Three Helpful Saltwater Aquarium Upgrades | Saltwater Aquarium Beginner's Guide: Episode 7
Last time, we covered everything Cleanup Crew and even added some new fish, corals, and macroalgae to Matthew's 45-Gallon JBJ All-In-One Aquarium. With fish added and water running, you might've thought that was the end of this series. While you could technically stop right here, it's time we dive into a few optional upgrades that can prevent common headaches down the road.
Let's be clear: none of these are required, and plenty of reef tanks do just fine without them. The goal here isn't to simply throw more gear (and more importantly expense) at the tank, but to show how some thoughtful changes can improve the environment for the animals and make long-term maintenance easier.
Upgrade 1: Return Nozzles
When it comes to reef aquariums, return nozzles are one of the simplest and least expensive upgrades you can make. For decades, flared return nozzles have been the standard, and for good reason. They are reliable, easy to aim, and work perfectly fine in most setups.
The downside is that flared nozzles tend to produce fairly consistent, one-direction flow. In smaller tanks especially, that can lead to areas where flow is weaker than ideal, allowing detritus to settle and corals to receive water movement from the same direction all day long.
When a Return Nozzle Upgrade Makes Sense:
- For just about any reef tank
- All-In-One aquariums where it's hard to get flow in the right spots
- If you're attempting to limit the number of powerheads in the aquarium
- If you're keeping corals with lots of soft tissue that don't like one-directional flow
VCA Random Flow Generator Nozzles
Because Matthew's setup has several coral species that appreciate random flow, it only makes sense to swap the stock flared nozzles out for Random Flow Generator Nozzles from Vivid Creative Aquatics (VCA). These nozzles use a patented internal design that helps vary the intensity and direction of the water as it exits the nozzle, creating a more randomized flow pattern.
VCA has been refining this design for years, testing it across a wide range of flow rates and tank styles. As a result, they now offer tank-specific nozzle kits designed to integrate cleanly with many of the most popular aquarium brands and return configurations, making it easier to add randomized flow without modifying plumbing or experimenting with mismatched parts.
Tip: For best results, aim the random flow generator nozzle angled down slightly, not towards the water surface.
Upgrade 2: In-Tank Water Flow
A return nozzle upgrade can go a long way, but most tanks larger than 20 gallons or so are going to massively benefit from additional in-tank circulation. This is where powerheads (also sometimes called wavemakers) come in.
Before choosing a pump, it helps to understand the different types available and what each one does best.
Types of Powerheads
Not all powerheads are created equal. While they all move water, the way they deliver flow can vary significantly, and that difference matters once corals and rockwork are in place. Below is a quick breakdown so you can narrow down which option is best for your setup.
Propeller Style Powerhead
Flow Pattern: Cone-shaped flow that can be aimed towards a specific area of the tank.
Example of a Propeller Style Powerhead
Flow Pattern of a Typical Propeller PowerheadPros:
- Easy to aim and reposition as needed
- Available in a wide range of flow outputs and price points
- Offered in both narrow and wide flow designs
- Effective for targeting specific low-flow areas or moving water behind rockwork
Cons:
- Can create harsh flow for corals placed in front of the pump
- Often requires multiple pumps for coverage in wider aquariums
When to Use: Propeller style powerheads are the most popular option in our hobby for in-tank flow. Because they come in several different form factors, flow rates, and flow patterns, propeller-based powerheads are used on just about any aquarium from nano to XXL.
Impeller Style Powerhead
Flow Pattern: Straight jet of water. Think of how a hot tub jet feels on your hand.
Pros:
- Simple, durable design
- Often the lowest cost
Cons:
- Very concentrated flow pattern
- Usually no control options
- Not available in high flow rates for larger aquariums
- Poor tank-mounting options
When to Use: Impeller style powerheads are rarely used these days as propeller powerheads are better in nearly every category. These impeller style pumps are now used more as utility pumps for moving water around or powering media reactors.
Gyre Style Powerhead
Flow Pattern: Wide, sheet-like flow.
