Help with powerhead?

[joeypaul]

I have purchased a maxi-jet 900 powerhead for my 60 gallon Jack Dempsey tank. I bought it to help witj dead spots, and dirty substrate. I was hoping someone could tell me the best placement. The back of my tank seems to be where debris is ending up. I have a penguin 350 and aqua clear 70 and bubble stone, so o2 is not issue. Any suggestions?
Joey Paul

 

[SImonG]

I usually place the powerheads about 6 inches from the water level at the back corner and aim it at the front of the tank but at an angle. you will see the ripple at the front and as it carries itself down the length of the tank...

 

[joeypaul]

Will that create movement in the back of the tank?

Joey Paul

 

[SImonG]

If youre worried about the back I put one on the side near the top and aim it at the back ... i have two big ones. one aims at the front one aims at the back. yank is 6 ft long, 145 gallon..

 

[SImonG]

oops tank is 6 ft long

 

[SImonG]

By shooting the water at the glass like this, you will also get good surface ripples, which is an ideal way to add oxygen to your tank !!

 

[joeypaul]

I have alot of agitation with the 12 inch bubble stone and the hob filters. I mostly just want to eliminate dead spots. Or at least get the debris to the front where I can vacuum easier. I only ordered one powerhead. I hope that is enough for what I want. It's only 60 gallon.

Joey Paul

 

[Drstrangelove]

Circulation pumps (the kind that have magnets and rotate) sound like they may be what you want. They can be placed low in the tank and will generate a sweeping spray of water over a large swath. They don't create jet type streams so they can be closer to the substrate and sweep around but not disturb anything but the smallest fish or blow sand up into the water column. Since your o2 levels are fine, this might be something to look at. It gets lots of kudos from people looking to clear up dead spots. And they are priced pretty low and use very little power.