Pump selection question

[rtsusc83]

I bought a 48X18X18 (ada 120p) from a fellow WAMAS member and I wanted to know if one MP40 is too much flow for this tank or should I go with 2 MP10s?  My plan is too have an SPS dominated tank.  Appreciate any recommendations.  Thanks.

[Coral Hind]

I don't think it would be too much. You can always dial it down some if need be.

[rtsusc83]

Thanks.  Would a 1.5" sand bed be affected?

[Coral Hind]

It would depend on the type/size of substrate used and placement of either the rock work and MP. I would guess there might be some sand blowing but I always ran bare bottom reefs with my MP40 so maybe someone else who has a sand bed can give their input.

[gmerek2]

My MP40 blows mine around when its on full blast. But only blows directly below where the main jet stream deflects off the glass. I just put sand in last week so Im no expert on the matter yet. I bought very fine powdery sand Im going to try a little heavier stuff in that area. Also I could put a rock in that location to help breakup the strong flow. What is comes down to is that its not a huge problem and I wouldnt worry too much about it.

[OldReefer]

You will be OK with "Special Grade Reef Sand" and an MP40. The sand grains are a little bigger than the super-fine stuff used for DSBs. I had 3 - MP40s in my 150 with that sand. It moved around a little, but no sand storms. I run bare-bottom now to control nutrients.

 

I think you might eventually regret 2 MP10s. It is easy to upgrade from 1 to 2 MP40s. You can't do that easily with 2 MP10s. Keep in mind your flow demand with a hand-full if frags in a new tank, is far less than the flow you will need in 2 years with a grown-out SPS tank.

[Coral Hind]

^ Good point about the increase in flow needed once you have corals in there that break up flow patterns.

[rtsusc83]

Thank you all for the advice!