Powerhead on Timer???

Should I put my powerhead on a timer or should it stay on all the time? We are just geting started in corals and have noticed when I turn off my powerhead my xenia seems to like the lite current.

I'd leave it on all the time just try to adjust it to where the flow isn't so strong on the xenia.

I put my power heads on a timer to change the flow a bit. Sort of like simulating the tide. I started doing that about 6 months ago and it keeps the sand bed good and clean. Plus, it gives the anemones a much needed break I believe. Some of the corals seem to perk up when the flow changes also.

I might try that

I think it depends on the type of powerhead too. It's not good to start some powerheads over and over.

i was reading on rc.. that some tank cant handle the wave motions is this true??

Daniel1381 wrote:i was reading on rc.. that some tank cant handle the wave motions is this true??

yes, and no.

The problem is when a large surge is forced back and forth, it has the potential to weaken the seams and cause a leak. putting a couple of PH's on a alternating timer shouldnt hurt anything as the change in current will mostly effect the center of the tank where the two currents meet. if that makes since

Works for me!

Your right Bryan... There is a big difference in those crazy wave makers and simply alternating the current once per day to simulate the tide. Anyone that has ever been diving in the ocean knows that the current under the water is not as severe as the wave makers. I have seen videos of water splashing out of a tank with some of the wave makers. Seriously!?

Ritter - some of the newer power heads are designed to work with wave maker control sytems. However, some of the older power heads will snap the ceramic shaft if you start and stop them too much.

i got a lil 20L reef tank with two korallia nano's... and i have 1 that runs 24/7, but when they are both on there is quite a bit of current, so when my lights go out, 1 turns off. i still have plenty of flow but i think it gives my clownfish a break from the current at night time.

I have 2 koralia 4's, a k2 and a k3 in my 75 that run 24/7. My clownfish get in the powerheads flow and swim towards it like they are on a treadmill. I have 2 koralia nanos in my 20 tall and wish I had lots more. I like high flow in my tanks all the time.