Powerheads for a 90 gallon?

G

Guest

Guest
What powerheads would you guys suggest for a 90 gallon tank with the following dimensions:
48in Length x 19in Wide x 25in Tall?

I don't have a ton of money, but I also don't want to buy a ton of cheap stuff and later regret it.
 
What do you plan to put in the tank? Makes a big difference in the amount of flow you will need.
 
Well after its established for a good 4-6 months I plan to get some nice sps at the top/mid levels, and some softies on the bottom.
 
I would get two maxijet 900/1200 with the algae free mods and suregrip bases and a wavemaker to run them. That should be good for starters and you can check for dead spots after they have been running a while. Fairly inexpensive flow. The Hydors are actually cheaper but they do not work well with most wavemakers.
 
That brings up another question I had, whats a good wavemaker to get that does not break the bank?

Or are there any plans out there for DIY wavemakers that would work with those powerheads?
 
I have a reefkeeper 2 and a red sea pro that I use and I am going to try one of these. They are cheap and should work with the maxijets.

Chauvet SF-4005 2 or 4 Channel Light Controller Timer........29.99
 
@linuxgangster wrote:
That brings up another question I had said:
I only mention this because of your name, but my preference is a Linux box, some X10 control modules and some shell scripts on a Cron... :wink:

(Seriously, that's what I use for a wavemaker... 6 powerheads, every 15 minutes a cron job runs that randomly turns them on or off individually in order to create as much chaotic flow as possible)
Click to expand...
 
I could easily do that, but my concern is putting wear on the powerheads by constantly turning them on/off.

I know some of the wavemakers out there start them up at partial voltage to make them last longer...and some actually keep the powerhead running very slowly then start it back up at full speed
 
@linuxgangster wrote:
I could easily do that said:
If you want real wave "devices", I would recommend the tunze boxes or ecotech vortechs. Be prepared to spend some serious cash though.
Click to expand...
 
@linuxgangster wrote:
I could easily do that said:
I've got 6 modified MaxiJet 1200's in my tank, and on average I have to replace about 1 a year, at $15-$20 each...

For me that's very doable...

As others have mentioned, if you want "proper" wave motion, I'd go with an Ecotech or a Tunze (Ecotech would be my preference, and in fact when/if I ever set up a new tank I'll probably go that way myself)
Click to expand...
 
Your options on the cheap really are limited to the maxijets (some also say Koralia, but they dont work as well) on a separate wavemaker device... For linux, heyu + x-10 works fine. If you want real wave devices you are looking at almost $500 minimum. I think my Tunze 6055s ran $225 each and add the controller to that.
 
I've seen some people get a powerhead with a really big gph rate and hook it up to pvc that is plumbed to different areas of the tank. You're supposed to put it in before your sand so only the 45* or 90* elbows stick out. I thought it was a pretty good idea. Especially for the back of the tank behind liverock.
 
Yep mod'ed MJ's and a Red Sea wavemaker is your best choice under $200. Once you decide to upgrade, plan on double or triple that for Vortec or Tunze Wave box.

The MJ's will work just fine though and its not a true wave that you need, just alternating flow or random. The wave looks pretty, but the corals don't care so long as they are not jet blasted from one direction only.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top