Powerhead Help

[Zach W]

Hi guys! I wanted to get everyone’s opinions on what powerheads for a nano aquarium. I have an IM fusion 20 and I have upgraded my return pump to the sicce 1.5 and I have 2 spinstreams but there are still dead spots especially behind my rock work. I don’t have any fish or corals yet as my tank is finishing cycling but I want to make sure I have proper flow for when I do start to stock. I really like the clean look of the MP10’s, but have heard they don’t give a natural look in the tank (cause one directional flow vs back and forth like in nature). I would love to hear some of your opinions and experiences if you have this tank or other small aquariums. I know the MP10’s aren’t cheap but I’d rather buy the right peice once and not buy a bunch of ones just to end up at the same place. Thanks!

 

[Tahoe61]

I am inclined to think Gyree is an over kill, and the Tunzebell is an over kill on the 20. I absolutely loved my Mp10 on the 20 gallon and that is what I would choose again. Here are some alternative ideas and my IM 20 with an Mp10.


https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/im-nuvo-discussion-thread.330759/page-6

 

[mitch91175]

I think a Maxspect Gyre XF230 with the Apex Interface would work great, but you will have to figure out how you want it programmed and the highest level you could go with it. You can generate a decent random flow using the Apex and just with 1 powerhead.

 

[Zach W]

I am inclined to think Gyree is an over kill, and the Tunzebell is an over kill on the 20. I absolutely loved my Mp10 on the 20 gallon and that is what I would choose again. Here are some alternative ideas and my IM 20 with an Mp10.


https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/im-nuvo-discussion-thread.330759/page-6

This is probably a dumb question as it varies tank to tank but how did you decide where to place the MP10 (front,back/high,low)? Did you just move it around until you got the flow you like? Also how do I know how high of a setting I should put it on?

 

[Zach W]

I think a Maxspect Gyre XF230 with the Apex Interface would work great, but you will have to figure out how you want it programmed and the highest level you could go with it. You can generate a decent random flow using the Apex and just with 1 powerhead.

This seems like a very powerful pump with such a small tank. Do you have experience with this pump in a tank of a similar size? Any idea on the noise of this pump? I’m trying to keep my tank as quite as possible

 

[Tahoe61]

This is probably a dumb question as it varies tank to tank but how did you decide where to place the MP10 (front,back/high,low)? Did you just move it around until you got the flow you like? Also how do I know how high of a setting I should put it on?

You'll play with it to find the best flow pattern. I typically ran mine at 50% on reef crest.
You do not want to place it behind rock structures because it will defeat the purpose of circulating flow.
An Mp10 is going to provide enough flow for a 20. I like to place mine closer to the water level, about 3 inches below to facilitate surface agitation.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Mp10 is a good choice. A smaller Tunze would be great as well. If you have a budget Jeboa PP pumps are nice for the price. I will be trying out a pair of PP 8 pumps on my 75g. A couple of nano hydro pumps on a wave maker would work well too.