Powerheads for waterflow

[ts383]

I've got a 55-gal tank currently running an Penguin Bio-Wheel filter and a protien skimmer, and I want to make sure I have appropriate water flow before I begin the processes of adding inhabitants.


Powerheads are readily available here, so I was wondering if there were any general guidelines on GPH or number / location of heads for a tank of my size.



If anyone can post from their experience or general knowledge, I'd appriciate it!


Thanks so much.

[m_lacom99]

Usually 20 x turnover an hour is good... but more is always better . Placement of your PH always depend on your aquascaping... The thing to so is to place them in a way you dont have any dead spots.

Marc.

[Matt Rogers]

I agree with Marc.

What is your budget?
I would say 2 - 4 Maxi-jets on a wave timer. (but 4 may be hard to conceal so it doesn't look like crap.)

[ts383]

I had been looking at some Penguin models (though there is a Maxi-Jet pump on my skimmer, so I am familiar with that brand as well), that are rated at 300GPH.

To get 20x, I'd need about 1100 gph. So let's say that 1100 GPH is the desired waterflow, can I deduct the GPH of my protein skimmer from that amount (so I'm not starting at 0)?


I know where I can place 2 for sure without breaking a sweat or re-arranging any live rock (which I'm not against doing, of course), and I don't think a third would be that difficult (and I'm sure I could accomidate a fourth).

Budget-wise isn't a concern really (though under $200/250 would not cause complaints for me)...I'm willing to spend the cash up front to have a good setup that will last (and hey, if that means I have to wait until another paycheck to get fish, then it's just more time for the tank to mature )

I happened to come across this when looking for a powerhead + wavemaker setup, any opinions (brand quality, etc)?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113782