Is this a good powerhead?

bouraganes · 12-21-2006, 11:34 AM

What do you guys think about the Ehiem Powerball 1212-
Aquaball Powerhead 1212
Do you t hink this is a good unit and a good deal- I haven't used one before but it looks interesting and I thought I might give it a try depending on your reccomendations

coral reefer · 12-21-2006, 11:44 AM

How big is your tank? I don't know that much about Eheim powerheads(their cannister filters are pretty decent though)! The water flow is pretty low as far as water movement is concerned. If you wanted to get that particular powerhead, you could possibly use it to strategically place so as to increase water movement to a particular coral. The only thing, too many powerheads in a tank take away from the naturalism of the reef biotope we are trying to achieve!!! Unless, you plan on hiding powerheads behind rocks etc. to blend in, I wouldn't have too many in my tank and try other means of water movement...Don't forget about the heating up of the water and possible stray voltage associated with powerheads as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bouraganes · 12-21-2006, 01:29 PM

What Size Powerhead(s) Would You Reccomend In An 55 Gallon Coral Reefer?

jtReef · 12-21-2006, 01:58 PM

In a 55 you could get some of the really cool expensive ones but I would personally get 2 MJ1200's and have they face each other to create random flow in your tank. They are inexpensive and duarable as can be. Pluse they work the best on the natural wave power strip where you can have the power heads switch back and forth every 10sec.

Otty · 12-21-2006, 02:30 PM

I have a 55 gal reef and I use a Wave Maker w/3 MaxiJet 1200 on 10 sec intervals and it keeps water moving good. One on the left, one in the middle and the last one on the right. Keeps the water moving in different directions all the time instead of a constant flow in one direction.

coral reefer · 12-21-2006, 04:44 PM

To be honest with you...it has to do with what you plan on keeping, and your tank set-up as far as rock, coral etc.(layout )is concerned! Their really isn't any one best answer carved in stone, unfortunately!!
Obviously, some corals require more water flow than others right...?!Right
Then, you want to take a look at your aquascaping...basically, if you have alot of rock work that is hindering the waterflow caused by your powerhead, you will want to increase powerhead quantity or step up to a stronger powerhead(GPH)!!!!!
You may have to change your powerhead set-up or possibly move a particular coral to another place in your tank to cater to the corals needs!
I hope this helps ya!
Wish I could give you a better answer!