Powerhead placement question for barebottom.

dhjunkie

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Thinking about placing the powerheads in the bottom back corners facing each other. Theoretically it should force most detritus to settle toward the front where I can easily vacuum it out during water changes. Could also keep uneaten food and poo suspended longer and therefore a better chance of getting filtered out instead of settling. Overall hoping this could result is a little more efficient nutrient export. Sound logical? Totally stupid idea? What do you y'all think?
 
Thinking about placing the powerheads in the bottom back corners facing each other. Theoretically it should force most detritus to settle toward the front where I can easily vacuum it out during water changes. Could also keep uneaten food and poo suspended longer and therefore a better chance of getting filtered out instead of settling. Overall hoping this could result is a little more efficient nutrient export. Sound logical? Totally stupid idea? What do you y'all think?

Not a bad idea at all. Some go with a powerhead high on one side and a power head low on the other, some using opposing power heads like you suggest, others aim for a circular flow around the tank with gyres and/or power heads, and there are many more options.

Based on your plan, a variation to consider if you have any automation (or when you choose to add it in the future), you could have the two power heads that are aimed at the other to alternate where one is on for a while, then they are both on, and then the second one is on for a while, etc. There are a lot of options which will vary based on your aquascaping, corals, and more. It sounds like you are on the right track so move forward and listen to your tank. It will likely tell you if and where you need more or less flow - good luck!
 
Thinking about placing the powerheads in the bottom back corners facing each other. Theoretically it should force most detritus to settle toward the front where I can easily vacuum it out during water changes. Could also keep uneaten food and poo suspended longer and therefore a better chance of getting filtered out instead of settling. Overall hoping this could result is a little more efficient nutrient export. Sound logical? Totally stupid idea? What do you y'all think?
I think that is a great idea!
 
Not a bad idea at all. Some go with a powerhead high on one side and a power head low on the other, some using opposing power heads like you suggest, others aim for a circular flow around the tank with gyres and/or power heads, and there are many more options.

Based on your plan, a variation to consider if you have any automation (or when you choose to add it in the future), you could have the two power heads that are aimed at the other to alternate where one is on for a while, then they are both on, and then the second one is on for a while, etc. There are a lot of options which will vary based on your aquascaping, corals, and more. It sounds like you are on the right track so move forward and listen to your tank. It will likely tell you if and where you need more or less flow - good luck!
Thank you!
 

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