Power head placement???? Help!!!!!?

Question

Where do I put my powerhead, and I am not using it for a under gravel filter, I have it towards the botttom I put it there for mixing a month ago, does it go by the top, it came with a hook to put it up there, alos a hose to add air should i add air to it?? By the way it is a Maxi-jet 660 i believe.

Answer 1

It depends on the reason for which you're using it. I'll assume this is for the saltwater tank you're planning to set up.

If you place it at the top of the tank, if it moves the surface (causes ripples) it'll add more dissolved oxygen to the water. If you place it lower, it circulates the water better around and through any live rock in the tank, and keeps debris from settling on the bottom - if it satys floating in the water, there's a better chance for your filter or protein skimmer to remove the stuff you don't want to have in your tank. If you're planning corals, anemones, feather dusters, sponges, or other filter-feeders, it also keeps small particles of food circulating so they can get it (turn filter/skimmer off while feeding, so the food goes to the animals, not out of the tank).

I usually use two in my saltwater tank, placed on opposite ends. One is high, one is low and they cross at/near the center of the tank. You canput them on times so that one, the other, or both are on, and this simulates the daily tides. On a larger tank, I have two placed about 1/3 of the way down (just over the level of the live rock) and 1/3 in from either end of the tank and both are aimed at the front glass. I've also had one that I put in the back at the bottom and aimed at the opposite end of the tank - I used this one to keep debris from building up behind the live rock, and blow any debris toward the filter intake.

Really, there's no set rules on where to put them - a lot has to do with how your tank is set up (where decorations, live rock are placed). See this link for more on creating types of circulation with powerheads: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/circmarart.htm

Answer 2

It is best to place submerged just under the surface of the water. If it came with a hook for hanging it on the side of the tank i would use that. My powerheads have suction cups that have worn out long ago so the clips are nice. You have a good brand. The purpose of the powerhead is to create some current and airation so putting them close to the top is the most beneficial for airation purposes and will still add to the current. Using the attachable air stone is entirely up to you. If you do not use it there will still be gas exchange from the movement of the water at the surface. I have two powerheads in my 55 gal and I use it on one and not the other. Using them does make a lot of bubbles and may be too strong or to much for some delicate types of fish. I think it is great for larger fish and tough fish like cichlids.

EDIT: You can have power heads without UGFs. They are designed to be multi-functional like that. I have used them without UGF for a long time and they work great as long as you have an additional source of filtration as powerheads are not filters unless you add a canister filter attachment to them, then they are still best as secondary filtration only.

Answer 3

what type of tank, freshwater or saltwater.

Freshwater it doesnt matter, saltwater tanks need powerheads to create a current. So you must be careful where you place it on saltwater.

You dont need it hooked up to a UGF, They often come with suction cups and can be attached anywhere. You can also rig them up with these filter packs where it will act as a regular filter.

For saltwater, it is a good idea to place the powerhead to face a glass wall.This will spread the water and make a current for which is needed by corals.

Answer 4

you can't have a power head with out a UGF but this sounds like you could do it even though it'll provide inadequate filtration but adding air to it would be a good idea and will help the gas exchange process I'd advise you to add a UGF or add a different filter. other wise you'll have a build up of ammonia and nitrites. I power head is only deisinged to increase the flow of water through the UGF and not really for anything else.