Flow rate per tank size - is 1600l/h too much?

[gregmcc]

Just got my second fish tank. The guy at the LFS sold me a powerhead which I"m sure is way too powerful.

The tank I have is 60x32x45cm (86 litres)

The powerhead I've got is rated at 1600 litres per hour - is this overkill?

When I switch it on it seems way too powerful. I'm thinking of returning it for a less powerful unit but would like your thoughts?

I"m going to keep tropical fish - not exactly sure what yet though.

[Geequilibrius]

I would say yes that's a tad too much!

Work-arounds are plugging the outlet with some foam to reduce the power of the outflow or checking to see if it has an adjuster that will regulate the amount of water can be sucked in through it..

After that it's deciding if the cost of running it is worth it as a pump that powerfull will have a higher wattage usage than a more appropriate 300l/h pump say.

[Zenial]

The rule of thumb is tank size * 3 for needed gallons per an hour

[gregmcc]

Thanks - thats really way too much then. I'll return it tomorrow then and get one around 300l/h.

Can't believe he sold me one that powerful!! :ssuprised:

[Geequilibrius]

Always best to do your homework before you enter an LFS, don't let them sell you anything. It's best to know what you want and then go in and get it.

Unless or until the fish guy/gal at the local store prooves his/her worth this is the only way to operate.

Good Luck

[gregmcc]

I've swapped it out for a 600l/h pump - much more respectable.

But now I've just realized I need a filter - these ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]) pump's don't have a filter in them - they are just powerheads.

So now do I need to purchase a filter (canister filter?) as well - does it connect up to the powerhead? Or have I bought the wrong thing - do I only need a canister filter (internal) and not a power head?

[Lady Hobbs]

Tanks must have filters to remove the debris and hold the bacteria for cycling a tank. What they don't have to have is a powerhead unless you have fish that like all that current.

What kind of fish are you planning for this tank?

[gregmcc]

Thanks for the info. Looks like it back to the drawing board. Not yet sure on the fish I'm going to have so might not need the powerhead. Its my second tank so might try a different fish, not yet decided. In my main tank I've got one angel, one dollar, a pleco, a few neons and a few others that clean the bottom (forgot what they are called)

For my second tank I want something that is a bit different - maybe something I can breed with.

So now what I need is a filter - back to the LFS. Time to try another one though!

[Zenial]

There are a few good options.

If I were setting up a new tank, I'd most likely get an under gravel filtration system. Expensive, but leaves the rest of your tank to look great, and sucks in from where it's most effective.

"Hang on Back" filters are highly praised. The unit hangs on the outter side of your tank, and the outlet trickles in. Most intakes for this have a tube which you can most here and there (where ever you feel like putting it in the tank).

Internal filters - cylinder which sits on the inside, is probably the cheapest option and works well enough.

Which ever you pick, make sure it has all your required parts in order. Sponge > (bio rings, optional) > filter wool > carbon.

(If you want to be fancy, get a Penguin Biowheel. Contains all sorts of additional filteration types and provides larger oxgyenated surface area for reaction.)

Have fun

[tanks4thememories]

Thanks for the info. Looks like it back to the drawing board. Not yet sure on the fish I'm going to have so might not need the powerhead. Its my second tank so might try a different fish, not yet decided. In my main tank I've got one angel, one dollar, a pleco, a few neons and a few others that clean the bottom (forgot what they are called)

For my second tank I want something that is a bit different - maybe something I can breed with.

So now what I need is a filter - back to the LFS. Time to try another one though!

Try to decide on which type and model you want before you go back to the LFS. Then call them to see if they have it/ or to see which models they do have. This will save you alot of trouble in the end.