BiomesInaBox

Tag: water flow

  • Why Use a Circulation Pump for a Fish Tank?

    Two words in this hobby that get used interchangeably but are technically two different things are circulation pump and powerhead. Even companies use the words Powerhead and circulation pump interchangeably which can confuse people. Both have quite a bit of overlap in terms of what they do but there are key differences. At the end of the day, they both move water around an aquarium. I’ll briefly discuss what both technically are but for the sake of this article, I will use both terms interchangeably. This article will discuss why you might want to use a powerhead/circulation pump in an aquarium.

    What is a Circulation Pump?

    A circulation pump is technically a pump that can be used to pull water out of a sump system and into the display aquarium. Some might know them better as return pumps or sump pumps. The Hygger 24V Water Pump (Affiliate Link) is a great example of a circulation pump. The pump sucks water through the intake. The output end is usually connected to PVC piping or flexible tubing that discharges water into the aquarium. Some circulation pumps can be converted into powerheads but most do not have that capability.

    What is a Powerhead?

    A powerhead is a piece of equipment that moves water around a fish tank to increase flow. Think of it as an underwater fan that blows water around to create a current. There’s not much else to it. Unlike a circulation pump, a powerhead cannot push water through pipes. The Hydor Koralia (Affiliate Link) is probably the most iconic powerhead brand but there are many more great ones out there. In the next part of the article, I will discuss some uses for powerheads.

    Remove Dead Spots from the Aquarium

    Dead spots in aquariums are spaces where detritus can settle. Water flow doesn’t reach this space so it’s a perfect space for debris to rest, which can become a nutrient farm over time. A filter normally moves water around and removes debris from your aquarium, but sometimes your filtration could use a little help from a powerhead. Dead spots are inevitable, and in small quantities, they’re not always a bad thing. They’re a space fish can use to rest from current and water movement. So it has its benefits to some extent.

    Add Flow For Coral Reef Tanks

    Corals thrive on water movement. Different corals benefit from different levels of flow. For example, leather coral enjoys very calm flowing water. Others, like LPS and zoanthids, can tolerate moderate amounts of indirect flow. Lastly, stony corals love high flow, and large colonies can die off if not enough water movement gets through the intertwining branches. Filtration systems help with water movement, but that’s usually not enough for larger saltwater aquariums. The powerhouse that moves water around in a reef tank is often the powerhead.

    To Mimic an Ecosystem

    This more or less bounces off the previous statement. To imitate a coral reef, you need varying levels of flowing water to replicate the changing movements of water. You will not get a successful reef tank without any water movement. Live rock is part of the filtration system in a coral reef, and water must move in and out of it to do its job successfully. Corals will utilize water movement to filter feed. Without moving water, nutrients and food will never reach them.

    You can add flow to your aquarium with circulation pumps to mimic a river ecosystem. There are wonderful examples of fish keepers mimicking this type of environment using this equipment. Check out the video below of this exact example.

    Mixing Marine Salt For Water Changes

    I remember the days when I would manually mix saltwater before doing water changes. Luckily, I have grown in the hobby and made it easier for myself with an old circulation pump I had lying around. I add salt into a bucket, add RO water, and toss a circulation pump into the bucket to start churning the water. This allows me to set and forget this part of the water change.

    I check up on it from time to time to make sure salt hasn’t settled in a dead spot in the bucket. If it does, I shift the powerhead to move the water from a different direction. It’s a nice trick I use to give me a little more time to do things before a water change.

    Final Notes

    There are probably countless other ways to use powerheads in an aquarium. They’re a fantastic tool to use to create a unique ecosystem for specific species of fish, useful to make your aquarium maintenance easier, and the most obvious to aid in moving water around a fish tank. If you have other fantastic ways to use powerheads, consider taking the time to share them to help make this hobby great!

  • Do I Need a Circulation Pump For My Aquarium?

    Do I Need a Circulation Pump For My Aquarium?

    Aquarium circulation pumps come in many different shapes and sizes from countless brands in this hobby. Sometimes called an aquarium powerhead or powerhead, these pieces of equipment are primarily used to move water around an aquarium. The question we are looking to answer is do you need a circulation pump for your aquarium?

    Just like any other topic in this hobby, it simply depends. I cannot provide a clear-cut answer because there are so many variables within this hobby. I’ll cover some of the reasons in finer detail, but I know I won’t be able to highlight every reason. A large part of this hobby is research, luckily there is a plethora of information available on every fish, coral, and ecosystem type we keep in a glass box. This article will discuss some of the reasons it makes sense to set up a circulation pump.

