How to Select a Powerhead

PowerHeads

• 1

  Determine your budget. This will often decide for you which brand of powerhead you will be able to afford after you determine your tank's needs.

• 2

  Determine your approximate tank size by measuring the length, width and height in inches on the inside of the tank. Multiply all three dimensions together and then multiply by 0.00433 to determine the gallon capacity of the tank.

• 3

  Determine how large a powerhead you need by multiplying the number of gallons by five. The standard recommendation of manufacturers is that the water turn over five times per hour, although larger freshwater tanks can get by with slightly less water circulation. Look for a powerhead that can pump the water through your tanks the required gallons per hour.

• 4

  For tanks larger than 20 gallons, it is better to use two powerheads, each of half the capacity of one large one, to prevent 'dead' corners with no circulation.

• 5

  Decide if you are going to use reverse flow or normal flow in the tank. With reverse flow, the powerhead pushes the water down the tubes and up through the gravel. This keeps the gravel cleaner but necessitates skimming the water more frequently. It also reduces the water oxidation as there is no surface disturbance. Heavily-planted tanks do well with reverse flow. The rating on all powerheads is lower in the reverse direction. You will need a larger powerhead capacity for the same size aquarium if you are using reverse flow.

• 6

  Determine if there are special features you need to address, such as the ability to reduce the flow rate if your tank is between two sizes. Always get more than you need and adjust it down, rather than end up with too little. Are you setting up a wave tank? Only a few powerheads are suitable for this application.