Fish friendly in-tank powerheads?

[Tony Quinn]

I am in the process of planning the set up a replacement 300g reef tank and wish to avoid constructing corner boxes in order to place the powerheads connected to the wave/surge controls. My aim is to have 10 powerheads directing the water in various directions and to place a number of them amongst the live rock. My LFS seems only to provide units which if not placed very carefully could suck in small fish and inverts. Are there any pumps which draw water in safely but are also practical in that they wont get contnually blocked as they will be inaccessible after installation?

 

[GSchiemer]

The Maxi-jet powerheads come with a fairly large screen for the intake. It will prevent fish from getting sucked in and should last quite a while between cleanings.

Aqua-clear powerheads offer an optional filter attachment. It's a large cage that attaches to the input side of the pump. It will diffuse the intake suction very well.

Instead of 10 powerheads, I would seriously consider an external pump. It will be less expensive initially and in the long run. It's also easier to maintain and less obtrusive.

Greg

 

[AvonleaPA]

Have you thought about a closed loop?

 

[Mogo]

Agreed on the closed loop. With 10 powerheads running, you can be sure that at least 1 of them will always be problematic. With such a large tank, I think you are steering in the wrong direction when you consider 10 powerheads for circulation. As you are in the planning stage, you have a great opportunity to design a more efficient closed loop sytem. You may find a closed loop less expensive as well. There are many posters here who include pics of their plumbing. Check them out for ideas.