Just got an overhead filter with two powerheads 1200L/H each. I set one of them to run the water straight to filter box. The other one, an L junction (one to the filter box and one to the tank). My tank is 50gal. That filtration set is for a 100gal (as I was told by the woman at the store). I think it's kinda strong for my tank cause my water won't clear up. Not that it's dirty, but because of the tiny bubbles. There's a current now too in the tank. My question is, will too much water disturbance stress the fish? What should I do about it? Any suggestions?

obviously if you got a very strong water flow entering the tank then this is going to create lots of oxygen bubbles which in itself is a good thing. If it bothers you then just make adjustments so that you are getting an adequate surface agitation, but it's not resembling a weir pool.

I don't think it's a good idea if the whole tank has always got lots of water movement, fish will want to get out of this occasionally. If you think about it, fish will often take refuge behind rocks and obstructions in the fast moving waters, you often catch fish in the slack water.

if the filter is rated to 100g i can't see it being to strong for a 50g tank. you could put another T bit in the line. depending how the water hits the surface can make a difference to the bubbles the flow would make. may be some adjustment there would help.

if you do not want tiny bubbles inside your tank, just remove the small
hose fitted at the discharge L connector and bubbles will be gone....
1200LPH is not big enough for a 50 gal tank.... i am using 2200LPH
without any issues..... you can even modify the set up to maximized
efficiency and allow the dropping water aerate the tank.
s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo308/PAULHD...nt=oski8feb2009V.flv

That's 1200L/H each.. It's a dual powerhead.

can you post the picture of the unit....
right now, i am using 3 x 2200LPH for my 6Ft x 30"W x 24"H tank
fitted in a series of DIY canister using empty gal of mineral
water... this is how it looks like:

It's called Precision PF-950D.. I'm sure you've seen it in our LFS. The affordable ones. Can't post a pic right now, sorry.

yeah... i know the brand.... and the set up. i suggest you use the single
line adapter so that all water will pass from the filter. cloudiness can
be attributed to the crap being broken down when hit by the impeller and
expelled again inside the tank without passing the filter.

are you using the overhead box or the suction strainer type?

I'm using the overhead box.. What do you mean by "suction strainer type"?

obodobo wrote:

power had develop a canister type holder of a bioballs and polishing pad
that is fitted at the suction area instead of the funnel shape screen.
i will take picture and post it later....

ok.. looking forward to it.

oh by the way, fixed it up a while ago. Bought some PVC pipes and elbows and did a little project so now the water that's being blown by the powerhead comes from the top (like a faucet) instead of the usual lateral.. I now use both the powerheads to blow water directly to the tank and the filter box.. The current's gone but it's a bit noisy, but it's ok for me this way.