tetras,3 small bronze corydoras and 2 spitefull SAE,the gouramis I may retrun to LFS as they just squabble all the time,the SAE I may also get rid of as they are always at the gouramis attacking their bodies.These where going in my new tank,all of those listed.

So to be honest I have not really nutted the type of fish to be kept,will def keep the neons and the corys.

I would be inclined to say more community type fish,though not guppies,swords or platties.

The lady of the house would like to silver dollars,in there.But I just read they grow large,so they are out of the question.

I was just looking at something to circulate the water not an additional filter to go with the existing one.

Maybe I should have used the term water pump?

 

[Aquascaper]

It's fine, I understood what you meant. I was meaning that your actual filter will produce flow and that may be enough on its own.

I would say your best bet would be to get the tank running and see before buying anything, in a mixed tropical tank you would aim for a moderate flow (unless there's angels, etc.). That way you will determine how big a powerhead you'll need if you even need one at all.

 

[tribalbrit]

Koralia are a good circulation pump or may be a cheaper alternative. Have a look on ebay, loads on there

 

[cartandpeg]

Thank you yet again Aquascaper,
I think I am trying to run before I walk here type thing,the wife is always saying"best is less and keep it simple" though she is kind enough to refrain from putting the stupid into the keep it simple part.

Appreciate the help.

Just seen your reply tribalbrit,thank you.

 

[Aquascaper]

Depending on the size required there are many cheap options for powerheads, a vast amount are all made in the same factories in China and just called different things. As it would just be for additional water movement and not essential there's no need to break the bank.

It's so much easier with freshwater compared to marine as there's no salt issue to worry about

 

[cartandpeg]

Aquascaper,
R:E: stocking of fish,well, I saw a nice school of Rummynose Tetras in FS today and I was most impressed on how they looked,so I may head down the path of keeping those,along with a few more Corys and maybe some dwarf plecos.

 

[Aquascaper]

Well it's been a while since I kept tropicals but as far as I'm aware:

The tetras like flow. Enough may be created by the filter output, only once you've set everything up will you know.

The corys are bottom dwellers mainly and would prefer slightly slower flow. This may be diffused by decor, etc. so should be ok even if the filter output is good.

The plec is another bottom dweller so would be the same as the corys I think.

If the filter output isn't creating enough flow a small additional powerhead near the top would be enough to give more flow to the tetras and not disturb the corys & plec.

 

[cartandpeg]

Thanks Aquascaper,
will look at that when every thing is up and running.I am in the process of gluing rocks together now,so I will post some pics when the tank arrives to get opinions on what looks ok where ever placed.

Thanks again.