watson_barrett November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 Tank is roughly 18x60x30. Would a sole MP40 be good amount of flow as a sole display circulation pump? Will be a mixed reef tank eventually but nothing too crazy as far as sps goes....Return pump is 1100 if i remember correctly (if that matters) LMK what you think. Thanks!
hypertech November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 I doubt one would do it, but it might. The flow patterns are generally considered better when you have a power head on each side of the tank. I'd put two on the tank, one on each side. If it is more than you want, you can always turn them down.
Coral Hind November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 I agree with Hypertech. I think the mode you use will also have differing results when using two compared to just one.
Ryan S November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 I doubt one would do it, but it might. The flow patterns are generally considered better when you have a power head on each side of the tank. I'd put two on the tank, one on each side. If it is more than you want, you can always turn them down. Agreed.
gioNVA November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 I have a 60x24x24 tank and have 2 MP40 on each side. For an SPS tank, 2 will be ok but I still feel that it's not enough.
watson_barrett November 8, 2011 Author November 8, 2011 thanks guys, still annoyed about the cost but i think i'll finally give at least one a try. anyone know of a good source that offers them at a reasonable price?
Chad November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 I doubt one would do it, but it might. The flow patterns are generally considered better when you have a power head on each side of the tank. I'd put two on the tank, one on each side. If it is more than you want, you can always turn them down. I also agree.
Der ABT November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 (edited) i strongly suggest at least 2, i have 2 on my 90g 48in.....i still want more, and use a tunze 6080 that i had sitting around for a few hours a day to accomplish this. i have an mp40 on the side pane and one on the rear pane which i think gives some good flow but i tend to like alot of flow. you could always go with 1 mp40 and another pump like a koralia on the other side. P.S. found mine used and saved a bunch. but most of the local vendors carry or can order for you. Edited November 8, 2011 by Der ABT
steveoutlaw November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 You could always put one on one side of the tank and a constant flow powerhead on the other. Still get the random flow but don't have the high cost.
Ryan S November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 If you don't mind used, reefcentral has pairs of them for sale (older versions or the current versions) every day...
trockafella November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 If you see any really good deals on MP10's, I will trade you my MP40 for 2 MP10's..
watson_barrett November 9, 2011 Author November 9, 2011 travis i'll let you know if i find anything intersting.... Man over $350 bones for a pump that doesn't provide much flow, sigh......gritting teeth
BowieReefer84 November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 Have you visited someone who has one of these? They are kinda loud at full speed imo... like an annoying hum if the room is quiet. I dunno, it's worth mentioning.
watson_barrett November 9, 2011 Author November 9, 2011 yea, didn't notice anything overly loud, i mean a fish room is going to sound like a fish room, lol... plus maybe if it is loud enough it would dampen the loud gargling going on in my sump that i can't seem to fix yet, haha...
ChrisTran November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 you would need 2 for SPS. I upgraded my mp40 to mp60. The mp40 is available for sale. Contact me if you are interested.
zygote2k November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 If the tank is just mixed reef, 1 is plenty. If it's packed with corals, then you'll need at least 2. Buy 1 for now and see how it works. Buy more if you need them.
Der ABT November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 (edited) alot of times the humming comes from a worn bearing in the dryside, there is some great DIY fixes for it that have reported some good success, im going to be doing this in the near future. one of the MPs i got is pretty loud and if queit the humming can be heard 2 floors up just barely if you have a tuned ear like most reefers (granted i would probably hear if the return pump was acting up 3 blocks away so my wife tells me, she had to say this twice cause i didnt hear her the first time ) Edited November 9, 2011 by Der ABT
Chad November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 (granted i would probably hear if the return pump was acting up 3 blocks away so my wife tells me, she had to say this twice cause i didnt hear her the first time ) lol, isn't that the truth... A few times in the last couple of years I have woken up in the middle of the night to an odd sounding pump and gone downstairs to investigate... but my wife gets after me when I don't hear the dogs get up and walk around downstairs in the morning, because I never do!!
RicSG November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 Still call myself a newbie so just a thought. I know the Vortex are very expensive. But if budget is the issue why not try http://www.marinedepot.com/JBJ_Oceanstream_Circulation_Pump_Powerhead_%2b_Duo_Wavemaker_Kit_Fixed_Flow_Aquarium_Powerheads-JBJ_Lighting-JB6331-FIPHFF-vi.html not too expensive and it does a great job. Please chip in folks if i am wrong coz that can help me think too. But this was just an option. What do you guys think.
dakotasreef November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 I think that the jbj pumps might be fine for a smaller tank, but at 60" I don't think it wouldn't be enough. I run 3 on my 120 sps tank and have to turn the one on the back wall to about 60 percent. I would agree to try one, then upgrade as needed.
RicSG November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 Yup thats what I meant. for $99 it does not harm to try it on. Also depends on the placement and rock formation it might work out great. I use it on my 90 gal and I do have one more power head that is on constantly so yup it is a cheaper route untill you get enough $ to buy the vortecs since you always need 2 of those in bigger tanks.
dakotasreef November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 I'm sorry, I should have clarified. I run 3 MP40's. I was refering to trying the vortech. If agree that rock work and placement play a big role in flow.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now