Powerheads

[Twinklecaz]

I know nothing about these but I want one for my new 125l tanks. I'll be running the Fluval U3 and U2 in it together (for now anyway)so which one would people recommend? I'd also like it to be silent if possible!

Sorry someone did mention Powerheads to me the other day but I can't remember what thread it was in.

 

[stu40]

Hi
may i ask why you want one.With the 2 internals you listed, the turnover would be around 600lph or x5 (if they run at half the specified output) or at 1200lph x 10 if you believe the specs.Are you going planted, so want x10?
By powerhead, do you mean circulation pump, like the Hydor Koralia ones? Their smallest give you an extra 900lph which would give at worst 1500lph x12 turnover.
There are other makes (cheaper to), but i've only used the Hydor and it's silent.
Hope this helps

edit:just re-read OP.Are you going to ditch the U2 further down the line? In that case, the U3 & Hydor nano should be ok

 

[Juggler75]

Would a power head in that setup not risk it being a washing machine?

 

[Twinklecaz]

Hi guys. Would it?? I'm only in planning stages right now so hadn't thought that far. I just want to make sure I have good circulation in this tank and not have my sand covered in poop. Would the 2 filters do that? If so I won't bother and just wait to get one further down the line if and when I get an external.

My tank is going to be planted though......will that make a difference?

 

[James9114]

i'd like to know this too, also have a 125 litre with a 600 litres per hour juwel pump init. Also don't want the bottom covered in poop the day after i do a water change so i know the situation your in, will a 900lph powrhead be too much?
sorry to butt in on the post

 

[Proxo]

I've got 900lph powerhead and 480lph external running in a 90L with alot of wood and low/medium planted, does the job but think i could do with some more external power.

 

[James9114]

so i should be okay? where would be best to place it to pick up the muck off the bottom but not to disturb the sand

 

[Proxo]

so i should be okay? where would be best to place it to pick up the muck off the bottom but not to disturb the sand

In my noob experience, yes. Could prob go more if it's heavy planted.
Placement of the powerhead really depends on the placement of the decor/plants, i constantly moved mine around for the first few weeks until i got it just right.

 

[James9114]

its planted with high plants, will that be a problem? was going to put it quite low anyways to pick all the poo up

 

[locust267]

Cant really say too much as I only put my koralia 1600 into my 260l today - All I can say is its silent! I didn't think it was working at first!

I can see it creates more circulation, and the sand in the furthest corner has debris moving on it since, but I need to try figure out the best place for it to go to disturb the debris a bit more - Word of warning though, the cables are really short. My plug socket is behind my tank and the powerhead is about 2" under the surface and it's still pulling on the extension cable...

 

[Proxo]

its planted with high plants, will that be a problem? was going to put it quite low anyways to pick all the poo up

Shouldn't be, i've got vallis in my 90L and they've been okay although the powerhead isnt pointed directly at them.
You'll just have to play around lol.

Word of warning though, the cables are really short. My plug socket is behind my tank and the powerhead is about 2" under the surface and it's still pulling on the extension cable...

I can agree with this, my power cable is so tight its like there's a tug of war going on between the powerhead and the plug socket.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Ok so I'm going to see how I get on without a powerhead and just the 2 filters. I guess it's not as if I can't buy one later if I change my mind.

 

[Jamie24]

Just a quick question on this, my tank is 130 litres but it's the 620t and as most of you know its the tall version.... I've currently got a 650l/ph supplied with the tank but was thinking about getting something stronger but am I right in thinking it's pointless anyway as my tank is tall it wouldnt make any impact on the debris which lie on the sand ???

 

[KISSfn]

My Hydor Koralia 425gph has a power cord that's 5 feet long. Not sure how tall your tank is though. I would think if you directed the flow towards the sand in the direction to your filter intake it should help. I know mine keeps my black sand much cleaner than it was before I installed it.