How Does an Aquarium Powerhead Work?

An aquarium powerhead is a small pump that propels water throughout the tank's systems. There are a number of common uses for powerheads in domestic aquariums, including water aeration and circulation. Powerheads are practically a necessity in larger tanks that use automated systems. There are numerous brands and types of powerheads, so it is important to figure out the needs of your aquarium before purchasing one.

  1. Basic Design

    • While powerheads are built to perform various functions in an aquarium, the basic purpose of these devices is the same regardless of their shape and size. Every powerhead has a motor, electrical adapter and impeller. The electrical adapter is connected to a wire that plugs into standard outlets to provide the device with power. The motor converts the electrical energy into physical energy. The motor transfers the physical energy to the impeller, which propels water through the system.

    Optional Features

    • Most powerheads are also equipped with extra features for specific uses or for convenience. Common features include heaters, device mounts and flow rate controls. Powerheads equipped with a heater can increase the temperature of the water that passes through the system to maintain tropical and other warm-temperature aquariums. Device mounts often include suction cups, so the powerhead can be fixed to the side of the tank. Flow rate controls allow you to determine the amount of water that passes through the powerhead by adjusting the nozzle output.

    Maintenance

    • Powerheads require regular maintenance in order to function properly. Clean the device's components every few months. Unplug the powerhead before attempting to remove it from the water or handle it in any way. Instructions for assembling and disassembling a particular powerhead depend on the manufacturer, so it is important to consult the user manual before performing maintenance on the device. Removing debris from the filters and soaking the device components in a cleaning solution are often sufficient for routine maintenance.

    Repair

    • Powerheads are under constant physical stress from the resistance of the water against the impeller. Chemicals in the water, especially the brine in salt aquariums, can also corrode and degrade the components of a powerhead, so replacing parts is often required to keep it functioning properly. The manual for the powerhead lists product numbers corresponding to each component, which you can order and replace individually in most cases.