Powerhead?

[Shack]

My tank is 125 gallons, 6 feet long, 22 inches deep. I heard that circulation should be between 5 and 10 times the total gallons per hour. Would a 1 inch seaswirl be sufficent in my tank or do i need more? Suggestions?
Thanks

[kita_katan]

Am not really familiar with that kind, but I have two powerheads one on each side of my tank running full time and am getting ready to replace the wavemaker on my tank and add two more tiny ones. What kind of filter system do you have on your tank?

kita

[FishDaddy]

Hey Shack,
Circulation has two components: 1) turnover rate, which should be at least 5 times water volume per hour (Fenner) and 2) water movement within the tank. Good circulation throughout the tank is necessary to insure that there are no "dead zones.
Additional consideration must be given to the types of corals: some need more circulation/flow than others. Researching the particular coral and proper placement in the tank are important here. Additionally, there should be enough surface agitation to provide good oxygen exchange.
Other than that, there are no other specific rules; it all depends on what is suitable for your tank and occupants.
HTH,
Dick

[tmncali]

hello,

i might be wrong on this but i think a sea swirl only directs water flow, it doesnt create it. i.e. it would require the use of a pump to supply it with water. sea swirl is used to create a varied water movement. i think.

""Rotating Return Device! Oscillates the return from your existing pump or canister filter. 1in model handles up to 1200 gph water flow. Improved circulation - stimulates growth and carries nutrients to corals and plants. Eliminates the use of powerheads. Sits on top frame of tank - built in bracket to fit all aquariums""
from ad

HTH

good luck

tony

[bill-e]

There is obviously no correct answer here as every tank and it's inhabitants have different requirements.

Things are easier if you plan on keeping only SPS as pretty much all of them needs lots of current.

If you decide to keep different types of coral and clams, things are trickier.

Some will need high current, other's will look better if their polyps are gently "lifted", others like to sway fast and back and forth, others like gentile back and forth...and the list goes on and on.

Having said all that, if you plan on keeping a mixed tank, then it's best to use powerheads and wavemakers.. With individual smaller powerheads (maxijet 1200's) you can arrange them to create a couple of different flow patterns in your tank, and create areas with low flow as well as high flow, even create wave action on one end of the tank that is different that the other.

All it takes is experimentation.