Caligo'sKeeper

Hi,

I'm planing on setting up a new tank (yay!) I want to get two kinds of fish who like to have a lot of current in the water... can anyone tell me what is the best and minimally expensive way to make some waves? I read somewhere that powerheads do that, but I've never used one before so I'd appreciate the advice! Thanks!

harpua2002

What are you planning to stock, and what are your plans for the filtration?

Powerheads are just water pumps, and you're right that they do help with circulation. For fish that like a lot of current, they are a good choice. I have the most experience with Maxi Jets and Koralias. Both are good quality and reliable. The Koralias are more expensive, but much more quiet.

Caligo'sKeeper

Thanks. I'm planning on getting some glass catfish and blind cave fish, and perhaps maybe some loaches at a later point. I read that the glass cats like a current when feeding. How do the Koralias and maxi jets work? Do they have to hook up to anything (like a filter) or are they self-contained? I'm planning on using a regent aqua-tech 30-60 on a 30 gallon tank (nothing special but it's what I have in my other 30 gal as well.)

harpua2002

They are self-contained. You just plug them in and they pump water. Some brands, like Aquaclear, have sponge attachments that turn them into a simple but effective bio filter. The attachments, of course, are sold separately. Just like a regular filter, you never want to run a powerhead dry. Mount your powerhead inside the tank first, and then plug it in. Unplug when you do water changes.