Below is information on aquarium powerheads and the importance of aquarium water circulation in reef tanks.
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Corals are exposed to constant water motion in nature. Being simple sedimentary animals without circulatory systems, they rely on the water moving around them to aid in several biological functions that they cannot otherwise carry out. Wave makers can be seen as a type of external circulatory system for corals. This water carries carbon dioxide and oxygen needed by the corals and their resident symbiotic algae. It also takes away nitrogenous wastes. In the reef aquarium, we utilize filters and aquarium powerheads to create circulation. Moving water in the reef tank carries food and dissolved nutrients to the corals.
High quality aquarium powerheads offered by companies like Song Joy, Hydor Koralia and Marineland Penguin create constantly moving water. The moving water aids in washing slime coats and detritus (dirt like materials) off corals that might otherwise build up and result in tissue death. Power heads near the surface of the water help not only with circulation but also with the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Larger power heads are used as sump pumps to pump water from the sump, or wet dry filter and back into the aquarium.
In the coral reef water, motion also aids in reproduction by spreading coral’s reproductive cells – as well as pieces of coral that break off and grow into new adult corals.
In reef tanks, the water should be circulated four to six times an hour by power heads. But the pump that sends the water to or from the filter only needs to circulate the entire volume of the aquarium one or two times a hour.
Many good devices are on the market today that aid in the circulation of water through the reef aquarium. The most popular method of moving water is to place two or three or more small to medium power heads in various parts of the reef aquarium. If the current from the power heads is positioned in such a way that the currents collide with each other, then the flow of water will be much more random.
Also, if the power heads are on timers or controllers we call them wavemakers. With wavemaker systems the waters flow patterns will constantly change through the day. The more randomness and change in water flow, the better for your reef tank inhabitants.
Looking to buy aquarium powerheads or wavemakers for reef tank circulation? click here.