Saltwater powerheads?

Question

Do you need an undergravel filter to have a powerhead or does a powerhead have a motor of its own?

~~THANKS~~

Answer 1

All powerheads have their own motors. That all they really are is a motor with a simple pump assembly attached.

MM

Answer 2

All the powerheads I've used have motors of their own. It's not necessary to use them with an undergravel filter (or to use an undergravel at all) for either fresh or saltwater. I use UGs in a few of my deeper freshwater tanks, just because they circulate oxygentaed water to the bottom better, and help with biological filtration in a few of my catfish tanks (these are messy fish, so the extra filtration helps).

I do have powerheads in all my saltwater tanks (3) but no undergravels. Some of the powerheads are strictly for circulating the water (prevents dead spaces behind live rock where debris can accumulate) but others have filter (foam sleve) attachments so they act as filters.

If you would use a powerhead with an undergravel filter in your tank, I strongly recommend getting one with a reversible flow to pull the water down under the filter plate and blow it up through the substrate rather than using it in the traditional direction. You'll still get the same biological filteration, but without the debris accumulating under the plate making it necessary to take it out and clean periodically. If you use live rock, that could be a bit of a chore to have to redo the interior every few months. But if you have an adequately sized (rated for 5-10 times the tank volume per hour minimum) canister or hang-on, using an undergravel isn't at all necessary.

Answer 3

You can buy power heads that have their own motor.I have three in my 135 gallon,,no undegravel filter..Mine hang on the glass with suction cups and have their own motor.I use the maxjet 1200's

Answer 4

it can run on its own for a current.

I have an aquaclear 402(old model) that is running on my saltwater tank by itself, but i modified it so that i can fit a small duetto filter cartiage under it so it will filter the water.