Spot on video!!!!! We use powerheads/wavemakers/circulation pumps the same way you do. Something worth looking at are the gyre flow pumps. We picked up an Icecap 3K gyre pump for our 6' tank about 8 months ago. It takes care of surface agitation and the substrate at the same time. Absolutely love it!!!!
I love that you setup your filtration and other equipment in your tank to dose more than just suck in water and put out water, it's obviously youput a lot of thought into where and how you was going to set up the equipment. Just subbed
Starting with a 20 gallon tank and soon getting a 100 gallon tank thanks to seeing yours ...love your black sand black background the best and will set my up inspired on yours.
Ben I have a 90 gallon corner tank. I am putting a Matten filter in it and I was thinking about putting one or two powerheads in. Thank you, I found this helpful in confirming my thought. As usual you make good sense.
I use powerheads, mainly for sweeping the bottom of detritus. Returns from my filters and sumps generally take care of the surface agitation, and I do not have to add additional hardware. I recently had my my sump return pump fail while I was on vacation and there was zero return flow from the sump. The fish survived because my 1800 gph powerhead served as a back-up for aeration and water movement. I like to build in redundancy when things fail, and powerheads help here with water movement and aeration.
I went with a air stone versus a power head since I have planted tanks. Good points on the different ways you use to break the surface and move water about the your tanks. Thanks for sharing.
That’s is a very good explanation of what the differences in components you can add to your tank for healthier fish !! I’d like to try a wave maker for the lower column of water
Great video Ben I have two high-power powerheads one at each end of my tanks that break up the surface of the water. I believe in powerful water movement at the top of every tank. It keeps that film from forming on the surface which we all know is bad for the fish
Happy New year Ben! I have a maxijet 600 on my 75 gallon African cichlid aquarium. It's great for water movement. I point it up at the surface and it breaks up the surface tension and adds more oxygen to the water. I was thinking of upgrading it though since it is about 7 years old.
Great video Ben! I don’t keep cichlids but I do enjoy the information that you give. Especially this video doesn’t matter what type of fish you keep this information still applies 😁
I just changed out my existing power head which was rated for 400gph...it wasn't bad but really not up to the task for a 6ft tank...changed it out today with a 1000gph monster...I didn't need that much power but I was compensating for future tanks 😉....right now I got it turned down but it's giving my entire 6ft tank awesome surface agitation which is all you need for gas exchange!
Thanks for the vid Ben and happy 2018! Because of you(lol) I now have a couple sun sun powerheads in my cichlid and rainbow tanks and am very happy with them. They help keep bottoms clean as well as provide good circulation throughout each tank which eliminates dead spots. Also both species seem to like to occasionally play in the moving water stream so I think the fish like them as well! Appreciate you pal. GB
i am not sure in the USA there, but in australia here, yours will be called wave maker, powerhead is the one normally on the sum where there is hose connector on the unit
Hi Ben, I have two power heads and it works great. Tank always self cleaning threw the day. I noticed when I do my weekly cleaning and water change and turn of everything my fish go into a breading frenzy as I have male and females. .When I turn everything back on it seems the water currents calm all the action down. My 2 cents. .great video. Thanks michael.
I am curious to know if you have noticed any benefit in managing Cichlid aggression from using powerheads/wavemakers? It seems to me that it occupies and distracts the fish enough that it reduces aggression in the tank.
I am pro powrhead have the little sun sun at the bottom like you and one hydror in the middle near the top so I have water brake up also my canisters put puts pointed up and 2 ac 110 hob I have a lot of movement and these are things I have learned from your vids thanks for the share my friend
Wow Ben auch a helpful video you have done for the new aquarist.....I really enjoyed and learned about power heads... but I would like to see the wave makers as well how do they look like.....
Do you keep your on 24hrs or do you use a timer? I hear both ways. Currently I have mine on 24hrs in my 40 gal along with my SunSun Canister filter which is always on obviously.
Yes. It requires putting it in place and then watching, adjusting and adjusting until you have it dialed in right. Sometimes a rock in the right place can stop the sand from getting moved around without negating the water movement advantages. It just has to be played with until you get it pointed in the right direction (and use a powerhead with the right amount of gph).
