Strength ofPower Head Needed

[MatthewLaw]

Greetings All- I just started my 29g tank and wonder how powerful a powerhead I need.

I know that usually more powerful is better (filter, protein skimmer) but does that apply to powerheads too? Is 175gph adequate or should I be looking at 300gph?

Thanks. -Matt

 

[zoalover34]

i would be aim upwards of 800gph or more.. alot of people want 10-20x turnover rate.. Just my opinion tho, if you had to choose between the 2 i would go with the 300 but the more the better as you stated

 

[MatthewLaw]

thanks for the help. i was not sure if 800gph was just way too much for the fish and it would be likea hurricane for the fish.

so i guess AT VERY LEAST 600ph (20x 29g)?

Besides strength, how many powerheads do I need? One from each end of the tank or is ONE powerful powerhead sufficient?

Thanks again!

 

[zoalover34]

1 is fine or you could use 2 weaker ones it really doesn't matter.. One thing to remember is that they produce heat so if you use a few smaller ones it will be adding some heat to the tank just keep that in mind.. I have 1 power head in my 55 and will be transfering it to my smaller tank once everything is sold..

 

[MatthewLaw]

interesting thanks for the help.

 

[Lorna]

Actually 2 is always better than one as you are aiming to recreate random flow which with one powerhead you will get a toilet bowl effect. Two powerheads aimmed towards the front center where they will collide and create random flow like fish would experience on a reef is what you are aiming for. Also aim them at the surface as you want to ripple the surface to aide the oxygen exchange which happens more easily if the water surface is agitated

 

[MatthewLaw]

Thanks for the furhter clarification and help.

Do you suggest 2 (600gph) Power heads or two heads that total 600gph? In effect are the two (600gph) too forceful for fish in a 29g tank?

 

[brooklynfish]

You could put 2 400gph-300gph powerheads. Or 1 200gph and 1 400gph powerhead

 

[MatthewLaw]

thanks for the help. i will stay within that sum 600-800gph range!

 

[Joe Fish]

I'm a fan of lots of flow. I have about 2150 GPH in my 65g. Keeping the detrius suspended at all times is important. This will help the skimmer remove some of it. Plus, if you plan on having coral it will help push food and elements to them.