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howdy ok i got airstones in my tanks i,ve read in dif sites we,re people are replacing with power heads whats the reason is it better circulation tanks are 30 gal ,55 gal, 75 gal and 135 gal thanks

Powerheads are more versatile in terms of function when compared to an airstone.

They're more powerful, for use with undergravel filters as compared to an airlift, proving to build a better bacterial colony.

They provide better circulation, and given the right attatchments can be used as wavemakers.

However, airstones can be hidden and provide a nice little stream of bubbles

It all depends on what you want to achieve, powerheads have their place and airstones have theirs.

they are also quieter than air pumps

OH TOLEEDY!

one thing i forgot last night, they double as a filter in a pinch with a little add-on called the Quick Filter.

You can also use them for river tanks and turtle/toad tanks

Powerheads are great!

Can not stand airstones, much too loud. Powerheads run almost silent, can be directed, and if you get AC powerheads can be used with the added bit of air to increace circulation and agitation.

I've got one in every tank except one .

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I have the aquaclear 802 with the quick filter attachment.

I'm using it in a 75 gal with african cichlids and the tank is very well stocked. Powerheads need fish that don't mind water circulation.
The 802 being one of the biggest of the ac powerheads is a good match for water circulation with the quickfilter attached for my 75 gal, it's not to strong or to weak.

Since I got the powerhead and quickfilter 1/2 year ago I usually get nothing in the gravel vacum when doing water changes. I was surprised how much the quickfilter removes and traps from the water and gravel. I run the quickfilter 24/7 and it needs to be changed weekly. I don't buy the expensive Aquaclear replacement media, instead I get a big roll of 100% polyster from the LFS and just wrap it around the inside cartidge of the quickfilter. I get a roll for 5.99 and it last months. I can't say enough about how much it removes from the water and how good it keeps the tank clean.
Also with the venturi air tube attached it will give off bubbles that will aerate the water. The nice thing about the powerhead it helps circulate the aerated water better than air pumps especially on heavy stocked tanks where the demand for oxygenated water is high.
On the subject on water circulation and aeration I have my powerhead in the back right corner and have it pointed slightly toward the back glass. This way the main "blast" of water is going down the back glass and same with bubbles. If it is pointed towards the middle it is to disruptive for the fish.
It terms of efficiency, relability, and ease of use this is the best product I bought.

Last edited by openwater at 01-Oct-2005 11:46

Nearly all powerheads contain some sort of opening along the main output shaft which a piece of airline tubing can be inserted, and voila! Instant airstone without having to buy a pump.