Nano Aquarium 12 Gallon Fluval flow issues

[Tham121988]

So I'm having some issues with powerhead movement in such a small place. It's about 17.7" high and 17" wide. This dimensions of the tank I believe is playing a part in it. I have 2 powerheads (one a jaebo and one a koralia nano (very weak but does its purpose). I needed another one because I wasn't getting enough flow towards the bottom of the tank. I added the jaebo this week since it had a wave maker or something similar. My issue is that now it blows my substrate all around. Even if it is just slightly I end up getting holes or bares spots. I have literally moved these things up down left right and can't find a decent place to put it without it blowing sand around which gets all over my coral. What do you all do for flow in small tanks and keep the sandstorm away? Is this jaebo not a good fit?

 

[ahiggins]

can you post a pic of the tank so we know where overflow and where everything is positioned?
I like to have two in a tank and aim them towards eachother in the back of the tank. Then have the filter or return pump blow straight from back to front.

 

[ahiggins]

oh, I also use the koralia nano, the smallest they have. I have one in my fluval 5, and 2 in my 10 gal with a HOB filter flow.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Jebao released a new series called SW. They are build on the same RW/PP premise but have the ability to work with Apex controllers if you need that option. (You don't have to have the Apex.)But they make the SW-2 which is smaller than the RW/PP-4 and comes with a controller. You can find it on Fish Street.

 

[Tham121988]

I'll check those out for sure! I can still return this one. Sure let me get a picture uploaded for you!

 

[Tham121988]

 

[najer]

What setting have you used / are you using, that will not work in there on else mode but should be ok on setting 1 or 2 on a wave mode?

 

[ahiggins]

wow....how big is that tank? lotsa filtration on there LOL​

I would keep the left where it is, move the right one to mimic the left-directly across from it. So you will have a left one and a right one that are hitting eachother creating 3 "beams" of flow.
If you have a return pump, I would move the left and right (still mimicking each other like I stated) further towards the back of the tank and aim the return pump flow towards the center of the front glass.
This works really well for my cube at home.

If you look as the left or right side of the tank, imagine a cross:

Pic to come shortly

​

 

[ahiggins]

First two pics show how the side power heads will flow.
Second shows how you should angle the return pump.

This is how I have my cube set up, let me know how it works for you

 

[Tham121988]

What setting have you used / are you using, that will not work in there on else mode but should be ok on setting 1 or 2 on a wave mode?

I've tried them all. Mostly could do W1 on S3. Seemed to be the slowest. I think this one is just too powerful for this tank.

 

[Tham121988]

wow....how big is that tank? lotsa filtration on there LOL​

I would keep the left where it is, move the right one to mimic the left-directly across from it. So you will have a left one and a right one that are hitting eachother creating 3 "beams" of flow.
If you have a return pump, I would move the left and right (still mimicking each other like I stated) further towards the back of the tank and aim the return pump flow towards the center of the front glass.
This works really well for my cube at home.

If you look as the left or right side of the tank, imagine a cross:

Pic to come shortly

​

Its a 12 gallon. The reason I did the sump is because there is very very little space in this aquarium and the HOB filter was not going to be nearly enough so I build a sump and modified the tank. Then I got carried away. Part of reefing I guess lol

 

[ahiggins]

ohh that makes sense lol Ive been there
As far as the circulation pumps-both of mine are koralia nanos and the return is like 200 g/hr so not very strong at all.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I used koralias on freshwater. I had nothing but issue with them. The ones I had which were the 465 and 565 I think? Very loud and vibrate a lot. The metal needles will eventually corrode, as well.

 

[ahiggins]

Hmm how long did it take?

 

[reeferfoxx]

Hmm how long did it take?

I suppose I should say, can corrode. I admittedly neglected one of the pumps that were in a 10 gallon. I set the tank outside for an extended amount of time. I just think ceramic is they way to go.

 

[ahiggins]

Ok, can you link a good ceramic one? Preferably one that doesn't cost my first born child lol

 

[reeferfoxx]

Jebao uses ceramic needles

Jebao SW-2 is good for up to 15 gallons. $65 http://www.fish-street.com/jebao_sw-2_wave_maker
RW/PP - 4 is good for 20-45 gallons. $43 https://www.amazon.com/Jebao-PP-4-530-1000-Wavemaker-Controller/dp/B0192HNEEA

 

[Tham121988]

I have had a hydor for my 55 gal and I left it in the elements un cleaned for years. Thought it was toast. Cleaned it and am using it today.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I have had a hydor for my 55 gal and I left it in the elements un cleaned for years. Thought it was toast. Cleaned it and am using it today.

Nice! Mine worked. Sort of... Lol