How to Pick the Right Flow Rate in a Tank

In order to maintain your aquarium at its best possible condition and the health of its inhabitants, you must determine the right flow rate for your tank. Flow rate is typically measured by gallons per hour. Before choosing any fish tank pumps or aquarium powerheads, you must know the ideal rate required by your tank. Consider the type of tank you have, the fish species that inhabit, as well as the existence of live plants in your aquarium to determine the appropriate requirements for your tank.

Using the right fish tank pumps to maintain the ideal flow rate

You must pick the right fish tank pumps for your aquarium. This will ensure that the flow rate within the tank is neither too fast nor too slow. Many filters are also powered by pumps. Since filters keep the water inside the tank cleaner for a longer period of time, installing the right types of aquarium pumps is essential. If the filter is not capable of working properly due to poor flow, then your aquarium will fill up with waste faster, providing an environment that is unfit for your pet fish and other animals, if you have a marine fish tank.

Aquarium powerheads for better water movement

Powerheads are aquarium water pumps that are completely submersible. One of the main advantages in using powerheads is that they are ideal for freshwater tanks and saltwater aquariums. Since they produce a laminar current, they work well for freshwater types of fish. However, powerheads are more ideal for marine tanks, since they are also capable of multi-directional water flow. Perhaps the main benefit from most powerheads nowadays is that water flow customization is always possible.

Determining the right flow rate for your fish tank

Different fish tanks have various flow requirements. This will depend on the size of your tank mostly, but you also have to consider the fish species that inhabit your tank. You also need to take into account if your tank actually has live plants or corals and reefs. Most fish tank pumps have flow rates listed on their labels, but you need to remember that such rates are indicated under the best conditions, which is often not the case with most aquariums. Also, if you use the type of tubing that is smaller than the one required by your water pump, flow rate can get affected.

As much as possible, the aquarium volume turnover should be anywhere between four times or five times per hour. So if you have a 50-gallon tank, the pump and filter should be able produce a flow rate of 200 gallons per hour to 250 gallons per hour. This will serve as the minimum required flow rate for your tank. Thus, you need to find aquarium water pumps or aquarium powerheads that has a GPH rating within this scope.

Looking into your aquarium type to find the fish tank pumps you need

Some aquariums need higher flow rates, while others need a slower rate of water flow. A large-sized tank will need a higher water flow rate, but if you have smaller fish species or baby fish, you might think twice about getting aquarium water pumps with a high GPH rating. Swimming through fast current can cause undue stress to small fish and younger breeds.

Tanks, which contain large fish species, will normally require aquarium powerheads that supply high water flow rate. This is important for the effective removal of organic waste through the filter. In the same way, most reef tanks will also need higher water flow, so that water will move in all areas within the fish tank. In contrast, smaller fish tanks or those that are inhabited by small-sized fish, will need slower water flow rates. If your tank has live plants, a slower water flow rate is recommended, since this will help retain the CO2 required by plants to survive.

When choosing aquarium water pumps or aquarium powerheads, it is important that you determine the right flow rate for your fish tank first. This will help you choose a pump or powerhead that works best for your aquarium and the types of fish that inhabit it.

The purpose of aquarium protein skimmers in saltwater aquariums

Aquarium protein skimmers are one of the most important devices you can use to maintain water quality in a saltwater aquarium. Protein skimming removes organic pollutants before they break down into nitrates and phosphates. The improved water quality is beneficial to fish and corals and may reduce the frequency in which water changes are necessary.

Aquarium protein skimmers are available in a few different styles: units that sit in a sump, units that sit outside of a sump and those which hang on the back or rim of the aquarium. Some skimmers, such as the AquaC EV, can sit in the sump or next to it. We recommend purchasing the best Aquarium Protein Skimmer possible-within your budget, of course-as the higher-end units generally maintain higher water quality.