Reliable Aussie-sold Circulation Pump (low Volume Powerhead)

Now I saw the Hydor Koralia Nanos... and they look great (nice low flow rates)... only problem is they're 110V and sold on Amazon. I can't seem to find local stock. I've found my planted 55G has a big dead area of little flow... so I wanted to add something to improve circulation - down over the shop and the driftwood. The filter intake is in the back left corner.

Does anyone know a decent reliable circulation pump/powerhead that I can source in Australia(240v)? Not too keen on buying no-name-brand Chinese versions off eBay unless I am left with no other options.

 

How much flow are you talking about? A few kinda come to mind but I wonder if they are too powerful for you setup/wants....

 

Well. It's for circulation, so not powerful.

The nanos looked good because they offer models from 240 to just under 600 gph. So basically 3000lph max, probably a bit less if I can get one a little smaller.

 

And woops, forgot to as ask... what the price range your looking at?

 

Under $50 preferably. But really depends on quality.

 

gotta say sunsun brand is well rated & we have one that's awesome. dunno if they did hob's but you might look into that hob style even if you want a different brand. low cost, low flow.

 

What size sunsun do you have? Hard to fine a local seller of the smaller ones (under 12000 lph).

I did find the ... pricier...but...it's fluval...maybe even the CP2 as a weaker flow... but it's for saltwater aquariums, though is that an issue?

 

oh we have the hw-304B - 2,000lph. for our 250L. it's huge. intense flow.

but we researched heavily & were pleased at the reviews & price. very happy **** it.

we had been checking out fluvials but the price is prohibitive so. .

what about a sponge filter ? I'm just thinking something simple given its just one area with low flow?

if you get a more powerful external one, you can reduce flow with extra media & sponge intake caps?

 

The area is actually quite a large area of the tank. The ship is actually in the back half of the tank, so there's a space running almost 2/3 to 3/4 of the tank that needs to be gently pushed around.

Not really after an external filter at this stage... just the circulation increase as the 980 only pushes water in the top area and then that dies out by the time it reaches 20-30cm out.

The Fluval CP2 looks nice (I assume saltwater pump will work in freshwater?), and I can get a bit of discount on it from eBay ($20 voucher... so $41).

 

no idea about saltwater pumps v freshwater... I'll defer to others

thinking outside the box... I can't see an airstone on that side? maybe a billion bubble air wall? you'd be surprised the flow they create. ..

but I'm interested if you go with the fluvial to see how you like it

 

The sun sun brand I use and love it. Its slightly more expensive, but get the one with the magnetic mount.Its worth the extra buck IMO, the suction cup mount has the problem of falling off if you look at it funny. A common one is the aquaone brand, its rather cheap and relatively easy to find.

But, have you thought of using a powerhead - not to be confused with the cirulation pumps, which is what you want. A powerhead is very easy to find in most aquatic pet stores, plus you have the option to hook up a small sponge filter and use it as supplemental filtration - never a bad thing IMO. Another good option would be a small surface skimmer, these guys are great in removing biofilm from the surface, moves water around - dual purpose is never a bad thing. I enjoyed the Azoo skimmer, of your interested - moves around 200 l/h.

some great websites to check out if something else caches you eye. Ive used all some time or another and have great experiences with all...




https://www.aquaholicsonline.com.au/

 

The sun sun brand I use and love it. Its slightly more expensive, but get the one with the magnetic mount.Its worth the extra buck IMO, the suction cup mount has the problem of falling off if you look at it funny. A common one is the aquaone brand, its rather cheap and relatively easy to find.

But, have you thought of using a powerhead - not to be confused with the cirulation pumps, which is what you want. A powerhead is very easy to find in most aquatic pet stores, plus you have the option to hook up a small sponge filter and use it as supplemental filtration - never a bad thing IMO. Another good option would be a small surface skimmer, these guys are great in removing biofilm from the surface, moves water around - dual purpose is never a bad thing. I enjoyed the Azoo skimmer, of your interested - moves around 200 l/h.

some great websites to check out if something else caches you eye. Ive used all some time or another and have great experiences with all...




Aquaholics Aquarium Supplies Brisbane Sydney Melbourne

I've purchased from all those suppliers and they are great.
Buy aquarium supplies and fish tank filters from The Aquarium Shop today. Gold Coast and Brisbane.


Those are two other suppliers I have used.

 

Thanks guys. Got a confirmation from the Australian Distributor for Fluval: www.petpacific.com.au
They've confirmed "yes the CP range are fine in freshwater".

So I'll look at getting the CP3 and seeing how that goes. Will report back on a new thread on its performance. (I'm going to use some Blue Planet Whitespot meds (low dose) to show the flow of my filter and this CP3 due to it's nice blue colour )

-G

 

Thanks guys. Got a confirmation from the Australian Distributor for Fluval: www.petpacific.com.au
They've confirmed "yes the CP range are fine in freshwater".

So I'll look at getting the CP3 and seeing how that goes. Will report back on a new thread on its performance. (I'm going to use some Blue Planet Whitespot meds (low dose) to show the flow of my filter and this CP3 due to it's nice blue colour )

-G

I find groubd up fish flake works well, and provides a quick snack to the fish... or if that's not your cuppa, I'd bicarbonate soda - also increases kH - but will form a cloudy white cloud temp...

 

****... the CP3 is too powerful for some of the plants. Have to point it 45 degrees to the glass to get it ok ish. Should have probably gotten a CP1...

Will use it occasionally to stir the ground up for the filter. Wait for a bigger tank and another sale/voucher.

-G

 

Just as an FYI, in my testing I think it'd probably work ok in a marine tank or a freshwater tank with solid scaping. I just have long/tall plants that don't appreciate the current. I could probably use it to manually blow things around the tank at cleaning time, but for now it's back in its box.

-G