Powerhead vs. Air Pump

[JackDE]

I currently use an air pump with an air stick and an air stone. Would I be better off with a fan style powerhead? Are the fan style power heads quieter than the annoying sound of bubbles in my aquarium? If I go with the power heads should I buy 2 smaller powered ones or one higher powered?

I have a 60 gallon tall aquarium. (Is more tall and thin than the standard shorter one.)

 

[melypr1985]

Definitely better off with a power head over a bubbler. How much, how many and how strong has to do with what your keeping in there. Corals? SPS? LPS? Softies? Fish only? All that has to do with what you get, along with what kind of fish, how your rock work is set up.

 

[JackDE]

I'm focusing on FOWLR for now. Here is a picture of my setup. I am not set on any particular type of fish only focusing on having a well functioning aquarium at the moment so I can purchase fish that go with my setup later. Here is a picture of my tank.

 

[melypr1985]

I would suggest more live rock since you have the HOB filter. Your live rock will be your main filtration and you want to have enough to support your bioload. Also, it may be prudent to raise the intake of that filter so that it doesn't suck up sand.- It looks like it's sitting in the sand right there. The fish you want to keep is important. If you want lionfish then it's probably not a good idea to get powerful powerheads. If you want a bunch of small zippy fish then it probably doesn't matter as long as your pumps keep the food and poo from collecting on the sand. Just some things to think about. I'm sure there will be more people along with more details and tips for you.

 

[briancarterkc]

Surprisingly, air stones don't really add much O2 to the water. Much better is a power head that causes a lot of surface agitation. The best air exchange is at the surface.