Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by admins
Powerheads help keep your aquarium healthy and clean. Click and find out where to place powerheads in a freshwater aquarium.
Water movement plays a key role in maintaining a healthy underwater environment. It is a necessary part of healthy development for aquatic animals & plants, corals, and even for living rocks! A Powerhead is a device that is very useful in some tanks, while in others it is almost essential. Its main role is to help in the circulation of underwater currents.
The vast majority of people initially wonder where to place powerheads in a freshwater aquarium. Did you know that the same rules don’t apply equally to marine, freshwater, or reef aquarium tanks? Therefore, keep reading to find out all about this great helper.
Table of Contents
What Is A Powerhead?
A Powerhead is an electrical device with motors that are sealed to allow them to be submerged. Its role is to create an underwater current that moves water throughout the aquarium. Therefore, it maintains a homogeneous temperature throughout the tank, thus avoiding the formation of weird cold and hot spots that can cause disease development.
In addition to moving water, it also creates a funny experience for aquatic pets since it gives your fishes something to swim against. Let’s not forget, the powerhead plays an important role in the circulation of aquarium water, it moves water around your plants and decors as well. This prevents debris from building up, which ultimately results in a cleaner, more balanced, and healthier aquarium tank.
Powerheads can be used for other purposes as well, such as driving an under gravel filter. They are also very economical and inexpensive, which makes them suitable for almost everyone’s pocket.
Do I Need A Powerhead In My Freshwater Tank?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, especially when it comes to beginners. The answer is – no, not everyone needs it. Namely, if you have a small tank, i. e. if your tank is less than two feet long, then you don’t need it. However, keep in mind that this is only valid if your filter provides sufficient flow.
What is the easiest way to find out if you need it? Simply check the water temperature. If the water temperature at the farthest part of the tank matches the temperature of the filter, this is a good indication that your tank has sufficient flow even without a powerhead.
Benefits Of Using Powerhead In A Freshwater Aquarium
- Provides water circulation and oxygenation in the aquarium.
- Prevents deposition of debris and other substances at the bottom of the tank.
- Carries oxygen, encourages movement, and brings food to stationary animals.
- Prevents the formation and spread of algae in the aquarium tank.
Circulation Pump Placement – Freshwater Aquarium
It’s time to finally answer the question – where to place powerheads in a freshwater aquarium. So, let’s get to the point.
When deciding where to place your powerhead you need to pay attention to two things: circulation and underwater current.
If you have a freshwater aquarium with decorations and plastic plants, your goal should be to achieve as much water movement as possible to avoid the accumulation of debris and other substances in the corners of the tank, as well as behind ornaments and other decorations.
As for powerhead placement, it is important that it is set up correctly, therefore, it is important to consider the placement of the filter. If your filter is on the back right-hand side it means that the water flow will be limited to one side of the tank only. Therefore, it is necessary to improve circulation, and that will be most easily achieved by inserting a powerhead.
Accordingly, set the powerhead in the way that it can pump the water from the back of the tank and eventually direct water toward the front of the tank. This technique is very important as it complements the water flow pattern in the filter.
In addition, such a powerhead placement ensures that water will circulate everywhere in the aquarium, that is, it will move even around rocks and other aquarium decorations. Also, it is important to note that the movement of water will allow each corner of the aquarium to have the same water temperature.
Circulation Pump Placement – Planted Freshwater Aquarium
The same rules don’t apply to an aquarium tank that contains live plants. Furthermore, the positioning and the idea behind the powerhead are the same, but this time it is about the current.
Namely, living plants can’t tolerate strong currents. It is important for them to move slowly so that their leaves could absorb carbon dioxide and other nutrients. In addition, they release oxygen, so the movement of water is essential to ensure that the gas exchange is even throughout the tank.
When it comes to placing a powerhead in a planted freshwater aquarium, make sure the plants don’t move back and forth or bend. It is essential that the powerhead produces a gentle movement that brushes over and through without disturbing or damaging living plants.
Accordingly, the best place to achieve such circumstances is the bottom of the aquarium tank. Wondering why? – Due to turbulence and possible removal of carbon dioxide. CO2 is one of the essential things that is needed for your aquarium plants to thrive. If you remove it completely, it will have negative consequences for the health of your aquatic plants.
Such will eliminate the possibility of turbulence on the water surface and the possible removal of CO2.
To Wrap Things Up
Increasing the movement of your aquarium water will result in many benefits, cleanliness and health are just part of a long list. In addition, your aquatic pets will be especially pleased with the increased movement, because they will have extra fun. Adding powerheads to freshwater aquariums encourages more efficient filter operation and helps with gas exchange.
Do you have any tips on where to place powerheads in a freshwater aquarium? Let us know in the section below.
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