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Vortech placement

Stu

By Stu,
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Stu

Stu

In setting up my tank, I have planned on getting a Vortech. It seems to be the best solution out there right now as far as wavemaking powerheads go. Here is my dilemma: I really, really, really don't want to have to put one on the side of the tank for aesthetic reasons. I would like to put it on the back wall. Only problem is I have a center overflow, with only about 5" of clearance on either side on the back wall. If I put one on the wall next to the overflow, am I still going to get the advantages of the powerhead? Most of my SPS is on the right side of the tank, with lower-flow euphyllia and zoas on the other. Will this work, or do I need to go with 2 other types of powerheads? (The Koralias in the picture are temporary)

 

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Fazio92

Fazio92

I have an MP40W on my 92corner bow and it works great! astetically speaking, imo i think its the best looking powerhead on the market and since there are no wires inside the tank it blends very well. As for flow, i've notice that the water flow disperses with about a 90degree + angle after about 5inchs past the head unit, and then increases indefinitly until it hits the other side of the tank and creates a reverse/ dispersal flow. I think that you probably could get away with putting in on one of the back sides, but really its not that bad looking on a side pane. The flow the vortechs create allows you to place it in different spots and can be adjusted by gph accordingly and other wave settings. Again, this is what i have found out from using a vortech and some of my other buddies too. and if your not pleased, they resell for about the same new!

Stu

Stu

  • Author
I'd put it on the right side where the pump is now.

 

Do you think it would deliver enough flow to all areas of the tank?

 

 

Why don't you get 2 MP20's instead of an MP40?

 

I was actually planning on one MP10. I talked to a few people who have said it is plenty of flow for similar-sized tanks. I also like the smaller footprint. I would go ahead and get 2, but I'd much rather spend $200 than $400 if I can get away with it.

DDiver

DDiver

Do you think it would deliver enough flow to all areas of the tank?

 

 

 

 

I was actually planning on one MP10. I talked to a few people who have said it is plenty of flow for similar-sized tanks. I also like the smaller footprint. I would go ahead and get 2, but I'd much rather spend $200 than $400 if I can get away with it.

Dude, one mp10 will be more than plenty for that tank..

Sikryd

Sikryd

Do you think it would deliver enough flow to all areas of the tank?

 

 

 

 

I was actually planning on one MP10. I talked to a few people who have said it is plenty of flow for similar-sized tanks. I also like the smaller footprint. I would go ahead and get 2, but I'd much rather spend $200 than $400 if I can get away with it.

 

I'd try it on the one side or the other and see how you like it. I would imagine that you will be fine since the flow and suction is pretty good on them and it will end up bouncing off the side and front glass.

Flow doesn't have to be direct or asymmetrical

You'll be fine with it like that I would say.

Stu

Stu

  • Author
Off the subject, your tank looks great, nice job on the aquascaping..!!!

 

Thanks! All I have left to add are the zoas.

 

Funny story, the tank that all these corals were transferred over from had some bad hair algae that I had been fighting a losing battle with for a long time. My girlfriend has a little 3g pico with an emerald crab. I have never seen an animal eat hair algae as well as this guy. Sea hares, hermits, tangs, nothing. As soon as you drop something in the tank, the crab races over to it and immediately begins ripping hair algae off and devouring it. So I've basically been taking my zoas over to her house for a thorough cleaning before putting them in my tank. It's pretty funny to watch him go at it. She said I can keep him in my tank but I'm too afraid the mystery wrasse would eat him.

 

P.S., that little frag you gave me had its polyps out within 5 mins. of being in the tank. It's looking great. Thanks again.

trockafella

trockafella

No problem, glad its doing good..!! That coral grows great... I'll have to swing by and see the tank one of these days, that chalice is doing well too..

Origami Neptune Reefer

Origami

I recall that Sean over at F&F installed an MP40W on his big frag tank which had a center-mounted overflow at one of the short ends. In some ways, it was configured similar to your tank if you just imagine that your tank is something like 8-feet front to back (humor me). Because of the placement, the way the vortech draws water in from the sides, and the volume of water that it was drawing, he had trouble with the power head creating so much suction in the three-sided closet formed by the tank walls and the overflow wall (and the water surface) that it created a vacuum effect that sucked the sand up from right beneath the wet side assembly.

