what powerheads do u recommand
- Thread starter KahluaZzZ
- Start date
Don't use powerheads as return pumps as they don't work very well as they can't handle the head.. Get a pump specced for use as a return pump.
I like Hagens, and if I had a big tank I'd get a Tunze (1500 gallons an hour plus!). The seio looks good too, and aqua medics have a good rep. Oddly i hear the eheim aquaballs are quite dodgy.
I like Hagens, and if I had a big tank I'd get a Tunze (1500 gallons an hour plus!). The seio looks good too, and aqua medics have a good rep. Oddly i hear the eheim aquaballs are quite dodgy.
as wayne said, powerheads are not good for return pumps.
i have a Mag Drive 9.5 for a return pump and it has been great...and i think they are moderately priced. I also am running a Gen-X pump attached to a SCWD. I can never decide which I like better...the Gen-X is nice because it has a built in flow adjuster, but it can only be used in the sump. I think the Mag Drive is a little bit sturider in terms of construction and it can be used in and out of the sump
once you get a good return pump your flow worries should be taken care of unless you plan on keeping SPS corals. I do not have any powerheads in my tank, only the 3 return lines from the water pumps
i have a Mag Drive 9.5 for a return pump and it has been great...and i think they are moderately priced. I also am running a Gen-X pump attached to a SCWD. I can never decide which I like better...the Gen-X is nice because it has a built in flow adjuster, but it can only be used in the sump. I think the Mag Drive is a little bit sturider in terms of construction and it can be used in and out of the sump
once you get a good return pump your flow worries should be taken care of unless you plan on keeping SPS corals. I do not have any powerheads in my tank, only the 3 return lines from the water pumps
S. Reef - what rio.
Lets look at some numbers
Rio 600 - Max GPH 200- GPH at 4 feet = 0 9.5 Watts p hour
Rio 2100 - 692 - 375 - 25
Rio 600 - 0 gallons at 4 feet - 4 is a big way from sump to tank, but remember a 90 degree bend is worth a foot! Mind you these are cheap pumps, 15 and 35 dollars....
If you go the Drs Foster and Smith site you can find flow charts for some pumps they sell. Typically water pumps lose much less flow at a given head, especially low head heights like 4 or 5 feet.
I have no idea of the wear and tear effects of extra head on these pumps, but I doubt it does them any good...
SO you need to say to your self I have this big a tank on this size stand. I will plumb it this way with x number of 90 degree bends, and I want x gallons per hour to come out. Thus I will need this big of a pump, which will cost y dollars to buy and z dollars to run.
And then buy one size bigger.
Lets look at some numbers
Rio 600 - Max GPH 200- GPH at 4 feet = 0 9.5 Watts p hour
Rio 2100 - 692 - 375 - 25
Rio 600 - 0 gallons at 4 feet - 4 is a big way from sump to tank, but remember a 90 degree bend is worth a foot! Mind you these are cheap pumps, 15 and 35 dollars....
If you go the Drs Foster and Smith site you can find flow charts for some pumps they sell. Typically water pumps lose much less flow at a given head, especially low head heights like 4 or 5 feet.
I have no idea of the wear and tear effects of extra head on these pumps, but I doubt it does them any good...
SO you need to say to your self I have this big a tank on this size stand. I will plumb it this way with x number of 90 degree bends, and I want x gallons per hour to come out. Thus I will need this big of a pump, which will cost y dollars to buy and z dollars to run.
And then buy one size bigger.