I think wave makers powerheads give your fish a good workout put muscle on them I have two wave makers with the wave maker control For my 300 gallon I love it have a nice day
sir do black sailfin mollies,yoyo loaches,blue spotted gourami ,platies and tinfoil barbs bear little bit over flow from powerhead iflter? or will they die?
Hey Ben, when you get a chance, can you tell me the brand of powerheads that you placed at the bottom the the tank? They angle nicely. My hydor are kept at the top because they are "straight shooters". I love the idea of using some to help oxygenate the bottom of the tank and also help with the detritus. 😀
Hey Ben, I know I’ll be getting a few powerheads for my tanks soon. Can one use a powerhead too send more CO2 to the center of the tank? Most CO2 Diffusors are on the edge / end of the tank. I never seen a CO2 Diffuser set up in the middle of the tank, or close to where the plants are. Another thing is, I’m getting a Half Conical/ Letter D Shaped 125 Gallon Acrylic Tank built, because I think it will be a more useful tank. Rectangle shape tanks have a few dead spots. The new tank will have less dead spots, plus with some powerheads; I might have none. What do you think? I enjoy watching your vids! Thank you for sharing!
How do you like the emperor 400 I had 350 thought abouggt getting one again? Do you think the bio wheels work good as far as keeping ammonia down? Do the pipes feeding the bio wheels get clogged a lot or are there low maintenance?
Happy New Year Ben, Thanks for another great video. I too like powerheads, not real pretty to look at, but their ok considering the oxygen benefits. I'm putting together a new 150 gallon Cichlid tank now and will use powerheads.
I never knew how power heads attach to the glass do you need to drill a hole in the tank? What kind of power heads do you have? Are they pricy? Thank you from snowy Georgia
Hey Ben, I enjoyed the video! I personally don’t use them anymore since my sump provides 9 separate inlets combined for detritus to exit the tank, and the sump itself provides oxygen rich water through gas exchange within it like no other type of filtration method. In addition to my sump, I also run two FX6S for additional detritus removal and O2 exchange. I really didn’t notice any added benefits from power heads when I used them, but I do believe there is a benefit for them in certain applications such as those you pointed out in your Aquariums.
That tank has two 36" Beamworks 6500 lights. They are very bright. Almost too bright. I was afraid it wouldn't light up all the way to the bottom. People were suggesting 10,000, but 6500 was more than enough.
Thank you for response. Are we talking about Beamswork 36" chinese led lamp? with 42 leds? if thats the case, this lamp has only 21W, and "People were suggesting 10,000, but 6500 was more than enough", i dont think this has anything to do with a ligh brightenes because thats refer only to color temperature.
I don't understand why Power heads and jets/Circulation pumps are now considered the same thing. Power heads were used on Under gravel filters or had sponges attached to them to do actual work. Jets just moved water to fix dead spots or make simulated waves or river currents. Now people plop a powerhead in the tank and use it as a jet and wonder why it sucks fish up? A power head is designed to work under load like with under gravel or a sponge. The units in this video are jets not powerheads. Power heads fit on lift tubes for under gravel or sponge filters some even have a sponge attachment included. Jets other than the Maxi-jet can't attach to lift tubes they are not designed to work that way, they just create flow. The Maxi-jet can do either, but the flow GPH is changed depending on the mode you are running it in. The Maxi-jet400 will do 110GPH in Power head mode and 500 GPH in jet mode/Circulation pump.
They are not considered the same thing. I should have been more clear in this video. Power hears are like fixed hoses in the tank blasting water in a set direction. Wave makers provide a wider usually more gentle water circulation and blow a wider stream of water.
![My 5 Tips for Reducing Nitrates [THESE WORK!] - Stop Worrying About Nitrates!](/img/n.gif)
I never seen a tank as beautiful as yours!! Keep up the good work!
Spot on video!!!!! We use powerheads/wavemakers/circulation pumps the same way you do. Something worth looking at are the gyre flow pumps. We picked up an Icecap 3K gyre pump for our 6' tank about 8 months ago. It takes care of surface agitation and the substrate at the same time. Absolutely love it!!!!
