Do I need a power head/wave maker?

Philipgonzales3 · Jan 29, 2019

So I have a 50 gallon SC Aquariums PNP with the stock return pump (Atman PH2500). I believe it is rated for 660-700gph minus head pressure or course.

I didn't think about getting any powerheads until literally today. It's a FOWLR if that matters. The only place I've seen ditritus settle is under the rock where my Kupang Damsel sleeps and in the back corners of the tank near the overflow.

I think I have good gentle flow throughout the tank with just the return pump, but what do I know. Lol.

I'd rather not run one. I gravel vac the sand once a week and will be doing so running my phython in my filter sock before my weekly water change as not to be limited by my water change amount.

If I did need to run one or multiple, what is the best option for discrete? I know Tunze makes some power heads that don't have a cable inside the tank but if it needs to be ran on the side or near the front I'd prefer the cable in the tank so the kiddos can't yank on it. Maybe a gyre would be good?

FYI, here is a video that shows the flow a little. Notice the fake anemone swaying slowly. I had just fed the tanks a couple minutes before so you can see a little bit of suspended food flowing?

ndrwater · Jan 30, 2019

Not 100% mandatory in a FOWLER, but the older the tank gets, thr more detritus you will see.
I personally use Ecotech MP's. They can be mounted on the back of the tank for a cleaner look. Gyres are also a good option.

Hemmdog · Jan 30, 2019

Philipgonzales3 said:
So I have a 50 gallon SC Aquariums PNP with the stock return pump (Atman PH2500). I believe it is rated for 660-700gph minus head pressure or course.

I didn't think about getting any powerheads until literally today. It's a FOWLR if that matters. The only place I've seen ditritus settle is under the rock where my Kupang Damsel sleeps and in the back corners of the tank near the overflow.

I think I have good gentle flow throughout the tank with just the return pump, but what do I know. Lol.

I'd rather not run one. I gravel vac the sand once a week and will be doing so running my phython in my filter sock before my weekly water change as not to be limited by my water change amount.

If I did need to run one or multiple, what is the best option for discrete? I know Tunze makes some power heads that don't have a cable inside the tank but if it needs to be ran on the side or near the front I'd prefer the cable in the tank so the kiddos can't yank on it. Maybe a gyre would be good?

FYI, here is a video that shows the flow a little. Notice the fake anemone swaying slowly. I had just fed the tanks a couple minutes before so you can see a little bit of suspended food flowing?

Hey man! I’d go with the gyre. It will help keep your tank cleaner and allow your filtration to filter more particles. Some fish also like to have more flow in the tank so they can swim against the current. I have 2 gyre’s in my 90. I started with just one, you’d be fine with that.

Looks like you are just a light and a few months from some coral my friend! They are going to start growing on you! I promise !

Jekyl · Jan 30, 2019

Hemmdog said:
Hey man! I’d go with the gyre. It will help keep your tank cleaner and allow your filtration to filter more particles. Some fish also like to have more flow in the tank so they can swim against the current. I have 2 gyre’s in my 90. I started with just one, you’d be fine with that.

Looks like you are just a light and a few months from some coral my friend! They are going to start growing on you! I promise !

Sorry to hijack but do you have coral using the 2 gyres? I'm just researching what I should get for myself

Philipgonzales3 · Jan 30, 2019

Hemmdog said:
Hey man! I’d go with the gyre. It will help keep your tank cleaner and allow your filtration to filter more particles. Some fish also like to have more flow in the tank so they can swim against the current. I have 2 gyre’s in my 90. I started with just one, you’d be fine with that.

Looks like you are just a light and a few months from some coral my friend! They are going to start growing on you! I promise !

Which brand/model? Where should I mount It? Speaking of the lights do most of them come with a built in timer function? Couldn't find my analog timer and don't really want to fuss with it anyway. Doing 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM manual light cycle on two tanks and I think it would be cool to get something that can ramp up and down and what not.

Philipgonzales3 · Jan 30, 2019

I just did a walk around the tank and man my sand looks clean. It looks like I just vacuumed it and flattened it out. I prefer uniform sand if I can help it. My clowns don't like my advice. They like to flash in it and make little hills. I guess I'm getting my money's worth out of my wrasse.

Hemmdog · Jan 30, 2019

Philipgonzales3 said:
Which brand/model? Where should I mount It? Speaking of the lights do most of them come with a built in timer function? Couldn't find my analog timer and don't really want to fuss with it anyway. Doing 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM manual light cycle on two tanks and I think it would be cool to get something that can ramp up and down and what not.

Yea I have lots of coral, all doing well. I have 2 maxspect 230xf’s. Philip you would just need one for now but it’s cool because the controller will control two pumps. And you can buy an additional gyre with no controller for just over $100. You mount it on the side about 4-6 inches from the top.

Most good lights for coral have timers or their controller/App does. It’s very easy to make a sunrise/sunset effect as well on the light controller/App.