 

There is at least one thing different in your application that is worth noting. You're planning on using a much smaller power head. But then again, Sean was needing to move a lot more water over a larger distance because he had a much bigger tank and, consequently, the pump was probably turned up for strong flow. Still, it would be something I would keep in mind going in and to retain the flexibility of either moving it to the side wall of your tank, turning it down, or returning it if it doesn't work out.

Stu

Stu

  • Author
I recall that Sean over at F&F installed an MP40W on his big frag tank which had a center-mounted overflow at one of the short ends. In some ways, it was configured similar to your tank if you just imagine that your tank is something like 8-feet front to back (humor me). Because of the placement, the way the vortech draws water in from the sides, and the volume of water that it was drawing, he had trouble with the power head creating so much suction in the three-sided closet formed by the tank walls and the overflow wall (and the water surface) that it created a vacuum effect that sucked the sand up from right beneath the wet side assembly.

 

There is at least one thing different in your application that is worth noting. You're planning on using a much smaller power head. But then again, Sean was needing to move a lot more water over a larger distance because he had a much bigger tank and, consequently, the pump was probably turned up for strong flow. Still, it would be something I would keep in mind going in and to retain the flexibility of either moving it to the side wall of your tank, turning it down, or returning it if it doesn't work out.

 

Hmm, I was planning on mounting it about halfway up the back wall (I suppose that's about 10 inches from the sand). Do you think it would suck up sand with that distance? How far was his from the sand bed?

Fazio92

Fazio92

That should definitly be enough room between the head and sand. even if you mount it about 3/4 the way up the tank that will allow for flow to break teh surface some for better evap, + the current will cycle across and curl down and back around

Origami Neptune Reefer

Origami

Looks like you have yours answer....

 

I didn't mean to alarm you but just wanted you to be aware of that particular observation. Remember, I don't have experience with the MP10 while others here do. The problem that Sean experienced was not due to the outflow as Fazio seems to be referencing, but due to the inflow (the path the water takes to - not from - the wetside). I do have two MP40W's though. In my case, if I turn my vortech all the way up, I can draw my sugar sized sand up from a corner 18-inches away while the wetside is mounted 6 inches below the surface and on a relatively unobstructed side pane. You're mileage will definitely vary.

 

Do you have a solana like El Cameron? If so, he would seem to be your best data point for the MP10.

Stu

Stu

  • Author
The problem that Sean experienced was not due to the outflow as Fazio seems to be referencing, but due to the inflow (the path the water takes to - not from - the wetside). I do have two MP40W's though. In my case, if I turn my vortech all the way up, I can draw my sugar sized sand up from a corner 18-inches away while the wetside is mounted 6 inches below the surface and on a relatively unobstructed side pane. You're mileage will definitely vary.

 

Holy cow! That's some serious undercurrent (probably part of why these powerheads are so good). I love sugar sized sand, but intentionally went with a slightly larger grade to avoid the potential problem of a sandstorm with the Vortech. I think it's worth a try.

 

I don't have a Solana; it's a 30g Oceanic cube. The dimensions are fairly close though. El Camaron's positive experience with the MP10 has been a large reason for me going with it over the 20 or 40. (Not to mention I've got a 15% off coupon for Salty Supply, so it'll only be about $175 shipped :biggrin: )

Origami Neptune Reefer

Origami

Enjoy it. If it's as good and as flexible as the MP40W, then you'll have a lot of latitude to play with it. If you ever run into problems, their customer service is top notch, too.

El Camaron

El Camaron

Enjoy it. If it's as good and as flexible as the MP40W, then you'll have a lot of latitude to play with it. If you ever run into problems, their customer service is top notch, too.

 

 

i beleive so, but i have not had an mp40 before. Stu, before you purchase you are welcome to stop by my home and check it out.

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