Powerhead placement

[ernie309]

Hi there,

Im hoping you can help me, I have an 8'x2'x2' saltwater aquarium and I am unsure on the placement of my powerheads.

I know this isn't always the easiest answer, as it's something that needs to be played around with over time but it would be great to get some advice on a good starting point from more experienced reefers.

I have 2 MP40's and 2 reefwave 45s.

I was possibly thinking both MP40's on the back wall, roughly mid way down, one on the left and one on the right then the 2 reefwaves opposite each other on the sides of the tank for ample surface agitation.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Andy

 

[ernie309]

This is the tank currently, as you can see I have 1 reefwave, and the MP40's. I think these need to be moved though to improve the water movement, along with the addition of the second reefwave.

Andy

 

[Waters]

Do you have a sandbed or is it BB?

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Pretty much what I did.

6 power heads, big ones on the end, then other four spaced evenly on the back wall.

 

[ernie309]

Do you have a sandbed or is it BB?

Hi there, its a sandbed

 

[ernie309]

Pretty much what I did.

6 power heads, big ones on the end, then other four spaced evenly on the back wall.

Thank you nuxx, so are suggest 2 reefwaves on the sides then the 2 MP40's on the back wall Is a good idea?

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Thank you nuxx, so are suggest 2 reefwaves on the sides then the 2 MP40's on the back wall Is a good idea?

I did the opposite.

Two biggest pumps on the sides, then four smaller on the back wall.

Also had two large return pumps coming out of the top middle.

 

[Waters]

I run my two MP40s on the back wall but almost on the bottom (no sand) to kick stuff up to the overflow. I have the remaining pumps 3/4 of the way up also on the back wall but pointed towards the surface and middle of tank.

 

[acesfull44]

I have a Planet 310 which is similar in size and have the exact same wavemakers you have. ReefWaves on each end, MP40s on the back wall towards the center of the tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi there,

Im hoping you can help me, I have an 8'x2'x2' saltwater aquarium and I am unsure on the placement of my powerheads.

I know this isn't always the easiest answer, as it's something that needs to be played around with over time but it would be great to get some advice on a good starting point from more experienced reefers.

I have 2 MP40's and 2 reefwave 45s.

I was possibly thinking both MP40's on the back wall, roughly mid way down, one on the left and one on the right then the 2 reefwaves opposite each other on the sides of the tank for ample surface agitation.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Andy

Go end to end and 2-3 small ones in the center or a gyre or two in the center. This will keep water moving, prevent dead spots and sediment off of coral which is one of the biggest coral stressors

 

[ernie309]

I have a Planet 310 which is similar in size and have the exact same wavemakers you have. ReefWaves on each end, MP40s on the back wall towards the center of the tank.

Thank you for your reply, the MP40s are towards the middle of the tank? In terms of depth are they towards the top of the tank?

 

[ernie309]

Go end to end and 2-3 small ones in the center or a gyre or two in the center. This will keep water moving, prevent dead spots and sediment off of coral which is one of the biggest coral stressors

Thank you for your reply. I'm thinking the reefwaves at opposite ends to each other, and then the 2 MP40's towards the back centre of the tank roughly a third of the way down?

 

[acesfull44]

Thank you for your reply, the MP40s are towards the middle of the tank? In terms of depth are they towards the top of the tank?

Yes. 2 ft from each end, so you have one every 2 ft of the tank.

 

[ernie309]

Yes. 2 ft from each end, so you have one every 2 ft of the tank.

Thank you very much, I will move the pumps around today to match your suggestion. Thank you for your help

 

[acesfull44]

I run all of them on Reef Crest Mode and

 

[ernie309]

I run all of them on Reef Crest Mode and

Thank you for the advice.

I've just added the new reefwave and moved the MP40s to the back. What is the highest setting you run the MP40s on?

 

[acesfull44]

Thank you for the advice.

I've just added the new reefwave and moved the MP40s to the back. What is the highest setting you run the MP40s on?

Start at 40%. See how the corals respond after a bit and adjust accordingly

 

[ernie309]

Start at 40%. See how the corals respond after a bit and adjust accordingly