Powerheads

[Steelers7]

I have 2 Aquaclear 802's in my 55 and they seem to blow alot of stuff around, and make the fish less active.

Do I really need them going all the time?

Also, is my LR still filtering the water even though there isn't much algae on the rock right now?

Thanks.

[Birdlady]

The active ingredient in live rock is bacteria, not algae Coralline or otherwise...Your live rock is indeed filtering.

Do you have corals in your tank? I have to Tunze powerheads in my 58 gallon (about 600 gph each) and my tang loves the current....

If you don't have corals, you could get away with one powerhead but remember, the powerheads are also keeping the rock clean and healthy..perhaps you could point them more at the back of the rock, or raise them up high and point them directly at the front glass so you get a more diffused flow in the tank.

[Matt Rogers]

I agree with BL 100% (unlike last night. HAHAHAH. ).
You could always pick up a 'wave timer' that will randomize your powerhead on/offs and the ones with the light sensor are cool because they will make the current lower at night. Not necessary by any means, but just one of those cool things you might want to know about.

[Birdlady]

Yes, but at least here, we can disagree with civility! Unlike some other sites

[Matt Rogers]

Ture.

[Birdlady]

Your typing is worse than mine! LOL!

[Matt Rogers]

yikes!

[Jason McKenzie]

But, Aquaclear powerheads do not do well on wave makers. You would have to get Maxijets to work well with a on/off type timer. Most Reef fish live in the turbulent waters of a reef. With waves and surge constantly pushing and pulling. I would actually expect you fish to enjoy it.
I just added a Kole tang to my tank. He had been in the LFS for a couple of days and once I put him in my tank he spent about an hours playing in the flow of my power heads. It was very cool to watch and quit obvious he was happy

Jason

[Matt Rogers]

Good to know J!