    Freshwater Aquarium vs. Saltwater Aquarium

    One thing to think about when deciding whether to set up a circulation pump for your aquarium is whether you are keeping freshwater or saltwater. Generally speaking, saltwater fish tanks will likely require more flow, especially if you are running a reef tank. Corals don’t move, so food, oxygen, nutrients, and everything else they need must come to them. However, the amount of flow completely depends on the species of coral you have.

    Freshwater aquariums will generally tolerate much less flowing water or no flow at all. Sometimes a filtration system is enough flow to keep your freshwater aquarium thriving. A planted aquarium might not have any air pumps, filters, or circulation pumps and be completely dependent on the oxygen produced by the plants. At the end of the day, it is completely dependent on what type of freshwater aquarium you are running. For example, a river-themed freshwater tank will benefit from having more flow, compared to a planted tank.

    Small vs. Large Aquarium

    Another thing to think about when figuring out whether a powerhead is necessary is thinking about aquarium sizes. Small aquariums often get by without requiring a circulation pump. Flow from an air pump or filtration system is usually enough to keep the aquarium going. An aquarium circulation pump may be overkill for nano tanks, unless you are attempting to create a specific habitat, like a riverbed.

    Large aquariums may need a powerhead. If you have areas in the aquarium where detritus builds up, you may want to get something facing that general direction to stir up the build-up of waste. In a saltwater aquarium, you will want to consider setting up a circulation pump to provide enough flow for your coral.

    What Do You Plan on Keeping?

    Fish come from all types of habitats, it is important to know what habitats they are from. It was mentioned earlier, but if your fish comes from a fast-flowing river system, you may want to build your aquarium around that. A circulation pump may be the exact thing you need to achieve that. However, if you are keeping fish from slow-moving waters, such as lakes and ponds, you may not need a powerhead because the flow from your filter might be enough to keep your fish happy.

    Also, fish with long fins, slow-moving fish, and very small fish may struggle with certain circulation pumps. I would not recommend keeping a long-fin betta fish in an aquarium with a powerhead. The betta moves slowly and has long flowy fins that can get pulled into the spinning fans of the powerhead.

    Plants & Circulation Pumps

    Keeping plants and circulation pumps may or may not be a good idea. In a small aquarium, I often do not recommend doing so because the current created by the powerhead can very easily tear the leaves of your aquatic plants. The filter should provide plenty of flow in a nano planted tank. In a larger aquarium, that has more open space, it’s possible to have an aquarium circulation pump running without damaging plants. Many different circulation pumps with varying sizes will do the job for you.

    If you’re looking for a very small amount of added flow, check out the Hydor Koralia Nano Circulation Pump. This pump only pushes 240 GPH and might be just the thing if you’re looking for some extra flow. If you need more flow, some massive powerheads can push over 1000 gallons of water per hour, like the Fluval Sea CP4 Circulation Pump. There are many options out there, so you’ll have to shop around to find what will work best for you.

    Coral and Circulation Pumps

    When you work with corals, you’ll learn that each species has its unique personality and needs. Many coral species love varying types of flow. For example, most stony corals will do better with high indirect flow, while other species, such as zoanthids often do better with a gentler flow. You may need a stronger powerhead for a large aquarium with SPS coral, compared to a large aquarium with zoanthids or soft corals. Too much direct flow can irritate certain coral species. This will cause them to close up and can lead to their demise if the flow intensity does not change. If you see your coral closed up, you might be providing it with too much or too little flow.

    Final Notes

    There are probably plenty more reasons why you should or shouldn’t use a circulation pump for your aquarium. The goal of this article is not to list every single reason, but to help new and old aquarists think outside of the box as to why something like extra flow might be needed. Powerheads are very handy tools when used correctly. They can help remove dead spots from aquariums, help bring nutrients to corals, and much more. I share some more information on flow rates on Different Aquarium Water Flow Rate Requirements.

  • Different Aquarium Water Flow Rate Requirements

    Different Aquarium Water Flow Rate Requirements

    Fish tank water movement is a very important aspect of each aquarium system. Many different animals and plants have different water movement requirements and it is important to appeal to each one. For example, seahorses require fish tanks with a slower flow rate because of their sluggish eating habits and very slow, gentle movements. Also, plants require slower flow in freshwater aquarium systems because too high a flow can damage the plants. This article will discuss different flow rate requirements for common aquarium systems. It will also discuss different ways to introduce water flow in an aquarium.

