Powerheads

supersmile · #1 02-02-2008, 03:50 AM

Can a powerhead have too much force in a tank? I just put in a powerhead a Dive Power 200 and it seems since I have put it in the fish are hiding. I have a 44 gallon tank and was told my algae problem could be cause by lack of flow. I am wondering if I should have gotten a less powerful powerhead?

skylord · #2 02-02-2008, 05:05 AM

I dont think less would help you at all. I have 2 45g prop/frag tanks one with a Hydor Koralia - 4 (1200 GPH), that has 6 times the flow you do. The other I have a MJ 1200 with a 1600 GPH upgrade and a Tunze 6045 rated at 1200 GPH. Thats 2800 GPH compared to your 200 GPH. In the last one (2800) I have a Copperbanded buterfly and a small Green Clown goby neither has a problem going where they want.

What fish do you have?

Scott

banditpowdercoat · #3 02-02-2008, 05:45 AM

Maybe its just that they not used to it? My Betta was hiding fro along time after I put him in a tank with a power filter. Now, he loves it. Rides the currents fro fun

supersmile · #4 02-02-2008, 01:55 PM

I just shut it off because everyone was still hiding and now everyone has come out. I have noticed since having it on over night the algae is gone and my sand is a bit clearer....I am wondering if maybe depends on the size of the tank. The fish I have are a yellow tang, regal tang, purple chromis, and 2 clowns.

Chin_Lee · #5 02-02-2008, 03:30 PM

i'm assuming the dive 200 pump is about 200gph? it thats the case, 200gph in a 44 is fine. Try pointing the powerhead at the surface in an angle - this helps to dissipate the flow and agitate the water's surface.

Okguy · #6 02-02-2008, 04:26 PM

I have a 50 gallon tank (just a little larger than yours) and I have 2 6025 Tunze Nanostreams (660 GPH), a maxi-jet 1200 (295 GPH) and a return pump from my sump at about (700 GPH). For a total of 2315 GPH in my tank. Your 200 GPH power head is probably not enough flow in the tank. Most people try for 20-40 times the flow compared to the size of their tank. So for a 44 gallon tank you should have a minimum of 880 GPH in the tank. I would suggest going even higher.

Also I hate to tell you this, but one Tang in a 44 Gallon Tank is probably one too many, let alone 2

. These fish need a lot of space to swim, something a 44 gallon tank can't provide.

In addition, these 2 fish create a huge bioload which is probably the cause of your algae breakout. While the algae was gone this morning, I'm willing to bet it will be back later in the day after the lights have been on for a while.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I hope this helps your tank thrive!

HTH

Kevin