I have recently read about oscillating powerheads. Anyone had success with them? What make?

Question

I have a 55 gallon reef tank currently operating with one canister filter and two powerheads (all uni-directional).

Answer 1

Rotating powerheads have been around for a while. I bought a ZooMed Powersweep (http://www.zoomed.com/html/powersweep.php ) several years ago when they first came out. The basic operation is that it works like a regular powerhead, but within the housing is a second propellor wheel attached to a geared wheel. As the water flows through the powerhead, the propeller turns and the geared wheel turns with it, making another geared wheel rotate, and this turns the nozzle in about a 90o angle.

The only problem I've had with them (I have 2) is that the gears sometimes jam up, but then it still works like a unidirectional powerhead.

In a way I like them, because it gives variation to the current (I keep corals, anemones, and other filter-feeders, so this is important), but at times, I don't think these are that powerful. I only had the smallest model, but they've come out with two that are larger which may be better for a tank your size.

I haven't tried the SCWD (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/213231/product.web ) which only has fixed outlets, or the Sea Swirl (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/product/advancedSearch.web?command=Search&searchParams.keywords=sea%20swirl&searchParams.size=10#resultBody ) which require a separate powerhead and tubing to operate (and seem ridiculously high priced).

Answer 2

really the more filters the better i also have a 55 and i use 2- 60 gallon filters and it could use 2 more for my oscars (i have 3 of them)

Answer 3

Any of the better quality manufacturers will give great results. Many corals will benefit from a strong and varied current, because this is what they have evolved to benefit from. I think that if you get one you will notice the difference over a period of time.