Powerhead advice

[mrbacony]

I have a 32 g Biocube that currently has 1 clownfish but I plan on keeping corals and invertebrates. I am thinking about getting the Hydor Koralia powerhead but wanted to know if I should get 1 of the 850gph, or 2 of the smaller ones like the 425 or 565 gph. Thanks for the advice.

 

[01xp]

Get the 2 smaller. You can place them at opposite sides to get a varying flow

 

[dzfish17]

Get the 2 smaller. You can place them at opposite sides to get a varying flow

+1

 

[lavoisier]

Howdy and welcome to R2R. That is a difficult question to answer. It depends on the amount of flow you need for the corals you decide to keep. SPS require a greater flow rate than LPS or Mushrooms and zoas. Two smaller ones allow you to direct the flow a little more effectively. Good luck.

 

[mrbacony]

Wow. Thank you all for such quick replies. I am really not sure what kind of coral I will be keeping. I was not to that stage yet and still looking into it. But it sounds like the best thing to do is get 2 and place on opposite ends.

 

[snulma1]

The idea of 2 powerheads to create a more random/turbulent flow is a great idea.
However you should balance this with how much real estate (space) it will take up. The 32g bio cube has a good amount of space, but do you really want, or need to give it up for more powerhead than is necessary?
To me, I think 1 of the smaller ones will likely be enough.

 

[sharpimage]

I would go with 2, and look at a DC pump instead. Also it isnt needed for a fish only system

 

[mrbacony]

If I did only go with one, what about upsizing to the Hydor 1150? That would give me around 35 x flow. I would think due to the size of the Biocube and square shape, this additional flow would be strong enough to wrap around the whole tank. I don't know if this is the case, just spitballin'

 

[Clownfish_Boy]

I would go with two 400 GPH heads controlled by a wavemaker to alternate the flow every few seconds. Position the powerheads at opposite ends of the tank.

 

[PTXReef]

Just chiming in and agreeing with everyone else (2 smaller powerheads)! I initially got a powerhead that was way too strong for my tank so I went back to the LFS and they swapped it out for me. Maybe ask your LFS if they'll do the same if you end up not liking the set up or if it is too powerful.

 

[Wee Mad Arthur]

I have an AI Nero 5 in a 24G. Lots of power range, low profile and a very configurable app. I would however advise the use of a 3D printed guard for it to stop anything getting sucked in the back. Oh and it’s super easy to clean!

 

[mrbacony]

Well i picked up one 530gph Sicce Voyager Nano from BRS. Since i don’t have coral yet, i decided to try out this pump to see if i liked it and then buy a second one before i buy coral. The size of this one seems tiny so it should not take up much room