Extra powerhead location in sump

[Mombo]

Hi yall. I have an extra powerhead that I would like to utilize. I have been considering putting a powerhead in my sump and now I have one to do it.

First - Putting a powerhead in the sump is a decent idea correct?

Second - Should I put it in the first section (skimmer section) of my sump OR the Middle section (Chaeto fuge)?

Third - Also if I have some marine pure in my sump should I keep it in the chamber the powerhead is not in? Does the flow matter for the bacteria? Or doesnt matter?

Its a tunze 6045...

 

[Brew12]

Hi yall. I have an extra powerhead that I would like to utilize. I have been considering putting a powerhead in my sump and now I have one to do it.

First - Putting a powerhead in the sump is a decent idea correct?

Second - Should I put it in the first section (skimmer section) of my sump OR the Middle section (Chaeto fuge)?

Third - Also if I have some marine pure in my sump should I keep it in the chamber the powerhead is not in? Does the flow matter for the bacteria? Or doesnt matter?

Its a tunze 6045...

1) Many people do it. If you run lower flow through your sump it may not be a bad idea. Every system is different though.
2) Most people put it in the fuge section when they add one. It is commonly used to keep chaeto rotating.
3) It depends what your goals are. If you are using it to hold bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrite then you want it in higher flows. If you want it to break down nitrate then you need to create an anaerobic zone in it which requires lower flow.

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

I have two: One is in the fuge on a timer and comes on three times overnight to rotate my chaeto. The other is in my return compartment and runs constantly. My dosing tubes terminate there and I use the powerhead to instantly disperse the drops as they hit the water, otherwise I get buildup on the bottom of the sump.

 

[mfinn]

I have a small powerhead in my refugium area. Chaeto seems to grow better with the water moving around.

 

[Mombo]

I dont have a doser setup yet but I am planning on it. I think my doser lines are in the skimmer section (sump has built in holder) . So maybe I will need a powerhead for both chambers.

 

[Brew12]

I dont have a doser setup yet but I am planning on it. I think my doser lines are in the skimmer section (sump has built in holder) . So maybe I will need a powerhead for both chambers.

Normally, probe holders are built into the skimmer section. Doser line holders are normally built into the return section.

 

[Swoody]

I had a leftover JW8 after I purchased an MP 40 and I put it into my sump in the center section which is full of live rock on mine though, not Chaeto. I’m not sure if there’s any benefit but it certainly isn’t hurting anything down there.

 

[mfinn]

I dont have a doser setup yet but I am planning on it. I think my doser lines are in the skimmer section (sump has built in holder) . So maybe I will need a powerhead for both chambers.

Not really. I would just go with one in the refugium area.

 

[Mombo]

I have a Bashsea sump and it has 4 probe holders in the fuge area and 4 doser hose holders in the skimmer section. Hopefully it won’t be bad for the skimmer? I could prob just not use the stock ones.

Thanks for all the help. I’ll aim to put one in both sections in the future but I’ll start with the fuge.

 

[Susan Edwards]

Normally, probe holders are built into the skimmer section. Doser line holders are normally built into the return section.

My doser lines are also in the skimmer section and probes I think are in the fuge.

Edit, just saw above. Yep, a Bashsea

 

[Brew12]

I have a Bashsea sump and it has 4 probe holders in the fuge area and 4 doser hose holders in the skimmer section. Hopefully it won’t be bad for the skimmer? I could prob just not use the stock ones.

Thanks for all the help. I’ll aim to put one in both sections in the future but I’ll start with the fuge.

That is a bit unusual of an arrangement but I wouldn't worry about being bad for the skimmer. The only thing I could see it doing is giving you some odd probe readings depending on what you are dosing.