How to Choose the Right Powerhead for your Reef Aquarium 662 39

Reef tank 8 years ago 95,768 views

http://mdshop.us/1mWbIuW Water flow in a reef aquarium is absolutely crucial to create a healthy environment for the animals inside the tank. Wild reefs are naturally very turbulent and creating natural flow patterns will help keep debris suspended in your tank, promote proper gas exchange, and help deliver food and nutrients to your tank inhabitants. When building a reef tank, submersible pumps often called “powerheads” are used to create water movement inside the tank. In this video, we are going take the guesswork out of shopping for powerheads and show you guys how to choose the appropriate powerheads for your tank. VIEW ACCOMPANYING BLOG POST (with full video transcript): http://mdshop.us/1UPoVRg WATCH GYRE VIDEO: http://mdshop.us/22ZOsgM WATCH RETURN PUMP VIDEO: http://mdshop.us/1PbQwI1 SHOP FOR POWERHEADS: http://mdshop.us/1W89pBps LEARN MORE ABOUT HYDOR KORALIA PUMPS: http://mdshop.us/200MuKy LEARN MORE ABOUT TUNZE STREAM & NANOSTREAM PUMPS: http://mdshop.us/1niUVTq LEARN MORE ABOUT ECOTECH MARINE PUMPS: http://mdshop.us/1PrY7me LEARN MORE ABOUT MAXSPECT GYRE PUMPS: http://mdshop.us/1JKVmQx LEARN MORE ABOUT NEPTUNE SYSTEMS WAV PUMPS: http://mdshop.us/1niV21p LEARN MORE ABOUT COBALT AQUATICS MJ PUMPS: http://mdshop.us/1l6HAvH LEARN MORE ABOUT TAAM RIO PUMPS: http://mdshop.us/1SiABhO Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest aquarium news and to stay up-to-date on all our Fishmas deals. We appreciate you watching and until next time, take care and happy reef keeping.

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Most popular comments
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Zachary Stevens - 6 years ago

Do I need a wave maker if I only have clownfish? Is it just for corals?

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 6 years ago

You do want to ensure you have some natural like water movement inside the aquarium to keep the tank happy and healthy.

CoMplEtley rAndum - 6 years ago

Will a wave maker function as well as a powerhead

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 6 years ago

Well it sort of depends on the exact unit your talking about. Sometime the word is interchangeable. Feel free to contact our technical support team directly for fast and friendly advice.

1-800-566-3474
customercare@marinedepot.com

Zaid Still - 6 years ago

Would you recommend me get a power head for just my salt water fish ? I do not have any live rock or corral. But if my fish will like it, I want to get it. It’s a 65 gallon tank. Thank you

Zaid Still - 6 years ago

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies, thank you for the info.

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 6 years ago

Yes, the ocean is naturally very turbulent and a powerhead is a great way to not only recreate a natural environment for the fish but also helps with proper gas exchange and keep waste/detritus suspended so your filtration can remove it. You can check out powerheads on our website below!

http://mdshop.us/2BrkKbP

-Robert @ MD

Wessel Verloop - 7 years ago

is just a build in return pump enough flow for a 60 liter nano reef?

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

Sorry for the confusion but I am not exactly sure what you are asking. Feel free to clarify on here or contact us directly via email or phone. We have a wonderful support team available to help out and answer your questions anytime.
1-800-566-3474
customercare@marinedepot.com

Maria Tran - 7 years ago

Can I use eflux wave pump instead of those pumps?

Randy Helms - 7 years ago

are the flow recommendations of 10-20 for softies and 20-40 for sps based on display tank volume or overall tank volume including sump size?

Randy Helms - 7 years ago

Ok I will have a 45 gallon with a 20-30 sump so I will pick up something rated for in the middle. Thank you for the help.

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

Yes, the flow rate recommendations are based on your entire system volume. Whether or not you include the sump size or not is sort of situational. I would say include the sump if it is only 15%-30% of your display tank in terms of size. If you are running a larger sump that holds just as much water as the display, I would say leave it out of your calculation.

I hope this helps and feel free to let us know if you have more questions.

-Robert @ MD

Nick Nathu - 7 years ago

Help! I can find a correct powerhead for my tank,

29g biocube

1 clownfish
1 scooter blenny

Coral

Large frog spawn
Large colony of red hornet
Small colony of rastas
Small hammer
Medium tubbs blue
Thanks for the help

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

The Hydor Koralia Nano is a great choice!

http://mdshop.us/2vPJg3k

Young Blacksmoke - 7 years ago

I have a fluval evo 5 gallon, what powerhead is Best for it?

Young Blacksmoke - 7 years ago

Oh ok.. what aBout a rw4 or wp10? Or just stick with hydor koralia 240?

