Powerhead needed?

This might sound like a crazy question but I am trying to find out if a powerhead is actually needed. I have had my saltwater tank for close to a year now without any issues. It is a 50 gallon tank and I run 100 gallon protein skimmer and a emperor 400 mechanical filter that is designed for a 75 gallon tank. My LFS informed me that I didnt need a powerhead with the skimmer and filter but I am trying to find out from some of the vets if that is true. (we all know LFS can mislead you). I have never noticed any issues without one and am trying to find out if it is needed and if so what are the reasons and benefits?

 

Power heads keep your tank water moving which is good. If you have live rock power heads and liverock alone actually can act as a filter. I personally like power heads I think they also help with algae control.

 

Thanks I wasn't sure how beneficial they were but I believe I will purchase one now. It is funny because I got the idea to post this thread from your post about powerheads and you are the one that responded first. lol.

 

Haha, that's pretty funny. The only reason I haven't added one is because I had seahorses in the tank and its still a possibility I will add some so who knows with me. I make everything complicated!

 

I heard seahorses are pretty tuff to keep in an aquarium setting is that true? Sounds interesting though.

 

I heard seahorses are pretty tuff to keep in an aquarium setting is that true? Sounds interesting though.

Yeah about 6 grand down the drain and another $200 to add to that within the next week as the two we currently have aren't eating. It is a pain and super frustrating. Once they are eating they are usually fine but its the moving them and getting them to eat which is the hard part.

 

wow. good luck with that. Let me know how that works out. Hope the best for you.