Having the proper water flow within the main body of a reef aquarium is critical to creating a thriving underwater ecosystem. Choosing the right aquarium powerhead size and the correct quantity for your tank is essential for proper water movement.
What is a Powerhead?
A powerhead is a water pump that lives inside the main body of an aquarium and is designed to create water flow and water circulation.
Why is Flow Important?
Flow is one of the most crucial elements to creating a healthy ecosystem for all of your livestock to thrive. Here are the primary reasons why water movement is so important within reef aquariums.
- Prevents waste from building up in the system, improving water quality and limiting the proliferation of nuisance algae.
- Brings food to corals and other tank inhabitants and helps them remove their waste.
- Increases oxygen levels.
- Similuates a more natural environment for corals and other tank inhabitants.
Why do I Need Powerheads in Addition to a Return Pump
While your return pump is the heartbeat of your aquarium, its primary responsibility is to turn over the water inside. The return pump is the heart of your aquarium filtration system and is responsible for turning over the water at the proper rate to maximize filtration and promote gas exchange. Return pumps generally return water to one spot resulting in dead spots in other tank areas and increasing the flow rate of the return pump will not typically resolve these dead spots. An aquarium powerhead or wave pump improves the overall water flow and minimizes dead spots. In combination with the return pump, a powerhead(s) helps remove detritus, ensures corals receive the proper flow, and improves the efficiency of the filtration system.
Types of Powerheads
Powerheads are available in numerous styles, sizes, shapes, and price points. Most fall into one of the following three categories.
- Standard Propeller Design: Produces a concentrated flow pattern that works well for targeting dead spots. Two or more of these pumps can create the proper flow for small to medium-sized aquariums.
Common Examples: Hydor Koralia, Tunze Turbelle, and Current USA E-Flux.
- Wide-Angle Propeller Design: Produces a wider, more gentle flow pattern than its narrow-angled cousin. These pumps are great for targeting large areas of corals and for creating randomized flow throughout the aquarium.
Common Examples: Ecotech Vortech and AquaIllumination (AI) Nero
- Gyre Style Design: Produces a wide and gentle laminar flow that spreads a sheet of water across an aquarium. Flow is similar to a wave created by an artificial wave pool. It does a great job of creating surface agitation when placed towards the top of an aquarium.
Common Examples: IceCap Gyre, Maxpect Gyre, and Red Sea Reefwave.
Powerhead Style Comparison Chart
| Factors | Standard Propeller-Style | Wide-Angle Propeller-Style | Gyre-Style | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Flow | Concentrated & Direct | Wide-Spread Blanketing Flow | Laminar/ Sheet Style of Flow | Each model produces a unique style of flow. |
| Flow Velocity | Medium to High Velocity | Low to Medium Velocity | Medium to High Velocity | Pumps with a smaller output tend to produce a more concentrated flow. |
| Flow Spread | Concentrated | Wide-Spanning | Wide-Spanning | Pumps with a wider face tend to create a more spread-out wave pattern. |
| Controllability | Depends on Manufacturer & Model | Most Models Offer Advanced Control | Most Models Offer Advanced Control | Each style of pump offers models with varying levels of control. |
| Type of Power | Can be AC or DC Depending on Model | Tend to be DC Powered | Tend to be DC Powered | DC-powered pumps tend to offer more control. |
| Mounting Options | Most Models can Pivot Slightly | Most Models can Pivot Slightly | Can be Mounted Vertically and Horizontally | Propeller and puck-style pumps can often pivot. Gyre pumps can be mounted vertically or horizontally. |
| Appearance in Display | Varies by Model | Minimal Appearance | Minimal Appearance | This is more about personal preference than anything else. |
Finding the Proper Turnover Rate
When selecting the proper aquarium powerhead size, there are a few main factors to consider.
- Size of the Aquarium: This is not just about the volume of the aquarium but also the dimensions. If your system is longer than 36 inches, you will most likely need more than one powerhead to address any dead spots and provide ideal flow for your corals.
- Flow from Return Pump: Pre-existing flow from your return pump or other sources will also play a role in determining how much flow you will need from your powerhead. If your tank is relatively small and already getting a significant turnover from your return pump, you may just need a single powerhead to target dead spots or some corals.
- Type of Corals
- Soft Coral Tank Only: Water flow should not exceed 10x the tank volume.
- Mixed Reef Tank: Target a total turnover rate between 12 and 20x the tank volume.
- SPS Reef Tank: Target a turnover rate of anywhere from 20-50x the tank volume.
Budget
Powerheads come in many different price ranges, depending on the size and the features. For example, powerheads with full control are typically more expensive than pumps with no control. On the more economical end, it’s possible to get the flow you’ll need; however, don’t expect advanced control or a lot of other features. You can expect more control for the higher-end models, such as creating a schedule with different flow modes throughout the day.
Conclusion
Stick around for part two of how to choose an aquarium powerhead to learn more about how many pumps you’ll need and where to place them. If you have any additional questions or are seeking a powerhead recommendation, please contact our support team.