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

Hydro Koralia Nano is great!

http://mdshop.us/2fvkqiO

alientech86 - 7 years ago

i have a 10 gallon AIO tank that comes with a return pump. I have soft and LPS in that tank. Should i add a powerhead ? or the return pump is good enough already

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

In most cases, a powerhead will be a huge benefit to the aquarium not only for the coral but also for keeping the tank clean and healthy.

10. comment for How to Choose the Right Powerhead for your Reef Aquarium

Javier Flores - 7 years ago

I have a 80 gal boyu LH1000 tank, what is the correct wave maker I should use mp10 or mp40? and how many need 1 or 2 ?

Javier Flores - 7 years ago

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies, Regards, I will buy 2 mp10.

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

I would recommend x2 of the MP10 pumps or a single MP40. By using two pumps you can spread flow into the areas you need it more easily.

Christopher Rice - 7 years ago

what size powerhead would you recommend for a tank of 65 gal 36Lx25Tx18W

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

Total internal flow should be 650-1300 GPH. You can use a single pump or split this up between two controllable pumps for the best control over the water movement in your tank.

The EcoTech Marine MP10 is my favorite for tanks of this size.
http://mdshop.us/2gLvdIO

Glenn Gilbert - 7 years ago

I have a 28 gallon bow front aquarium with pulsing Xenia and some mushroom corals. The Xenia's have spread to all over the tank. I also have a couple of clown fish in the tank. My Hydor power head froze up over the weekend. Which power head would you recommend for my tank and how many would I need? Thanks

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

The Tunze Nanostream 6020 is an excellent pump!

http://mdshop.us/2s9MIXZ

mark garcia - 7 years ago

What's the best pump for a bio cube 29 Salt reef tank

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

For internal flow, I would take a look at the Tunze NanoStream 6020.

http://mdshop.us/2s9MIXZ

Jbueno - 7 years ago

2000gph /50gal is al little shot of flow for a sps , in my opinion

Valentine - 7 years ago

My reef tank is a custom made trigon it has a very curved front glass I find getting the power heads in a good place hard the triangular shape of the tank makes it difficult and there are hardly no tanks like mine anywhere for me to gain knowledge from

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

This is a pretty common problem for the corner tanks. It is usually best to employ a couple of smaller powerheads as apposed to one large one in order to spread the flow around your tank. Another good addition is the oscillating return nozzles which can spread flow in various directions. I linked the return nozzles below in order for you to check them out online.

http://mdshop.us/2mt84cu

Koh Melvin - 7 years ago

I have a 50 gallon innovative marine tank that uses a 476 gph return pump. What is the correct type wave marker i should use for my tank? And how do you calculate that ? Thanks

Javier Flores - 7 years ago

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies , I have a tank boyu LH1000 80 gal, what is the best wave maker for this tank? mp10 or mp40 and quantity 1 or 2 ?

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

I would recommend one or two submersible powerheads. The EcoTech Marine MP10 pumps would be a great choice here and I provided a link below.

http://mdshop.us/2mf1QOn

Take care and happy reefkeeping!

-Robert @ MD

Doneƒx 前奏 - 7 years ago

Hi, i have a 40g reef tank whats the powerhead is right? i have one 739gph is enough?

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

The answer would really depend on what kind of coral you are trying to keep. If you mostly have softies and some LPS that is sounds like you should have enough flow, but if you have an SPS dominant tank you would need to up it to somewhere between 800gph and 1600gph.

Dave R - 7 years ago

Should powerheads stay on 24hours?

HighRollahz808 - 7 years ago

Dave R yes. This creates a water flow current almost as it is in the ocean. I'm pretty sure the ocean doesn't turn off huh?

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

Yes, in most cases you want your powerhead to run 24/7. If you are using a controllable powerhead on a reef tank, it is pretty common to lower the speed during the evening hours only in order to more closely mimic the ocean environment.

Mike E - 7 years ago

So if I went with max spect for a great powerhead and echotech for great lighting that would work fine?

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

Yes, that will be a perfect combination! These are both some of the most widely used and highly respected pieces of equipment around.

20. comment for How to Choose the Right Powerhead for your Reef Aquarium

Lee and Mandy Battersby - 7 years ago

Hi i have a 6gallon nano with soft and lps could please give me a idea of what wavemaker would be best thanks

Lee and Mandy Battersby - 7 years ago

Thank you that's very helpful

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

The Hydor Koralia Nano is your best bet for a small tank. I have provided a link below for you to check them out on our website.

http://mdshop.us/2ip4EFt

metin saydam - 7 years ago

Hi İ have a 150*50*60h fresh water aquarium How to Choose the Right Powerhead how lt/h per hour please help

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 7 years ago

With freshwater aquariums; internal flow should be far less when compared to most marine aquariums. I would recommend about 2-3 times total tank volume per hour and adjust accordingly. Much of this depends on the type of fish you keep in the tank and whether or not they prefer a placid or more turbulent environment. Keep in mind this internal flow rate is completely separate from the rate of flow through your filtration.

