I have a submersible powerhead in my 55 gallon tank. I use a tube attached to a sponge to use it as a McGuyvered mechanical sponge filter. This provides very notable filtration inside of my tank, and reduces filter replacements by 50% or more.
The problem I'm having is keeping it in a good place. If I keep it too low to the bottom of my tank, the powerhead sucks up sand, this for me is simply not going to take place. So right now its near the surface of the water, but its ugly and easily noticable. I'd like to hide it behind a live plant that grows about halfway up my aquarium. Though to hide it behind the plant, would again, suck up sand.
Directly my question is:
Can I turn a powerhead horizontally opposed to vertically without seizing the magnetic motor inside of it? Gravity isnt my strong point, and I believe its worth considering in this case...
2006-12-20 14:32:34 · 6 answers · asked by Accellerated Catalyst 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
The impeller assembly consists of a permanent magnet affixed to a multi-blade impeller which rotates on a fixed shaft. The magnet / impeller are suspended in a magnetic field and rotate one revolution each time the AC electrical field changes from positive to negative. At 60 cycles per second (typical US current) you get 3,600 rpm.
Because the magnet / impeller is rotating in a magnetic field, wear due to gravity should be minimal. There is usually a water channel molded into the sump which contains the impeller. This channel uses water to flush any fine debris that might prematurely wear the shaft of the impeller assembly. Clean this channel and the entire impeller assembly as part of your regular monthly maintenance and your powerhead will last a long time.
Finally, you can certainly use a powerhead with an intake sponge as a submersible filter. As you've suggested (and others have already answered) the placement of the unit in your tank will determine how much waste and debris it picks up, and therefore how frequently you need to squeeze out the sponge.
If you neglect the sponge and it becomes impacted with decomposing waste you can create a serious problem. So keep it rinsed as part of your regular maintenance and you'll be fine.
2006-12-20 15:48:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not really sure about the "McGuyvered mechanical sponge filter" part. I have a powerhead thats set sideways without any problem, I did it for other reason as I do not have sand base.
The problem with hiding powerhead behind plants which I have attempted, is that in due time some of the leafs (dead and live) will get suck into the powerhead and choke up the filter inlet of the powerhead. You might have to clear it pretty often, to ensure your filter runs at max efficiency and prevent the worst case senario where the filter fails totally because it get totally choked up.
You could hide it behind some drift wood or rocks if possible.
2006-12-20 23:04:21 · answer #2 · answered by dragonfly_sg 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a 125 gallon turtle tank and I have 4 power heads with basically the same set up as your speaking of. The only difference is I do not have the air intake tubes attaches. I have the four power heads laying sidways in my tank so they have a very low profile due to the turtles. The impellars are held in place by a small rubber nipple attached to the end of the shaft and when you put the intake tube housing back on it is pushed into a small hole where it rest so it can spin freely. Your power heads can be put into any position you want with out causing damage to them. If you want to hide it with plants then African swords they grow very tall and thick and will easily hide your power heads.
2006-12-20 23:54:49 · answer #3 · answered by xxmack675hpxx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes with many power heads. Some of the units with poor impeller designs such as the Aqua Clear Power head will sometimes have problems if turned sideways if a piece of debris such as carbon or sand gets sucked into the impeller housing.
In my maintenance route I have used many different power heads in many different positions. The only power heads i have experienced problems with in the sideways position has been the Hagen Aqua Clear and also the Marineland penguin, and this has only happened when debris gets into the unit.
The newer generation Via Aqua, Resun, and somewhat newer Rio do not have these problems.
2006-12-20 23:06:23 · answer #4 · answered by Carl Strohmeyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, you can put the power head in any position. The impeller is held in place mechanically and will rotate in any position you want to place it.
2006-12-20 23:50:33 · answer #5 · answered by Shadow(betta boy) 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can put the power head in any position. The impeller is held in place mechanically and will rotate in any position you place it.
2006-12-20 22:56:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