Powerhead question - Aquarium Advice

binaryterror · 11-20-2005, 09:25 PM

I was wondering if you need an air pump with a power head? I am getting the Maxi jet. Also, should I get 2 160 [acronym:447a79a0b6="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:447a79a0b6] or 2 106 [acronym:447a79a0b6="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:447a79a0b6] for my 50g reef tank? Thanks! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113040

HoopsGuru · 11-20-2005, 10:11 PM

I would go with at least a MJ-900 and one of the MJ-1200. [acronym:e64f804bf5="In My Experience"]IME[/acronym:e64f804bf5], the 4&600 models are not large enough for your tank volume. I do not use the venturi feature on the powerheads, but they do not need an air pump to work. They suck in air (if you have the tubing accessories attached) by the force of the water movement through the narrow outlet.

binaryterror · 11-20-2005, 10:24 PM

So your saying to get an MJ-900 and an MJ-1200? Wont 2 MJ-900's be enough?

**lando** · 11-20-2005, 10:35 PM

I would actually get two 1200s. No need for the air hose.

HoopsGuru · 11-20-2005, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by binaryterror

So your saying to get an MJ-900 and an MJ-1200? Wont 2 MJ-900's be enough?

Yep, at the very least. I actually agree with lando and would get the 2x1200's.

binaryterror · 11-20-2005, 10:53 PM

Ok thanks for the help! Should I aim the down, up or in the middle?

sdellin · 11-21-2005, 01:05 AM

I have a 55G tank, two MJ-1200s and don't use the air hoses that come with them.

HoopsGuru · 11-21-2005, 12:44 PM

I would place them both in the back corners pointed toward the middle front with at least one directed towards the surface (not straight up!) to create surface disturbance (and the resulting oxygen transfer). The other one can be directed similarly or more towards the middle. The two currents should somewhat meet in the front and "bounce" off each other with sort of random currents through the rest of the tank. You may need a 3rd small powerhead to have more random colliding eliminate any dead spots.

binaryterror · 11-21-2005, 05:28 PM

Ok cool. So I should point them in the middle and one towards the surface. Not towards the corals right?

demodiki · 11-21-2005, 05:36 PM

No, in general you don't want your corals receiving the blunt force of the [acronym:c8adaff53b="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:c8adaff53b] flow...I believe that's called laminar flow? Most corals like random, chaotic flow...some strong, some not so strong.

11-20-2005, 09:25 PM	#1
binaryterror Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 246	Powerhead question I was wondering if you need an air pump with a power head? I am getting the Maxi jet. Also, should I get 2 160 [acronym:447a79a0b6="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:447a79a0b6] or 2 106 [acronym:447a79a0b6="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:447a79a0b6] for my 50g reef tank? Thanks! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113040

11-20-2005, 10:11 PM	#2
HoopsGuru Aquarium Advice FINatic Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2003 Location: Central PA Posts: 966 Images: 1	I would go with at least a MJ-900 and one of the MJ-1200. [acronym:e64f804bf5="In My Experience"]IME[/acronym:e64f804bf5], the 4&600 models are not large enough for your tank volume. I do not use the venturi feature on the powerheads, but they do not need an air pump to work. They suck in air (if you have the tubing accessories attached) by the force of the water movement through the narrow outlet. __________________ http://www.reefnut.com/Images/Membershiplogotiny.jpg

11-20-2005, 10:24 PM	#3
binaryterror Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 246	So your saying to get an MJ-900 and an MJ-1200? Wont 2 MJ-900's be enough? __________________ 55g main tank 10g sump ViaAqua SK300 skimmer 40lbs. [acronym="Live rock"]LR[/acronym] 40lbs. [acronym="Live sand"]LS[/acronym]

11-20-2005, 10:35 PM	#4
lando Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Savage, MN Posts: 7,669 Images: 46	I would actually get two 1200s. No need for the air hose. __________________ Some people are like slinkies...they serve no real purpose yet can still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs! Have a great day! Brian

11-20-2005, 10:53 PM	#6
binaryterror Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 246	Ok thanks for the help! Should I aim the down, up or in the middle? __________________ 55g main tank 10g sump ViaAqua SK300 skimmer 40lbs. [acronym="Live rock"]LR[/acronym] 40lbs. [acronym="Live sand"]LS[/acronym]

11-21-2005, 01:05 AM	#7
sdellin Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vacaville, California Posts: 913 Images: 10	I have a 55G tank, two MJ-1200s and don't use the air hoses that come with them. __________________ Sharon There's no percula like a true percula.

11-21-2005, 12:44 PM	#8
HoopsGuru Aquarium Advice FINatic Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2003 Location: Central PA Posts: 966 Images: 1	I would place them both in the back corners pointed toward the middle front with at least one directed towards the surface (not straight up!) to create surface disturbance (and the resulting oxygen transfer). The other one can be directed similarly or more towards the middle. The two currents should somewhat meet in the front and "bounce" off each other with sort of random currents through the rest of the tank. You may need a 3rd small powerhead to have more random colliding eliminate any dead spots. __________________ http://www.reefnut.com/Images/Membershiplogotiny.jpg

11-21-2005, 05:28 PM	#9
binaryterror Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 246	Ok cool. So I should point them in the middle and one towards the surface. Not towards the corals right? __________________ 55g main tank 10g sump ViaAqua SK300 skimmer 40lbs. [acronym="Live rock"]LR[/acronym] 40lbs. [acronym="Live sand"]LS[/acronym]

11-21-2005, 05:36 PM	#10
demodiki Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 300	No, in general you don't want your corals receiving the blunt force of the [acronym:c8adaff53b="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:c8adaff53b] flow...I believe that's called laminar flow? Most corals like random, chaotic flow...some strong, some not so strong.

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