Powerhead's GPH rate for a 30 gallon reef

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by amir021, Apr 23, 2013.

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  1. amir021

    amir021 Plankton

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    Messages:
    7
    I just got a powerhead today for my to-be reef aquarium which is 30 gallons running an aquaclear 50 filter. the powerhead's turnover is 950 Gallons per Hour. I was just wondering if that's too much? Or over doing it is ok just like over flitering ;)
    is it better to have 1 big power head or 2 medium ones handing the water over to each other?
    any advice on placing, angle of blow is greatly appreciated!
     
    amir021, Apr 23, 2013
    amir021, Apr 23, 2013
    #1

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  2. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
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    Location:
    Florida
    Two smaller ones is best. 950 gph is 32x volume. I have almost 1200 in my 20 gallon, soon to be closer to 1300. Depends what you want to keep really. 950 is good for soft coral
     
    Kevin_E, Apr 23, 2013
    Kevin_E, Apr 23, 2013
    #2
  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Usually more powerheads is considered better to help keep dead spots in the flow from occurring. Recommended flow is 20 to 30 times per hour for soft and LPS corals, up to 50 time per hour for mixed reefs and 50+ times per hour for SPS dominant reefs.

    Angles will be determined by your rock work and is a done by a process of dead spot removal. A good start is to place power heads on opposite sides of the tank pointed to the other side, parallel, not directly at each other.
     
    2in10, Apr 23, 2013
    2in10, Apr 23, 2013
    #3