slevin711

I apologize if this isn't in the correct location or is a bad question, but I am looking for a way to increase the circulation in my 55g tank. Now, typically, you would use a powerhead for this, but my understanding of those is that they go with an undergravel filter (right?).

So since I have sand substrate, I cannot use an UGF, I am looking for a way to increase circulation in my tank (for clown loaches) other than just the filter outtakes. Any ideas?

TFA101

powerheads are connected by airline tubing to an air pump, you don't need an undergravel filter for one. all you need is a powerhead, airline tubing, an air pump, and an electrical outlet to plug it into. I think you might need some kind of valve to prevent water from draining back down the tubing into the pump, but I'm not entirely sure.

Butterfly

I used a flexible bubble wand down the complete back of the 55g sand tank plus two aquaclear 70 HOB filters. It was a loach tank but not Clowns.
My Clowns are in a 75g with two Whisper HOB filters rated for 60g tanks. Also do 2x weekly 50% water changes. I have used the bubble wands with the clowns but the wanted to dig under it all the time
Here is part of the 55g so you can see what I mean
Carol

Attached Images

55G R side.jpg (102.7 KB, 68 views)

alicem

You can use a power head several different ways.
For example:
I have a small one at the bottom of my sand bottom 90G attached with suction cups that came with it. It blows 2" above the
sand surface to move the water accross the front 1/4 of the tank toward the filter intakes on the other end.
It's sort of hidden behind some driftwood. My rainbows and corydoras appreciate the extra current.
I do not have an air tube attached, it merely blows a water current, no air.

Power heads can also be attached at the top of the tank with a hanger or suction cups, aimed to blow into the mid regions of the tank
or accross the top of the water collum.
You may or may not want to use the air line feature, depends on what you feel you need and what look for your tank that you are going after.

It depends on what your intended purpose is as to where to place them and how to use them:
*create a current for your fish
*or move debris toward the filter intakes
*or provide no dead zones in the total water movement
or all of the above.

hth,
alicem

Tony G.

Hi

i would reccoomend power heads too.
I have one in my 32 gallon and it has increadible power. here is a picture of what it looks like. Also, my Power head is connected to the filter, so it pumps out a lot of whater, it keeps all the water in movement (serioiusly, even the smallest plant in my tank waves) and it is great!


the first one is of the power head and the second is of the filter/power head

Attached Images

	DSCF3988.JPG (454.1 KB, 64 views)
	Filter.jpg (18.7 KB, 60 views)

cerianthus

All the major brands pH has little inlet where you can stick in airlline tubing in. Once one end of tubing is attched to PH, and the other end out of tank with small plastic controller attached, DONT need an air pump. PH should suck in air (Venturi Action) and amount of air comming in can be controlled, even shut down completely. All of these accessories should come with PH, if memory serves, with most PH.

MizRamzi

I have a power head with an attached sponge, sits on gravel bed. I have used it often to quick cycle a new tank...all them goodies inside of it.

zowie717

I have an air stone (4 inche round) in my 60 gallon that is connected to air tubing then to the air pump. i have it under the argonatite sand substrate. I have had no problems. you just cover up the air stone with the substrate and it goes right through it. it does not throw the sand around. i have pictures on my profile you should be able to see the air. i also use a bubble wand for extra aeration.