Powerhead Gph question

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by Zegermans13, Jul 6, 2015.

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  1. Zegermans13

    Zegermans13 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2010
    Messages:
    153
    Location:
    Ontario Canada
    Hey everyone, ive been out of the game for a bit haha
    But im done moving around for a little while and wanted
    to start up another tank. Ive got a 30 gallon tank and have
    read around the net that as a rule of thumb
    20X your tank size = your total GPH?

    also i know its preferable to have two smaller ones to make up different patterns of flow but would one 600GPH
    do the job?

    or am i way off base with everything.
    thanks
     
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  3. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
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    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    I've always thought of 30-50X for LPS (frogspawns, hammers and torches for example) while SPS appreciate 70X to 100X+. Softies can range depending on the type. Lots of leathers like higher flow, as do gorgs, while zoanthid a generally prefer lower flow. If you can afford it, a vortech mp10 on reef crest usually solves all problems lol.

    The formula is total GPH divided by tank volume to give you turnover rate.
     
    Mr. Bill likes this.
  4. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
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    Location:
    Florida
    My thoughts echo Va's, and no, I would not do one 600.
     
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  5. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
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    Location:
    USA
    Agree with the others. You can always grab a second 600- that would give 40x, and they can be arranged for more random flow patterns.
     
  6. Zegermans13

    Zegermans13 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2010
    Messages:
    153
    Location:
    Ontario Canada
    Thanks guys
    Ill grab another 600.