markus

hi, i have a 30g marine tank and am using a magnum 350 cannister filter. should i also use a powerhead or does the filter proide enough water movement?

thanks!

jd@ga

Hey, the more current in your tank the better. I have 2 powerheads, filstar xp3 w/spraybar, skimmer, powerhead for u/v filter going in my 30gal and my fish and corals are loving it. Power Sweep is a good powerhead that is what I have 270 gph . i have also used Aquaclear #110 935 gph on a 55gal I set up for a friend , it was a good one.

ahill3780

Hey marcus,

Extra current is always beneficial, but in smaller setups you have to strike a balance with what methods you use to generate the extra flow. Any powered device you place inside the tank is going to generate heat and adds its part to your tanks temp.

Good methods for getting the right amount of current are:

• Use out-of-tank circulation to provide the bulk of your current. (ie. Cannister filters, sump setups, and closed loop systems)
• Use powerheads in the tank where necessary to correct 'dead spots' around, and behind rocks and decor that the main circulation system cannot get to. But limit the amount of these devices in the tank if you can.

Powersweeps are nice gadgets but I hear they have a tendancy to break. I always prefer to use regular powerheads, but some people get lucky and manage to get solid built 'sweeps that provide several years of operation. The call is up to you.

The real question is what you have in the tank. Extra current is not always necessary for FO tanks. Tanks with corals and certain invertebrates will require extra current.

HTH,
Aaron

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markus

thanks! i installed one! still cycling my tank though... i'll keep you posted!