    Standard Aquariums

    It is common for beginner aquarium keepers to set up a “standard” styled aquarium. Many of these aquariums are filled with plastic, clay, and ceramic decorations to beautify the fish tank. Regardless of what decor is added, this type of fish tank still requires water flow and water movement for it to prosper. It is recommended to turn over your water through your filter at least four times every hour. For example, if you own a 10-gallon tank, at the minimum, 40 gallons of water should flow through your filter every hour. Luckily, equipment that moves water will also provide a gallons per hour (GPH) rate, so usually no calculations are needed.

    Hang on Back Filter

    Standard-styled aquariums can reach proper water flow and water movement rates in different ways. One of the most common equipment used for smaller aquariums is hang on back (HOB) filters. As its name suggests, this filter sits on the rim of your aquarium and filters water. Most hang on back filter vendors will provide a GPH turnover rate, which is often labeled on the box.

    If the appropriate filter is chosen, it should provide the proper amount of oxygenation and flow for the aquarium. As a reminder, GPH rates labeled on the box are tested at optimum conditions. The filters are likely tested without any filter media and at full speed. In an aquarium setting, these conditions will probably not be met because you will probably fill your filter with different types of media. I personally almost always recommend a hang on back filter for new aquarium keepers because it provides Mechanical, Bacterial, and chemical filtration all in one. If you’re shopping around for different hang on back filters, check out 7 Best Hang on Back Power Filters for Freshwater Aquariums.

    Sponge Filter

    The main limitation of sponge filters is that they only provide bacterial filtration. However, you can still achieve proper water movement rates with a sponge filter. Sponge filters connect to air pumps through airline hosing. The air pump brings large oxygen bubbles into the aquarium. The bubbles float to the top of the aquarium and cause a disturbance on the water’s surface. The disturbance in water brings oxygen into the aquarium from the air. The movement of air and water creates water circulation throughout the whole tank. Using sponge filters, the proper water flow rate is easy to achieve in smaller aquariums but may be more challenging in larger fish tanks. You can learn more about sponge filters by taking a look at Sponge Filters Use, Cleaning, and Extra Tips!

    Other Ways To Acquire Good Flow Rates

    There are other ways to achieve proper flow rates not only in standard aquariums but other aquariums too. You can use powerheads (circulation pumps) to move water around the aquarium. These pumps do not provide filtration. They only move large amounts of water around. You can learn if your aquarium will benefit from having a circulation pump by checking out Do I Need a Circulation Pump For My Aquarium?

    Although these filter types are not very common, you can connect an air pump to an undergravel filter. This will provide water movement and filtration. You can also use canister filters, sumps systems, and submersible filters to filter your aquarium and provide water movement. Larger aquariums commonly use canister filters and/or sump systems.

    Planted Aquariums

    Like standard aquarium setups planted aquariums can use filtration systems such as hang on the back, sponge, and all the other types besides undergravel filters. However, larger planted aquariums will more than likely use a canister filter or a sump system to acquire proper water flow rates. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and I will go over both. If you’re setting up smaller aquariums, take a look at the information provided above to learn about sponge filters and hang on back filtration systems.

    Canister Filters

    Canister filters are an excellent way to filter and add water flow to your planted aquarium. Just like other filtration systems, the canister filter flow rate should be labeled on the packaging provided. As stated above, your fish tank should have a water turnover rate of roughly 4x the total gallon amount every hour. To continue, canister filters provide chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration. Each of these is important for a successful aquarium setup. However, canister filters are a little different than other filtrations. This filter minimizes the contact water has with surface air.

    This is great for planted aquariums because there is less oxygen exchange between water and air. Something like a sump system increases oxygen exchange with air and water and might require you to supplement more carbon dioxide. Also, canister filters are usually nice and compact. You can fit quite a bit of filter media, sponges, and more. They’re great for aquarium keepers with little space.