I've considered a gyre and ecotech type wavemakers for the reasons you stated. On my list...
I love that you setup your filtration and other equipment in your tank to dose more than just suck in water and put out water, it's obviously youput a lot of thought into where and how you was going to set up the equipment. Just subbed
Starting with a 20 gallon tank and soon getting a 100 gallon tank thanks to seeing yours ...love your black sand black background the best and will set my up inspired on yours.
No dead spots,,🌊 great video. That’s why I go with sand, instead of gravel
Nothing but beneficial for the type of fish you keep!
We gotta make sure these are not overkill for tank size.
Ben I have a 90 gallon corner tank. I am putting a Matten filter in it and I was thinking about putting one or two powerheads in. Thank you, I found this helpful in confirming my thought. As usual you make good sense.
I use powerheads, mainly for sweeping the bottom of detritus. Returns from my filters and sumps generally take care of the surface agitation, and I do not have to add additional hardware. I recently had my my sump return pump fail while I was on vacation and there was zero return flow from the sump. The fish survived because my 1800 gph powerhead served as a back-up for aeration and water movement. I like to build in redundancy when things fail, and powerheads help here with water movement and aeration.
I am all about powerheads! I love having them break the surface of the water in my tank. So YES for me. Btw your fish are looking great.
Do you need a powerhead on top if you have the fx6 and the aquaclear 110 creating surface tension
I went with a air stone versus a power head since I have planted tanks. Good points on the different ways you use to break the surface and move water about the your tanks. Thanks for sharing.
Airstones do the job.
Thanks for watching.
Great video. When should I start using powerheads for cichlid fry / 1 inch long cichlids?
Depends on how powerful a powerhead (GPH) and the size of the tank. Around an inch should keep them from getting blown around too much.
That’s is a very good explanation of what the differences in components you can add to your tank for healthier fish !! I’d like to try a wave maker for the lower column of water
Great video Ben I have two high-power powerheads one at each end of my tanks that break up the surface of the water. I believe in powerful water movement at the top of every tank. It keeps that film from forming on the surface which we all know is bad for the fish
Some fish might not like too much water flow, that's my experience. But I guess cichlids don't mind.
Happy New year Ben! I have a maxijet 600 on my 75 gallon African cichlid aquarium. It's great for water movement. I point it up at the surface and it breaks up the surface tension and adds more oxygen to the water. I was thinking of upgrading it though since it is about 7 years old.
Nice video. But isn't the tank a bit too crowded?
Great video Ben! I don’t keep cichlids but I do enjoy the information that you give. Especially this video doesn’t matter what type of fish you keep this information still applies 😁
Thank you. Yes, much of what I cover applies across the hobby.
Thanks for stopping by, much appreciated.
I just changed out my existing power head which was rated for 400gph...it wasn't bad but really not up to the task for a 6ft tank...changed it out today with a 1000gph monster...I didn't need that much power but I was compensating for future tanks 😉....right now I got it turned down but it's giving my entire 6ft tank awesome surface agitation which is all you need for gas exchange!
I love your shirt! Shoot me a link as to where I can place an order?...Very informative! Continue to spread the love!
Rely Flores shop.spreadshirt.com/HAPNATION Go get it!
If a tank is over 5ft long then IMO a powerhead is a must.
Awesome Tank!Thanks for the information, great video! What brand of power head do you recommend? And what type of lighting is That?
Thanks for the vid Ben and happy 2018! Because of you(lol) I now have a couple sun sun powerheads in my cichlid and rainbow tanks and am very happy with them. They help keep bottoms clean as well as provide good circulation throughout each tank which eliminates dead spots. Also both species seem to like to occasionally play in the moving water stream so I think the fish like them as well! Appreciate you pal. GB
Love the power!
Thanks for sharing Master Jedi
i am not sure in the USA there, but in australia here, yours will be called wave maker, powerhead is the one normally on the sum where there is hose connector on the unit
Hi Ben, I have two power heads and it works great. Tank always self cleaning threw the day. I noticed when I do my weekly cleaning and water change and turn of everything my fish go into a breading frenzy as I have male and females. .When I turn everything back on it seems the water currents calm all the action down. My 2 cents. .great video. Thanks michael.
