![]() What’s the difference between a powerhead and a wave maker? A fish tank powerhead typically shoots a narrow jet of water in one direction, whereas a wave maker is meant to imitate the back-and-forth motion of ocean waves. The method can potentially clog the foam more quickly so that you have to frequently clean it, but Aquarium Co-Op sponge filters are made with coarse foam that does not become obstructed as easily.Īttach a power head to the uplift tube of the sponge filter to strain particles from the water at a faster rate. By attaching a power head to the sponge filter instead, water is pulled through the foam at higher speeds, resulting in greater mechanical filtration and clearer water. Normally, an air pump is used to run a sponge filter and gently draw water through the foam material. We also designed our powerhead pump to fit perfectly with the Aquarium Co-Op sponge filters. Many people use them to transfer water from their aquarium sump filter (which is a type of custom filtration) back into the fish tank. How many watts does a powerhead use? Each model is different, but the Aquarium Co-Op power head uses 10 W of power to produce 211 GPH or 800 liters per hour (LPH).Ĭan a power head be used as a filter? Yes, power heads can be used as part of your filtration system. You can also try dispersing the flow by adding a spray bar or directing the output into a wall to decrease the kinetic energy. If you see that your fish and foliage are being whipped around the tank, choose a less powerful filter or power head. In our experience, the ideal flow rate depends on the plants and animals in your aquarium because some species can’t handle strong current and may become sick from all the stress. How big of a power head do I need? Some websites say that water should circulate around a tank at least four times an hour, so if you have a 100-gallon tank, then you need a filter and/or powerhead that can move 400 gallons per hour (GPH). The Aquarium Co-Op power head circulates over 200 gallons per hour and has an extra-long, 11.8-foot power cord to reach almost any outlet. This device can be used to speed up water changes, create your own DIY filtration, and of course boost water circulation in your aquarium. A powerhead is simply a submersible water pump that sucks in water from the input and sprays out a powerful stream of water from the output. Water Circulation for Faster Flowįor larger aquariums or fish tanks that need faster flow, a power head is great option because of its versatility in multiple applications. If you have slow-moving fish or baby fry, a sponge filter can provide sufficient water circulation without stressing them out. The bubbles from the air stone move water as they rise and create surface agitation when they pop. In cases where you have adequate filtration but need a little extra flow in a stagnant corner of the tank, consider adding a simple air stone with an air pump. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, canister and HOB filters use motors to move the water and often have an adjustable flow valve to increase or decrease the output speed. If you have baby fry or a betta fish with long flow fins, sponge filters are one of the gentlest filters on the market. Moving water at the top of the aquarium is important because it prevents oily biofilm from developing on the surface and encourages good gas exchange, where carbon dioxide (exhaled by your fish) is released into the air and new oxygen (for the fish to breathe) enters the tank. ![]() ![]() All of these options are good for not only filtering and cleaning the water, but also creating current and surface agitation. You can read our guide to fish tank filters about the many types of filtration – such as sponge, hang-on-back (HOB), and canister filters. ![]() If you have a smaller fish tank and/or only need slow to normal amounts of flow, then a regular aquarium filter can provide sufficient current for your needs. In this article, let’s talk about different ways to get better water circulation in your aquarium. Plus, some species like rainbow shiners and hillstream loaches are used to living in fast flowing rivers and may appreciate greater current in their environment. Increasing water circulation can help (a) stir up waste particles so they get collected by the filter, (b) evenly distribute nutrients for aquarium plants to consume, and (c) improve surface agitation so that fish have enough oxygen to breathe. Fish tanks (especially large ones) with lots of decorations or hardscape can develop dead zones where lots of debris collects and algae starts to grow. Water circulation is commonly discussed in the saltwater aquarium hobby in order to imitate the movement of waves, but not having enough flow can also be a problem in freshwater setups.
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