Sand blowing everywhere!

[egriesner]

Hi Guys,

So it seems not matte what I do my powerheads blow my sand everywhere and its driving me crazy. What do I do? Should I change my sand for reef grade sand? Will that make a difference? Do I go with crushed coral? I really dont like the way bare bottom looks. Please help!

 

[Waleedwale1]

Hi Guys,

So it seems not matte what I do my powerheads blow my sand everywhere and its driving me crazy. What do I do? Should I change my sand for reef grade sand? Will that make a difference? Do I go with crushed coral? I really dont like the way bare bottom looks. Please help!

Point the powerhead towards the surface

 

[egriesner]

They are pointed towards the surface...I just think the sand is so fine its very easy to move around...

 

[troywalkerphoto]

What size is your tank? What direction are they facing and is the flow hitting the glass? What make are the powerheads?

 

[egriesner]

I originally had koralia 1050s which blew the sand everywhere. I just swapped them out for a jabao wp 25. It doesnt same to make much of a difference as far as sand.

 

[troywalkerphoto]

The gallon per hour for the flow seems to be really high. How many do you have and is there a cross current that is making turbulence? I have a 76gallon half round and I sometimes have the same problem if I get a cross current. I have korailia nano for behind my rockwork (need an additional one for the other side), a 750 (perfect flo) to the left and 1050 on the left (25% too strong). All on the smart wave so there is alternating flow but no cross current.

 

[albano]

You can try repositioning the power head(s), but if the flow is too much, the sand will move.
IMO, a 'current/gyre/flow pattern' will develop no matter where the PH is aimed, so you'll need to play with the adjustment till you find the best flow volume and pattern that moves the least sand

 

[edd]

i have the same problem. added courser sand didn't help. i have 2 tunzes on opposite ends on a tunze controller. i think troywalker is right about cross current, or could be aquascape.

 

[edd]

is it ok to put power heads on the same side?

 

[troywalkerphoto]

same side

Sure its ok that is up to you. Nature is perfect our tanks will never be. That's the best part of the hobby. That's why we are always elbows deep in our tanks. Its all about trial and error.
If they are are both on the same side then you might have buildup of sand on one side. Try alternating sides one top right and one bottom left. What you are going for is circle pattern. Remember your return plays a factor in this as well.
Do what works for you and your tank.

is it ok to put power heads on the same side?

 

[pkane11384]

Too much flow. Try re positioning them or throttle them down if you can