Question About Power Heads

[Canadian Fish]

Since I started using a python for water changes instead of buckets, I notice my rainbowfish seem to enjoy swimming against the current, so I am considering putting in a powerhead. I have never used one before. They're in a 4ft 55 gallon tank.

I think it would be good to have one in my Silver Dollar tank as well, because there's a Hillstream Loach in there, and I know he would enjoy it. This is also a 4 ft 55 gallon tank.

Finally, I plan on putting clown loaches in my 220, and I hear they also like a current, so I want one for that tank as well.

My question is, what size do I need? I don't know anything about powerheads.

This is the brand I would like to go with, as they are affordable:

http/www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c378118491/p17642575.html

Here are the specs for the various sizes:

Model 1200: 295 gph in power head mode. 1300 gph in circulation mode
Model 900: 230 gph in power head mode. 1000 gph in circulation mode
Model 600: 160 gph in power head mode. 750 gph in circulation mode
Model 400: 110 gph in power head mode. 500 gph in circulation mode

Am I correct that for my purposes I will be using circulation mode?
I assume I'll need the 1200 for the 220, but I am wondering which one would be best for the 55s.

Thanks!

 

[phantomlink]

I was wondering about these as well, I have a 125 gallon ( 72x18x22 ) tank and I wanted some kind of flow in there for some of my fish. I have two Eheim 2217's installed right now with the spray bars on each end of the tank, one aiming up to get some water agitation going, and one streaming down to get a current running. I have no idea how powerful these things can get since I have a few Gourami in the tank I dont want to overdo it and make them uncomfortable.

I also have a 70 gallon ( 48x18x18 ) with pictus catfish who love currents so if I could somehow get a minor one setup for them that would be cool as well

 

[Canadian Fish]

Yeah, I pointed the output of my canister up in my 220 for the same reason, plus I have the HOB to break the surface. I'm worried about created too much movement in the 55s and freaking out the fish, which is why I wonder about which one I should use. I could probably put 2 of the 1200s in the 220.

 

[thereverendturtle]

Your silver dollars will like the flow as well. Circulation mode gives the best flow, as its large gph, but it spreads out like a cone, instead of just a straight jet. In the 55's I would use either the 600 or the 900. 2 1200's in your 220 would be ideal. It's amazing how much more "natural" your fish will behave when they have a current to play in.

 

[Aquascaper]

If you can get an adjustable one then that would cover yourself as you can adjust to suit.

Having said that maxi-jet are a good make and I've used a fair few in my marine tanks.

 

[Canadian Fish]

Good to know, thanks for the info guys! Looking forward to adding them to my tanks.