Is anyone using one of these automatic rotating powerheads? I was planning to get a wavemaker but am wondering if these do the job just as well?

If you are referring to the ZOOMED powersweep I purchased one (model 228,I think- approx. 270 gph) about 4 months ago from Petwarehouse.com. It was on sale for 30% off, about $21. The prefilter clogs very quickly and the small suction cups don't hold very well. The pump is functional and it does rotate but I don't think I would buy again. Probably better off investing in the sea swirl.

Welcome to Reefland; Tim, and Reefbound.

JMM

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Remember Fish are alive when we get them, lets keep it that way!!!

[This message has been edited by jmick01 (edited 03-12-2001).]

I had a powersweep for about two weeks before it started locking up. What a piece of junk. Good concept, bad design. If you've got the time and money go for the wavemaker w/ Maxi-jet powerheads.

i see this question alot? I like my power sweeps. I have had 3 of them on different application, and still use 1 in my 10g nano. Yes they clog up? But what doesnt have to be cleaned to keep it in good order in your reef? I dont use the prefilter, just the lil clear tube to keep fishys out. It sweeps well. And when it does stop rotating, that is my clock for tank maint and usually a water change. They come apart easy and clean easy. When i upgrade my 10 to a 15 i will use 1 in my display and 1 in my refugiums.Any this is jme
Good luck and welcome to reefland! We are glad to have you with us! If you have any further questions, please feel free to email me!
Rick

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<center>NORMAL PEOPLE WORRY ME</center> rick@reefland.com
visit my micro reef and lowrider page! Saltjunkiesreef
It is always under continuous change

Thanks for your replies. I have been reading about the Sea Swirls and wonder if this would be a better option than the powerheads? Any thoughts?
Also, if I will have a 50g acrylic tank, how much of the HD tropical sand should I use? I will also add live sand/rock.
Thanks again, I am learning alot from this site.

Reefbound, yeah I have two going in a 58 gallon reef one 228 and a 214. I have been using them for about a month the heads stop moving every one and awhile but I think they are great for the price!

I got a Zoo Power 226 with the filter and I had it running when I added the sand It got a lot of grit in it and I had to push it to get it rotating again. Took it out to clean and put in the 214 I had for back up the 214 moves like crazey but much less flow. Cleaned the 226 and did not find much crap put it back in with out the sponge and it moves tons of water but moves very slow left-right

Hi Reefbound [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]
Welcome to Reefland

I have a Powersweep in my Q tank...Im not totally amazed with it however I will say that it has not clogged up on me and it has been running fine for over 3 mos. (knock on wood) I will suggest that the prefilter pads are nothing but a nitrate factory IMO. Also the sea swirls are awesome from what I have read about them and Im planning to get some of them for My main tank HTH [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

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Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Originally posted by reefbound:

Hi reefbound, welcome to Reefland! [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

I have been reading about the Sea Swirls and wonder if this would be a better option than the powerheads?

I chose two 3/4" Sea Swirls for my 120-gal tank. For a 50-gal tank, perhaps two 1/2" Sea Swirls or one 3/4" Sea Swirl.


Also, if I will have a 50g acrylic tank, how much of the HD tropical sand should I use?

You will need about 129-lbs total sand to achieve a 4" deep sand bed. I would suggest you get three of the 40-lb bags here: http://secure2.easyspace.com/www.reefland.com/shopping/

I will also add live sand/rock.

Adding a few pounds of live sand is a good idea. Also, you should consider adding a detrivore kit from www.ipsf.com and/or www.inlandaquatics.com

Regards,

Ninong [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

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Irrational Exuberance!

I have 2 3/4" SeaSwirls in my 135g and 2 1/2" SeaSwirls in my 72g. I have return pumps powerful enough so that I don't even require additional PH's(Mag1800 and Mag1200 respectively). The circulation is AWESOME! FWIW[img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

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"Remember...Wherever you go...There you are."
Buckaroo Banzai, circa 1978

Thanks for all your replies. I contacted the folks at Sea Swirl and they were very helpfull. They suggested a 1/2" unit for my 50g tank. They said I should have a hole put in the acrylic top and run the return tube up through the built-in overflow and attach to the unit. They felt it would perform great set up like this.
My only concern is whether the unit would interfere with the lighting(PC 4x55)? Opinions?

Scubadude and Ninong your the Best!!!!!
I have a question should I be putting bubbles in my tank using the air injector on my Zoo Phead? I just got my CPR BK2 to stop filling my tank with bubbles, and start skimming properly.
More bubbles Good?

Originally posted by 20g:

I have a question, should I be putting bubbles in my tank?

Hmmm... I guess you could, if it makes you happy. I wouldn't. [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

Ninong [img]/ubb/wink.gif[/img]



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Irrational Exuberance!