How many power heads?

[millerhogan]

Is there any advantage or disadvantage to having more than one power head in the tank? I only have one in the tank at the moment and have it pointed slightly up to break the surface tension of the water. I am thinking of adding a second power head at the other end of the tank to put flow directly on my LR and Corals. Thoughts?

[Phurst]

You pretty much can't have too much flow IMO, unless you're blowing directly on the corals. The only drawback is each PH adds a little heat to the system. What size is your tank again? I can't imagine just having one PH in anything but the smallest tank.

[millerhogan]

My tank is 72 gallons

[Phurst]

Then yes, you could almost certainly benefit from more flow. Most people aim for 10x turnover in tank as a minimum. That would be 720GPH in your case.

[AZDesertRat]

Two or more in opposing corners works well, the flow meets in the middle and puts off all sorts or eddys and back currents.

[bbl_nk]

Definitely should have two in there at least. Look into getting ones with the appropriate amount of flow and a wise choice are the wide-flow or prop style powerheads. I have two Seio P1000's in my 75g along with around 500gph of flow from my return and I could use more! I do like the Seio's and they are priced right for under $40 you can get the 1500gph or 1000gph models. Koralia is also another option that a lot of people use, a little bit more expensive and u-g-l-y IMHO.

[saxman]

a little bit more expensive and u-g-l-y IMHO

they're ALL ugly...altho i agree that Korallias are an 11 on the ugly scale of 10.

[millerhogan]

I looked at my powerhead when I cleaned it last week and it is 1200 gph, so I should have enough flow with the one powerhead. The guy I trust at the LFS (he has given me virtually the same advice as these forums) suggested that if I want to add a second one to place both on the back of the tank and aim them both toward the center of the glass at the front of the tank. This should produce two counter currents to somewhat simulate the swirls and eddies in the ocean. It is a less expensive way to create a tide effect without the expense and complexity of a tide machine.

[lReef lKeeper]

I looked at my powerhead when I cleaned it last week and it is 1200 gph, so I should have enough flow with the one powerhead.

is that a maxi jet 1200 ?? or a koralia 1200 ?? i ask because a MJ1200 only produces 295gph and a koralia actually does 1200gph.

[V]

Quote:
a little bit more expensive and u-g-l-y IMHO
they're ALL ugly...altho i agree that Korallias are an 11 on the ugly scale of 10.

They always looked like a magnetic butt plug to me, ok so i saw one once, no biggy, & no dont ask!!! ...lol

[millerhogan]

It is a Koralia 1200 gph

[lReef lKeeper]

i, personally, would add at least one more. i am a firm believer that flow is just as important as lighting.

[CarmieJo]

I agree that flow is as important as lighting. A second Koralia would be a good investment.

[Phurst]

And produce more random flow. 1200 GPH is a good bit of flow, but if it's always flowing in the same direction, in the same places, then there's room for improvement.

[millerhogan]

I've ordered a second matching Koralia 1200 gph power head. I should have it early next week.

[millerhogan]

@Phurst - I noticed the statistics at the bottom of your post. Are you using some sort of automated system to control your aquarium? If so, would you mind providing a little information about it?

[Phurst]

Yes, I have an Aquacontroller III Pro running my 40 Breeder. It controls up to 8 devices (expandable to, I think 64). In my case, lights, cooling fans, heater, ozone, powerhead 1, powerhead 2, CO2 for my calcium reactor and my refugium light. it also monitors temperature, pH, ORP, and salinity. It's web enabled, so I can change the programing ot turn devices off and on from anywhere with an internet connection as well as monitor tank conditions. It can also email me if things get too far out of whack.

Neptune Systems - AquaControllers - AquaController 3 Pro

[lReef lKeeper]

Yes, I have an Aquacontroller III Pro running my 40 Breeder. It controls up to 8 devices (expandable to, I think 64). In my case, lights, cooling fans, heater, ozone, powerhead 1, powerhead 2, CO2 for my calcium reactor and my refugium light. it also monitors temperature, pH, ORP, and salinity. It's web enabled, so I can change the programing ot turn devices off and on from anywhere with an internet connection as well as monitor tank conditions. It can also email me if things get too far out of whack.

i guess im gonna need access to the login for it when you go on vacation !! now if i could just get it to "beam" me over some corals !! lol

[Phurst]

LOL, the point is that I can monitor it while I'm on vacation If I gave you the URL and password, you'd be turnig my lights off and on to mess with me.

[lReef lKeeper]

LOL, the point is that I can monitor it while I'm on vacation If I gave you the URL and password, you'd be turnig my lights off and on to mess with me.

i would never !!

[Phurst]

If you want to check it out (either of you), I can PM you the URL and a temporary password.

[lReef lKeeper]

If you want to check it out (either of you), I can PM you the URL and a temporary password.

a temp password would take all of the fun out it !!