Shop for Powerheads Based on Tank Volume - Choose the Ideal Water Circulation Rate
Buying Guide for Powerheads for Different Aquarium Sizes
Bulk Reef Supply (BRS) offers a variety of powerheads for different aquarium sizes, each designed to provide the necessary water movement for various coral and fish species. Here's a breakdown of the recommended powerheads for different tank sizes.
For smaller tanks (10 to 20 gallons), BRS typically suggests compact powerheads like the Tunze Turbelle or smaller EcoTech MP10 models. These powerheads offer efficient circulation without excessive flow, making them ideal for smaller reef tanks. For smaller reef tanks, BRS's saltwater starter kits include smaller powerheads, and they recommend positioning these powerheads opposite to the filter for optimized water movement and mixing.
Moving up to medium tanks (40 to 55 gallons), models like the EcoTech MP40 or similar mid-range powerheads are popular. These powerheads offer adjustable flow and wave-making capability, providing consistent water movement that's crucial for the health of corals and fish.
Larger tanks (100 gallons and above), especially SPS-dominant reef tanks, use high-performance powerheads such as the EcoTech MP60 or Maxspect Gyre series to ensure strong and turbulent water movement. For example, BRS's 360-gallon reef tank features 2 EcoTech MP60 powerheads along with 2 Maxspect Gyre XF350 units to provide robust and varied flow patterns ideal for SPS corals.
If you're looking for powerheads for very large aquariums, the Gyre XF350 Cloud Edition - Double Package (2x 5280 GPH) is suitable for very large aquariums, offering powerful and adjustable water movement.
Community discussions on Reef2Reef reveal some mixed reviews about powerhead longevity, but BRS's top recommendations for reef tanks focus on quality brands such as EcoTech and Maxspect known for durability and advanced flow control.
For those looking for powerheads with free gifts, the Nero 3 Powerhead (2000 GPH), Voyager Nano 1000 Stream Pump (270 GPH), and XStream SDC Powerhead (270 - 2250 GPH) come with free gifts.
If you're looking for specific models directly from BRS by tank size, their product pages for powerheads and their starter kits are good resources, as they often pair powerheads to common aquarium sizes with mounting tips and flow advice.
Here's a summary of the recommended powerheads by tank size:
| Tank Size | Recommended Powerheads (BRS) | |-----------------|-----------------------------------------------| | 10–20 gallons | Tunze Turbelle, EcoTech MP10 | | 40–55 gallons | EcoTech MP40 | | 100+ gallons | EcoTech MP60, Maxspect Gyre series |
Placement tips from BRS include mounting powerheads on opposite sides of the tank, especially relative to filters, for optimal water circulation. This aligns with current reef aquarist best practices for achieving sufficient flow for coral health and nutrient cycling in reef tanks.
Additionally, the Urchin Standard Flow Pump Guard - Vortech MP10 Upgrade and the NemProtect Powerhead Guard for Vortech MP10 are optional accessories for powerheads that can help protect your equipment from debris and damage.
In conclusion, BRS offers a variety of powerheads suitable for different aquarium sizes, each designed to provide the necessary water movement for various coral and fish species. By following their recommendations and placement tips, you can ensure a healthy and thriving reef tank.
In the realm of smart homes, incorporating technology into everyday gadgets (like powerheads for aquariums) adds convenience and efficiency. For instance, smart-home devices such as powerhead timers can be controlled remotely for optimal water conditions.
When preparing for larger reef tanks, keep an eye out for tech-enabled powerheads that offer customizable flow settings (like the EcoTech MP60 or Maxspect Gyre series), as these gadgets not only enhance water movement but also integrate well with smart-home systems.