I am curious to know if you have noticed any benefit in managing Cichlid aggression from using powerheads/wavemakers? It seems to me that it occupies and distracts the fish enough that it reduces aggression in the tank.
I am pro powrhead have the little sun sun at the bottom like you and one hydror in the middle near the top so I have water brake up also my canisters put puts pointed up and 2 ac 110 hob I have a lot of movement and these are things I have learned from your vids thanks for the share my friend
I don't know why but I've always thought they looked better in Saltwater aquariums. I love using them
Wow Ben auch a helpful video you have done for the new aquarist.....I really enjoyed and learned about power heads... but I would like to see the wave makers as well how do they look like.....
Do you keep your on 24hrs or do you use a timer? I hear both ways. Currently I have mine on 24hrs in my 40 gal along with my SunSun Canister filter which is always on obviously.
Is there away to set up the powerhead at the bottom to circulate the waste towards the the filters without taking the sand with it lol TIA
Yes. It requires putting it in place and then watching, adjusting and adjusting until you have it dialed in right. Sometimes a rock in the right place can stop the sand from getting moved around without negating the water movement advantages. It just has to be played with until you get it pointed in the right direction (and use a powerhead with the right amount of gph).
@@BenOchart awesome thanks
I think wave makers powerheads give your fish a good workout put muscle on them I have two wave makers with the wave maker control For my 300 gallon I love it have a nice day
I never thought about fish workouts!
I don t use them any more, i have 3 external filter on my 100g. Great video ben
Beautiful tanks Ben 👌🐠👍
Thanks 👍 Paul
Power heads keep the water column moving so you don't have stagnant spots.
True!
I just looked on amazon and had no idea how inexpensive the wave makers are that’s just a great deal
Yes, a good bargain. I picked up for for like 40 bucks with free shipping.
Great information!! Thanks 🙏
What type of cichlid is that silver one with the black spots along its body because its unbelievable.
When l had a 20 long set up with a hang on back filter l had a small powerhead to move water from one side of the tank to the other.
Yes, I hate dead spots on the surface
sir do black sailfin mollies,yoyo loaches,blue spotted gourami ,platies and tinfoil barbs bear little bit over flow from powerhead iflter?
or will they die?
Hey Ben, when you get a chance, can you tell me the brand of powerheads that you placed at the bottom the the tank? They angle nicely. My hydor are kept at the top because they are "straight shooters". I love the idea of using some to help oxygenate the bottom of the tank and also help with the detritus. 😀
They are very inexpensive SunSun powerheads. I think model 110. Under $10 each on ebay and amazon.
What's up. Video was helpful, I like the way it looks in your tank with that 3D background. The powerheads look like security cameras..😁
Hey Ben,
I know I’ll be getting a few powerheads for my tanks soon. Can one use a powerhead too send more CO2 to the center of the tank? Most CO2 Diffusors are on the edge / end of the tank. I never seen a CO2 Diffuser set up in the middle of the tank, or close to where the plants are. Another thing is, I’m getting a Half Conical/ Letter D Shaped 125 Gallon Acrylic Tank built, because I think it will be a more useful tank. Rectangle shape tanks have a few dead spots. The new tank will have less dead spots, plus with some powerheads; I might have none. What do you think? I enjoy watching your vids! Thank you for sharing!
I use a eheim surface skimmer and it keeps the water surface clean of protein build up that really helps alot
I run a power head I'd like to get a wave maker to see. The difference.
How do you like the emperor 400 I had 350 thought abouggt getting one again? Do you think the bio wheels work good as far as keeping ammonia down? Do the pipes feeding the bio wheels get clogged a lot or are there low maintenance?
I have a 30 gallon tank. Would you recommend powerheads or a bubbler?
Think Im gonna try a powerhead. My surface algae is getting ridiculous.
Highly recommended
Happy New Year Ben,
Thanks for another great video. I too like powerheads, not real pretty to look at, but their ok considering the oxygen benefits. I'm putting together a new 150 gallon Cichlid tank now and will use powerheads.