Feel free to contact us directly if you have more questions.
customercare@marinedepot.com
1-800-566-3474

ad78 - 8 years ago

Jebao PP-20 FTW lol

mark fernandez - 8 years ago

Hello I have a 45 gallon tank

36in x 24in x 12in

Where should I place my 2 power heads

One is 700 gph and the other is 500 gph

For this tank I'm planning on having softies and LPS

Cheers,
Mark

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago

This all depends on the rock work and coral placement. The ultimate goal is to acheive water movement throughout the entire tank without any dead spots. Start with one powerhead on each end of the tank and evaluate; if you see detritus build up or algae growing it may be a good idea to switch things up.

George El-Qasses - 8 years ago

Thank you for the info.
I have a corner 54 gal tank. Where is the best place to place a water heads

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago

Corner tanks are a little tricky simply because of the shape. I have had good luck placing one powerhead on each of the back walls for a total of two pumps.

Diamonte Oliver - 8 years ago

Im starting my first 20 Gallon High Saltwater tank, so what powerhead would be good for me...I am having a Fish Only With Live Rock and some artificial coral in the tank.

Joe Isola - 8 years ago

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies How would you place/position that powerhead?

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago

Check out the Hydor Koralia Nano pumps. They are affordable and reliable; you would want the 425 GPH model if you choose to use one pump. Being a 20 Gallon Tall, you might be better off with two of the smaller 240 GPH models to help spread the flow around your rocks.

http://mdshop.us/2adnn4g

Max Power - 8 years ago

thanks or the video,can you elaborate more in positioning and how low or high to place the pwerheads. thanks

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago

+Max Power Thanks for watching. This is all based on your tank, with so many factors that come into play it is difficult to make an exact recommendation. With a bit more detail about your tank, I can help you further.

The most typical positioning would be one pump and each side of your tank, one placed towards the top and one towards the bottom. With that in mind, be careful not to place the pumps too close to the sand or else you will end up with a sandstorm. The same goes for the top, if the pump is too close to the surface it will pull air from the surface and shoot bubbles into your tank.

After the initial placement of your pumps, observe your tank and adjust as needed in an attempt to eliminate any dead-spots or areas of low water flow.

The Casual Reefer - 8 years ago

spot on video guys!

Wissam Youssef - 8 years ago

you forgot to mention that if i have 2 pumps (1000 gph each) and they oscillate (i.e., Left on + Right off, then, Left off + Right on), then my turn-over is really 1000 gph not 2000 gph.

Rotter Tube Reef - 8 years ago

good video thanks

30. comment for How to Choose the Right Powerhead for your Reef Aquarium

Chris Crubaugh - 8 years ago

This video was excellent for explaining why you need power heads, but no real explanation of how to choose the correct one. This is what the video was labeled as. Bummer.

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago

+Chris Crubaugh Glad to help!

Chris Crubaugh - 8 years ago

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - Thanks so much!

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago

+Chris Crubaugh For the wide majority, you have two types. Wide flow propeller powerheads like the Hydor Koralia and EcoTech Marine VorTech pumps which produce a wide, turbulent flow; the best option for moving large areas of open water. Then you have jet stream impeller powerheads such as the Cobalt MJ pumps which produce a concentrated high velocity laminar flow which are great for targeting a specific area in your tank. The new Maxspect Gyre is also a great option which is quite unique and produces a laminar type flow and the only pump available on the market; many hobbyists are experiencing great results as the Gyre pumps can eliminate dead spots and relieve the need for multiple powerheads. From 1:11 - 2:04 in the video I explain the differences between the different type of pumps.

I hope this clears up your questions but feel free to let us know if you need further assistance. With a bit more detail about your tank we can suggest some specific pumps for you to consider.

-Robert F.

Chris Crubaugh - 8 years ago

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - Thanks Robert! I would love to know the differences between the different power heads out there. There are shaped differently for a reason I am assuming? So how DO I choose between them.

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago

+Chris Crubaugh We are happy to help you further! Feel free to shoot us an email (customercare@marinedepot.com) or respond here with your questions.

-Robert F.

About How to Choose the Right Powerhead for your Reef Aquarium

The "How to Choose the Right Powerhead for your Reef Aquarium" video is part of the reef tank, salt water category, which contains similar videos like this one.