Circulation Pumps and Powerheads

I am looking to buy pump or powerhead. I am not sure the difference in the two but the bigger issue I am having is what is the proper size to use. Is there some methodology to finding out what is the best. I have a 4ft 90 and 120 corner. Suggestions/advice... Once I get the last few fish I want will also post pictures for those of you that keep asking.

Are yu looking for something like Koralina power jets?

Are you looking for a pump to run a wet/dry or sump ?? If so you need to figure out how much turnover you'd like to have in your tank. Personally I do 10 times turnover but many say that is too much.. So it's really up to you and how much you'd like to spend.

Yes something like Koralina, just something to circulate the water in the tank.

Get a Ecotech Vortech!!!

Doza wrote:Get a Ecotech Vortech!!!

I do not think I need anything that fancy or expensive especially being that I have to get 3. I am more concerned with how do I properly purchase one.

I have a huge stash of small power heads. Your welcome to them. Thinking 5 or more.

Thanks cense I might come take you up on that.


However, does not anyone know how to select one properly?

I dont know how to really "size" it for the tank but I have used one at times in a 5' and 6' tank.

This is the one I have [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

For a 4ft tank I think it would work very well. I had mine about 1 foot away from the side wall and it would push stuff a good 3ft over to my dirty water intake on the other side of the tank. This worked well in the 5ft tank but in the 6 it just did not have enough power.

I chose the Tunze for its reputation and the fact it was not a huge block design that drew a lot of attention to itself. Over all happy with it but the quality to me is not that great for the hype. The shell barely snaps together, and you feel it will just pop apart at any minute. The power cord that comes out is part of the problem, they needed to give a bit more space for it with the shell snapping on. The holder is magnetic and low profile but just feels like the actual head itself just does not fit as tight as you would like it too.

Terrence - there is no "proper" size. In fact, there are a number of variables.

Amount of overflow flow you want to have in the tank
Number of sources for the flow
Number of times you want to turn the water over through the filters
Fixed or variable flow
Broad or narrow flow
Kinds of fish you're keeping
Kinds of plants you're keeping
etc.

I use a Koralia 5 in my 125g Tang tank; it's a bit much for the cyps.

I use 2 Vortech MP40W es in my 125g Mbuna tank; fish seem like like it a lot.

I think I've got two 1200gph power heads in my 75 and a 800ish in my 55. Works out perfect

It is a for an African tank (Lake Tang). The fish in the tanks are in my signature along with some Val. Here is the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] I was looking at or the 800gph version

Wow that is cheap! Cant really go wrong at that price!

TerenceH wrote:It is a for an African tank (Lake Tang). The fish in the tanks are in my signature along with some Val. Here is the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] I was looking at or the 800gph version

Those are what I use. Great price.

Mbuna like the current and it immitates their natural conditions! I would assume that it keeps them even more active and healthier having the extra current!

For the fish's pleasure, and for surface aeration, broad distribution is key.

For cleaning out under the rock, sometimes a stream is better.

Do you notice cleaning is at minimum with your Rocks and gravel since having the mp40w's?? I would think the process should be much like in a saltwater tank with close to the same flow where nothing really has much of a chance to settle and stays suspended and exported via filteration befor it falls?????

To be fair, that's the tank that I don't have substrate in. I do, however, have eggcrate down. The MP40W's do a nice job at pulling detritus out of the eggcrate and getting it into the water column, and then from the water column into the overflow. I believe one of the reasons is the programmable settings, which means I don't just have one steady flow of water going through the tank. These is a key element to a saltwater tank that we can all benefit from, if we're willing to spend the $.

How are your mbuna spawning over eggcrate?? That's gotta be a pain in the !!! for your females!

I don't keep any fry from that tank at the moment. A few manage to spawn successfully. The chipokae would spawn if they were on dry land, same for the red zebra. The white-tail acei have had a little success.

Ok well should I go with the 800gph or 1300 gph version?

1300. I have these in my 300 and 250 and though they move water, I can barely feel it. So for a smaller tank, it should work well.

My Koralia 5 moves, I believe, 1900gph in my 125.

My Vortechs move 3200gph each.

That should probably give you some ideas.

I do not want them creating mass current more to just circulate the water. I am going to put one in each tank. 120 corner bow and a 4ft 90.

Definately get the 1300gph!