    Disadvantages of Canister Filters

    One of the main disadvantages of canister filters is the maintenance around it. Overall, maintenance is not too terrible and filter technology has made maintenance easier but it can be a chore. You have to remove the canister filter, drain the water, open it up, remove the media, replace it, and then put it back together again. Moving a big bulky filter can be challenging so keep that in mind when choosing filtration systems. Also, when choosing filters, make sure the brand you use is reliable. Although it’s not common, like any piece of equipment, canister filters can malfunction and leak water. Buying canister filters from a reliable brand like Fluval helps decrease the chance of leaking.

    One of the main disadvantages of canister filters is the maintenance around it. Overall, maintenance is not too terrible and filter technology has made maintenance easier but it can be a chore. You have to remove the canister filter, drain the water, open it up remove the media, replace it, and then put it back together again. Moving a big bulky filter can be challenging so keep that in mind when choosing filtration systems. Also, when choosing filters, make sure the brand you use is reliable. Although it’s not common, like any piece of equipment, canister filters can malfunction and leak water. Buying canister filters from a reliable brand like Fluval, helps decrease the chance of leaking.

    Do not let this deter you from considering canister filters as your filtration system. They’re an excellent type of filtration that packs a punch in keeping your fish tank clear and clean. If you feel canister filters aren’t for you, consider setting up a sump system for larger planted tanks. I will discuss the pros and cons of sump systems in the saltwater aquarium section.

    Saltwater Aquariums

    Smaller saltwater aquariums will commonly use HOB and/or sponge filters providing flow and filtration. An addition of powerheads/circulation pumps is almost required in saltwater fish tanks. Overall, saltwater aquariums are unique because of the vast differences in animals that live in these systems. Most saltwater fish tanks should have at least 10x the turnover rate of the aquarium’s total volume. For example, if you have a 75-gallon fish tank, you should have at least 750 gallons of water turning over every hour. Many saltwater fishkeepers believe that a higher turnover rate is better for the overall system. Your water’s flow rate should be changed based on the species of animal kept in the aquarium.

    A few outliers

    Certain corals, like SPS coral, enjoy faster-moving waters over leather corals. Seahorses and pipefish require slower-moving waters compared to tangs, clownfish, and others. I cannot list all the fish requirements in this article but before purchasing any animal, make sure that the setup you have is compatible with it. Saltwater-related mistakes are costly to your wallet and potentially the aquarium. You want to go into everything with an arsenal of information before making any moves.

    Sump Systems

    One of the most common filtration systems for larger saltwater (and a lot of freshwater) aquariums are sump system. To put it simply, a sump is a “fish tank” under a fish tank. They are usually set up in the aquarium stand. Sumps differ from fish tanks because they are usually set up or purchased with baffles. Baffles create separations often called chambers. Each chamber can hold different things such as protein skimmers, refugiums, and return pumps. There is a vast amount of things that can be done with sump systems to help keep your aquarium clean.

    One of the main benefits of sump systems is that you can put just about everything in it. They’re also excellent for saltwater aquariums because they add more water volume and increase oxygen exchange between the water and air. Furthermore, sumps are much easier to clean and it’s easier to remove/replace filter media when needed.

    Disadvantages of Sumps

    Even with all the advantages of sump systems, there are disadvantages. Sump systems overall, may cost you more money upfront. If you’re not a DIY type of person, purchasing an already plumbed sump will cost you some cash. You may need to plumb your aquarium and sump. You will also need to research and purchase a return pump that returns water into your aquarium at an appropriate rate. If your return pump is not strong enough, your sump can potentially overflow and flood your house. Also, purchase and/or build a sump that will not cause flooding when the power goes out. Water will siphon from your fish tank into the sump, so having a large enough sump should prevent any flooding.

    Quick Setup Information

    I am just skimming over the surface by setting up a saltwater aquarium with a sump. I would recommend doing more research on the topic. The easiest route to take is to purchase a drilled aquarium. Most drilled aquariums will come with a plumbing kit. Plumbing kits will provide you with the overflow piping and bulkheads. The only thing you’ll need to do is pipe the bulkhead down into the sump with PVC piping, choose the correctly sized return pump, and purchase/build a sump system. When plumbing, remember that elbows in piping can drastically slow down the flow. Also, make sure your piping is primed and sealed. This link will direct you to Amazon’s store page where you can purchase PVC cement.

    Final Notes

    There is a lot that goes into flow rates in every aquarium setup. It expands even more when you begin keeping unique animals such as coral and seahorses. Think about what you want to keep at home and plan your aquarium accordingly. Check out ATParium for more information on fish, invertebrates and more!