Powerheads for a 55 gallon tank.

James74d · Mar 26, 2020

How many powerheads should I have in a 55 gallon tank I currently have one, and what would be the best way to position them? Also any recommendations on powerheads I should buy? Thanks.

Brandon Smith · Mar 26, 2020

That is a very good question. Forst of all, we need to know what you plan keeping? Different coral and anemones have different requirements for flow.

Welcome to R2R!!!

James74d · Mar 26, 2020

Brandon Smith said:
That is a very good question. Forst of all, we need to know what you plan keeping? Different coral and anemones have different requirements for flow.

Welcome to R2R!!!

I would like to start adding coral. I’ve had just fish for about 5 years. I’m probably going to be keeping mostly lps and some soft coral. I just added a gsp a few months ago that is doing well.

Porpoise Hork · Mar 26, 2020

I have a pair of Jebao PP-4's in the 75 on either end of the tank about 3-4" down from the surface. They are set at 50% in alternating pattern with a 30 second cycle. These are more than enough for a full mixed reef tank with lots of lps in it. I have run these for nearly two years and no issues with any corals and even the sps I have in the tank are happy.

James74d · Mar 26, 2020

Porpoise Hork said:
I have a pair of Jebao PP-4's in the 75 on either end of the tank about 3-4" down from the surface. They are set at 50% in alternating pattern with a 30 second cycle. These are more than enough for a full mixed reef tank with lots of lps in it. I have run these for nearly two years and no issues with any corals and even the sps I have in the tank are happy.

Thank You that seems like a good option

Gareth elliott · Mar 26, 2020

Will depend on your aquascape if have a picture. 55’s due to their foot print can sometimes suffer from rockwall syndrome, and may need more powerheads than one with more open scape.

I really like the tunze power heads for their size and longevity and sound level. Hydor if going ac for their longevity(also really easy to clean).

Cwentz758 · Mar 26, 2020

Tunze heads are pretty cost effective. You could easily get two for less than 150$. They last too, I had two of the nano streams running for 4 years until I upgraded to MP10s.

I would go with two heads just to have the opposing flow hitting each other. It’s up to you how powerful you want it.

Reaper603 · Mar 26, 2020

I use a single maxspect gyre 330 in my rsr250 it has awesome flow throughout the whole tank I left the scape open on the backwall so it pushes perfectly around the tank I run it at 40% on the random flow option where it cycles 5 different flow patterns and I think its super quiet and maintenance is super easy.

WIReefer · Mar 26, 2020

I have a 55 gallon and run a mp10 and mp40 on them and it’s perfect not even running them at half either.

Brandon Smith · Mar 26, 2020

I like the jebao cross flow pumps myslef

James74d · Mar 26, 2020

Gareth elliott said:
Will depend on your aquascape if have a picture. 55’s due to their foot print can sometimes suffer from rockwall syndrome, and may need more powerheads than one with more open scape.

I really like the tunze power heads for their size and longevity and sound level. Hydor if going ac for their longevity(also really easy to clean).

That’s my aquascape. all The rocks are up against the back glass.

Gareth elliott · Mar 26, 2020

James74d said:
That’s my aquascape. all The rocks are up against the back glass.

Is the rockwork epoxied? If can clear a spot behind the rocks and epoxy so this is stable.
If so what I would likely do is mix some pumps. Small gyre behind the rock work set at whatever speed doesnt move the sand.

Next id place to wide output wavemakers on each end.

something like this. The back gyre with its very wide pattern will help clear detritus behind and in the rocks. The ends will keep it suspended long enough to be used or collected.

FindingPonyo · Mar 26, 2020

James74d said:
How many powerheads should I have in a 55 gallon tank I currently have one, and what would be the best way to position them? Also any recommendations on powerheads I should buy? Thanks.

I would say that you should buy one power head but it has 2 actual fans attached to it. A double headed wave pump.

James74d · Mar 26, 2020

Gareth elliott said:
Will depend on your aquascape if have a picture. 55’s due to their foot print can sometimes suffer from rockwall syndrome, and may need more powerheads than one with more open scape.

I really like the tunze power heads for their size and longevity and sound level. Hydor if going ac for their longevity(also really easy to clean).

Gareth elliott said:
Is the rockwork epoxied? If can clear a spot behind the rocks and epoxy so this is stable.
If so what I would likely do is mix some pumps. Small gyre behind the rock work set at whatever speed doesnt move the sand.

Next id place to wide output wavemakers on each end.

something like this. The back gyre with its very wide pattern will help clear detritus behind and in the rocks. The ends will keep it suspended long enough to be used or collected.

My rocks are not epoxied I made the mistake of leaning them all against the back. I like your suggestion a lot. Thank you.

James74d · Mar 26, 2020

FindingPonyo said:
I would say that you should buy one power head but it has 2 actual fans attached to it. A double headed wave pump.

And place it in the middle?

Back where it all began · Mar 26, 2020

I use eflux power head system. Highly recommend it.

Paulie069 · Mar 26, 2020

Back where it all began said:
I use eflux power head system. Highly recommend it.

Very interesting thread with lots of info,, great question James,, I don’t see this topic talked about much( unless I’m looking in the wrong places on site)

Paulie069 · Mar 26, 2020

Paulie069 said:
Very interesting thread with lots of info,, great question James,, I don’t see this topic talked about much( unless I’m looking in the wrong places on site)

Like the idea of small fan behind rocks, makes sense