Lol your 25cents ... Ben I agree with your 25 cents hahahalol wave makers are a very good way to provide cleaner substrate and help oxygen the tank.
I never knew how power heads attach to the glass do you need to drill a hole in the tank? What kind of power heads do you have?
Are they pricy?
Thank you from snowy Georgia
Donna Kate Morgan no they are suckers or magnetic
I have a 60 gallon set up the same way canister an empire like the video lots of info I sub an like have a good one looking forward to the next
Thank you baybay kid, much appreciated!
Is the a risk of fish being electrocuted from power heads (hyrdor)
Which side of filiter inlet pipe powerhead will fit
In your other 2 fish tanks how did tou get the backgrounds so black? Is it a film or paint?
Black acrylic hobby paint applied with a small roller.
Nice vid again . Hey Ben do you have any bocunono in grow out .If yes are you going to keep them in 135g for life or you will be upgrading to 220g lol
Hey Ben, I enjoyed the video! I personally don’t use them anymore since my sump provides 9 separate inlets combined for detritus to exit the tank, and the sump itself provides oxygen rich water through gas exchange within it like no other type of filtration method. In addition to my sump, I also run two FX6S for additional detritus removal and O2 exchange. I really didn’t notice any added benefits from power heads when I used them, but I do believe there is a benefit for them in certain applications such as those you pointed out in your Aquariums.
is OK to use aquarium salt for the fish
Never tried them, maybe I will. I have plenty of water agitation with my filters and maxi jet
how much light have you got in that tank? so bright...
which of the tanks are you referring to?
Ben Ochart :-) the first on the video
That tank has two 36" Beamworks 6500 lights. They are very bright. Almost too bright. I was afraid it wouldn't light up all the way to the bottom. People were suggesting 10,000, but 6500 was more than enough.
Thank you for response. Are we talking about Beamswork 36" chinese led lamp? with 42 leds? if thats the case, this lamp has only 21W, and "People were suggesting 10,000, but 6500 was more than enough", i dont think this has anything to do with a ligh brightenes because thats refer only to color temperature.
first you get the money, then you get the poweheads, then you get the women...
Legit.
michael whyte you need money for a woman but then again you go broke cause all they about is money which I find them as garbage
Lmmfao 😂 😂😂 😂😂 😂😂 😂
Real talk...
Bwahahahahahaha
Thanks for sharing ben
Hey friend ✊ happy new year 😊
Is this use for pushing poop into the filter intake?
One of the reasons to use one, yes
thanks for sharing!
What is a good powerhead/wavemaker for 50gal
What kind of budget are you on? I like Hydor but if $$$ is a bit tight, go with a SunSun that pushes around 800 gph.
I like the function but hate the look. I don't like to see any equipment in the tank
Very Nice! I subscribed!
I don't understand why Power heads and jets/Circulation pumps are now considered the same thing. Power heads were used on Under gravel filters or had sponges attached to them to do actual work. Jets just moved water to fix dead spots or make simulated waves or river currents. Now people plop a powerhead in the tank and use it as a jet and wonder why it sucks fish up? A power head is designed to work under load like with under gravel or a sponge. The units in this video are jets not powerheads. Power heads fit on lift tubes for under gravel or sponge filters some even have a sponge attachment included. Jets other than the Maxi-jet can't attach to lift tubes they are not designed to work that way, they just create flow. The Maxi-jet can do either, but the flow GPH is changed depending on the mode you are running it in. The Maxi-jet400 will do 110GPH in Power head mode and 500 GPH in jet mode/Circulation pump.
They are not considered the same thing. I should have been more clear in this video. Power hears are like fixed hoses in the tank blasting water in a set direction. Wave makers provide a wider usually more gentle water circulation and blow a wider stream of water.
Nice 👍 video bro
Those are not powerheads, but wavemakers.
When I added a powerhead, I found that my fish stayed much healthier.
I love water movement for a variety of reasons.
These are wave makers not power heads
Yep .... truth.
Dude powerheads and wavemakers are exactly the same thing.
@@matasmetlevski2101 no they are not