POWERHEAD Q'S

[SLAYCHILD]

Hey guys, I have two powerheads in my 29 gallon reef tank. They are both Maxi-Jet's. One's a 900 the other is a 600. With both of these on, is it to much water flow or should I just stay with the 600 on? Please let me know. Thanks

[hammondegge]

no, i wouldnt think that is too much.
I have 2 modified 900s running in a 40. They are modified to produce alot more flow than stock, and i think it may be just about right. the modification is very easy and i recommend it highly, esp for small systems as the flow stream is dramatically widened effecting more of the tank at once. An added benefit is that the Maxis will run the impeller indescriminatly left or right at each start up so if you plug these into a cycling power strip you magically get 4 directions of broad random current. that is how i am running mine - on an Aquarium Systems Natural Wave Timer
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_wavemakers_aquarium_systems_natural_wave. asp?CartId=
Here is a picture of the mod, nicked from melev off reef central

[SLAYCHILD]

So you just cut off the outlet part of the powerhead?

[Thunderkat]

Do you have any SPS in your tank?

[SLAYCHILD]

Nope

[hammondegge]

yep, just cut it off. i noticed that the mod in the picture is drilled too. that would add even more flow. with the nozzle cut off the flow runs out of the powerhead to the right or left (depending on which way the impeller starts) in a broad stream

[kkutac001]

I have two, also, in my 25G. But they're Maxi-jet 1200 and 900. After hearing Paletta, I rigged them with eductors on their outlet side. So, rather than broadening the stream, I send more water in a tighter pattern. Each powerhead points a bit askew the other (limiting laminar flow). My theory was to have strong flow especially around the tank back and rock work -- around all 'edges' of the tank, really. It is working for me, anyway...

[Richard]

It's really hard to have too much flow in a reef tank. What you want to avoid is blasting a coral with direct current. Alternating current is much better also.