powerhead question...

[Tmar]

I bought a maxijet 400 powerhead for my 10 gallon setup. It has 3 different modes (3 different uses)
1. powerhead mode = 110 gph
2. circulation mode = 500 gph
3. utility mode = 3.0'
First I had it set on the powerhead mode in my 10 gallon tank, but I was worried that it wasn't providing the flow I needed in all the nooks and crannies around my rockscape. I changed it to the circulation mode to "circulate" and I KNOW it is getting in ALL the nooks and crannies, but it also seems VERY tooooooooo much, makes a lot of noise, churns little tornados at the top and kicks up bubbles and sand ... I really need some input about how to gain the "circulation" I need in the powerhead mode.

Also, I dont have a skimmer but plan to do regular weekly water changes once my tank has cycled ... input on this being sufficient for a 10 gallon?

pics of the exact setup can be found: https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/new-saltwater-reef-aquariums-post-here/136479-me-again.html

 

[Kgedelian]

It may be to mush power for a 10 gallon, Powerhead mode may be the way to go im guessing..

 

[AquaJunkie]

I have a 10 gallon with 2 power heads in it.
One points at the surface to break the water
And the other is pointed down at the glass so my coral don't get to much directional flow.

I'd try circulation mode but pointed at the glass with the powerhead aimed more towards the surface.

 

[Tmar]

I have it ON circulation (500gph) mode now, it is pointed slightly downward directly into the rock in front of it... if I point it ANYwhere at the glass it begins to kick up quite a sandstorm! It creates a little tornado above the head, at the surface of the water that spins down until the point actually touches the powerhead at which point it sucks in air from the surface, burps oodles of bubbles and then starts the little tornado all over again. This whole cycle (tornado start to bubble burp) takes about 2.5 minutes.

I am thinking that perhaps 500gph IS too much air for a small 10 gallon tank, but is 110 gph on powerhead mode enough?

 

[NanaReefer]

You have the power head to close to the waters surface. This is the reason for the tornado and bubbles. Try lowering it and pointing it towards the surface. You may also want to try placing it on a side wall.


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk.

 

[Damon]

Hmmnn.. I haven't had a tank that size in a while, but.. Have you tried with the powerhead say mid height in the tank(so it doesn't pull the sand in the overhead) on one of the sides, say blowing pretty much directly at a close rock(to diffuse the direct flow, while still keeping the current throughout)? But short of aiming it at something( say rockwork, which will keep the rock clean and diffuse the flow), the only thing you really can do, is buy another powerhead, and run the two in power mode.

And the newer maxijets from my experience are really loud. I used to think the Rios were loud, but the 1200 I had, I literally had to remove it from my sump. I went with a little Sicce. Nice little pump with adjustable flow. I, like tons of others used to love MJ's, but no longer due to noise. I did read that the cobalt branded ones are supposed to be decent, but I just figure why risk it..

Note2 on Tap Pro

 

[Tmar]

Ok, thank you Nana!! I am really trying to make what I have already purchased work...
I will try lower in the tank pointed toward the surface. If that doesn't work, I may have to reassemble to powerhead mode 110gph and play with it to attempt a lower but even flow. I really don't want to return what I have bought only to get a different piece that I still can't make do what I need it to.