General African Cichlid Discussion • Laminar flow?

[just-some-guy]

I'm new to this whole aquarium hobby. I have been doing a lot of reading over the past few weeks and at the advice of my friend, I decided to go with african cichlids.

I learned that water movement is important for gas exchange and oxygenation.. and have purchased a marineland maxi-jet powerhead. It has the option to be used as a powerhead or a laminar flow head. My big question is whether or not it's safe to use laminar flow in my 45g tank because I know that these fishes come from lakes and reading up online I've heard that some fishes might get stressed and possibly die if they are forced to swim more than they're used to.

Should I go with the laminar flow setup? Or the powerhead setup?

Or does it even matter at all?

Any help on this would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[Fogelhund]

They should be fine with the currents.

[brinkles]

Put it at the top of the tank, and aim it so it ripples the water.

[Floridagirl]

It will work fine either way. Most of the discussions of laminar flow refer to planted or reef keeping aquariums. Also, on very large aquariums, when one is trying to cut down on maitanance. A 45 will get plenty of flow either way. Experiment and see which you and you fish prefer.