Pros:
- Excellent overall coverage
- Provides more uniform water movement across corals
- Can be placed close to the water surface
- Can be positioned horizontally or vertically
- One gyre pump can sometimes replace multiple propeller style powerheads
Cons:
- Some models are excessive for small tanks
- Has a couple extra parts to maintain vs propeller powerheads
When to Use: For tanks 2 feet or longer, gyre pumps become a great option. They work particularly well for shallow lagoon style setups or if you have corals growing close to the water surface.
AC vs DC Powerheads (Controllable vs Non-Controllable)
Powerheads generally fall into two categories based on how they are powered and controlled.
AC powerheads run at a fixed speed or offer very limited adjustment. They are simple, reliable, and often more affordable. Once plugged in, they do one thing and do it consistently.
DC powerheads allow you to control speed and behavior digitally. This opens the door to scheduling, ramping flow up or down throughout the day, switching directions, and using randomized modes. For reef tanks, this flexibility makes it much easier to avoid constant, one-direction flow and create a more natural environment.
Neither option is inherently right or wrong. AC pumps prioritize simplicity and lower cost, while DC pumps prioritize flexibility and control.
Pump Placement
Placement often matters more than raw GPH flow rate.
Exactly where you place your powerheads will depend on factors like tank dimensions, aquascape style, types of corals you're keeping, and more, but here are a few general guidelines to get started:
- Avoid aiming pumps directly at corals, especially LPS and soft corals
- Use opposing pumps to create turbulence
- Mounting pumps slightly below the water surface helps with gas exchange
Programming Your Pumps
As controllable pumps become more common, the question becomes: what do I do with all of these options?!
Many reef keepers choose to vary flow throughout the day by using random or alternating different modes to prevent constant patterns. You can really get as simple as setting your pumps to random mode, setting min/max speed, and call it a day or go as far as Matthew did here and create a complex custom schedule.
If you take one thing away from this section, remember this: varied flow that changes over time matters more than the exact schedule. Monitor your corals and make adjustments to your pump placement and/or flow speed as needed. Don't get discouraged; no two tanks are going to be exactly the same, so some experimenting is usually necessary before you find the perfect setup.
Upgrade 3: UV Sterilizer
Adding a UV sterilizer to a smaller all-in-one reef tank is still considered unusual by many hobbyists, even as UV sterilizers in general grow in popularity. That is largely because, until recently, most UV units were bulky or difficult to integrate cleanly without a sump. Smaller, hang-on-back UV sterilizers have changed that, making it easier than ever to add UV to nano and AIO reef tanks without major plumbing changes.
Matthew has opted to use the Aqua Ultraviolet 8 Watt hang-on-back UV Sterilizer for this build to act as an extra layer of protection.
What is a UV Sterilizer?
A UV sterilizer is a sealed chamber that contains a UV-C light. Aquarium water is pumped through the chamber, where it is exposed to ultraviolet light before returning to the tank. That exposure damages the DNA and RNA of certain organisms, preventing them from reproducing.
What UV Sterilizers Do Well
- Help reduce waterborne algae, bacteria, and protozoa
- Improve overall water clarity
- Act as a preventative tool/extra layer of protection
What UV Sterilizers Do Not Do (This is where misconceptions are common)
UV Sterilizers:
- Do NOT affect any pests living on the rock or sand
- Do NOT replace good tank maintenance
- Only affect organisms that actually pass through the sterilizer
Flow Rate Matters More Than Wattage
For UV to work effectively, water must move through the sterilizer at the correct speed. Too fast, and organisms are not exposed to UV light long enough to be affected. Too slow, and overall system turnover suffers.
Because flow rate is so essential, Matthew is using a dedicated, controllable pump. In this setup, he uses the Axis 40, allowing him to precisely dial in flow and make adjustments as needed.
Coming Up Next
How To Do a Weekly Water Change | Saltwater Aquarium Beginner's Guide: Episode 8 (Coming Soon!)
Adam has been reef keeping since 2010 and got his start on the Bulk Reef Supply Customer Service team. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending. Adam is especially interested in simplifying the hobby, exploring the latest gear, and helping others focus on long-term success over chasing perfection.
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