Aquarium powerheads are submersible water pumps that produce a laminar (unidirectional) current - perfect for freshwater aquariums with river fishes. They are powerful enough to circulate smaller tanks, drive filters and skimmers, and some aerate too. But the main draw is that aquarium powerheads are inexpensive, with endless opportunities for water flow customization.
In marine and reef tanks where "turbulence" - multi-directional water flow - is critical to health and growth, powerheads are ideal. Position 2 or more around your tank to create competing currents, use oscillating powerheads, plug them into a wavemaker (if wavemaker safe, like Maxi-Jets), or attach directional units to vary your flow. For more on water movement, see our full length article.
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