What powerhead to put in 55 gal freshwater community?

[Doug_S2K]

I Have a 55 gal with an AC 70 HOB. This is a freshwater setup with mollies, guppies, platies, dwarf gourami, bolivian ram and some tetras. Im looking for a powerhead that will help circulate the water without causing to much current for my fish. My objective is to keep the other side of the tank cleaner and help keep the top of my substrate (silica sand) cleaner. I dont want my poor fish to be blown around like ragdolls in the current though. Just something strong enough to keep the substrate surface cleaner and keep my fish happy. Will also add a quickfilter on powerhead to help filter and prevent my little fish from getting sucked up.

I was originally gonna get a AC 70 powerhead but am now thinking it might be to strong of a current. I know they are adjustable flow wise but not sure of just how much flow control it gives u. So now im thinking AC 50 powerhead. A local store has AC powerheads on sale for 40% off for the rest of the week so im trying to figure out which one to get before the sale is over. hehe

Any suggestions? Anyone have a similar setup?

[Dozey]

I would personally suggest another AC70 at the other end of the tank. The AC70 is rated for 300gph, so currently you are only cycling your water a little over 5 times an hour. With two AC70’s you would be cycling your tank just shy of 12 times an hour. A much better choice IMHO.

For a comparison for you I will describe my two setups. 35 gallon tank with filters at 420gph or 12 cycles per hour. And a 10 gallon tank with one 200gph filter or 20 cycles per hour. I keep neons, cardinals and guppies none of whom have any issues with these exchange rates.

If you get your exchange rate up by running 2 filters your tank should stay crystal clear.

[Doug_S2K]

Originally Posted by Dozey

I would personally suggest another AC70 at the other end of the tank. The AC70 is rated for 300gph, so currently you are only cycling your water a little over 5 times an hour. With two AC70’s you would be cycling your tank just shy of 12 times an hour. A much better choice IMHO.

For a comparison for you I will describe my two setups. 35 gallon tank with filters at 420gph or 12 cycles per hour. And a 10 gallon tank with one 200gph filter or 20 cycles per hour. I keep neons, cardinals and guppies none of whom have any issues with these exchange rates.

If you get your exchange rate up by running 2 filters your tank should stay crystal clear.

Thanks for the reply. I understand what your saying and totally agree with the filtration aspect. My only issue with using two HOB's is that it wont really generate that much of a current. But using a powerhead I can point the direction of flow so the current would circulate around the tank. Plus, when used in conjunction with the quickfilter, I get more filtration as a bonus. So when u break it down... 2 AC70 HOB = 600gph. 1 AC70 HOB with 1 AC70 powerhead = 700gph (provided I went with the AC70 powerhead) plus the bonus of being able to direct the direction of flow from the powerhead. Even if I went with the AC50 powerhead, I would be looking at 570gph and still have the bonus of directing flow. I just dont know how many GPH my powerhead should be so my fish dont stress from to strong of a current.