Powerhead/Sand question

[TCool]

So, I recently had an issue where my filter clogged up, and since it is my only source of surface agitation I almost lost a few fish due to lack of oxygen (and my PH crashed and all that fun stuff). So, I'm thinking of getting a small powerhead to use only for surface agitation(so if my filter clogs again it's not an emergency), but I want to find one that can handle being in a tank with sand.

I'm hoping to have one that doesn't need any sort prefilter so I don't have to worry about it being clogged up. I've seen some that look like underwater fans, would these work better than a traditional powerhead when used with sand? Basically, I want something that won't get destroyed if it sucks in a little bit of sand.

It would be for a 55 gallon, and I only need one big enough to agitate the surface enough for oxygenation of the water. Any suggests/comments/ideas?

Thanks all.

 

[cmor1701d]

I take it this is for a FW tank. We use multiple powerheads in SW tanks with sand beds. Get a Koralia PH with the amount of flow you want. Place it about half way down from the top and point to the center top of the tank.

 

[TCool]

Those were the ones I was looking at. Thanks a ton!

 

[toddnbecka]

An air pump is also good for circulation if your hob filter stops, and adding a sponge filter to it will pick up more debris as well as adding biofiltration that won't stop if/when the power filter does.

 

[cabezon]

+1 on the koralia. They are very flexible in their placement and flow.

 

[Tryin2layadime]

whats a good flow rate for a 55 gallon. this is in a SW tank