Ecotech vortech - Flow Settings MP40

[butrflynlambie]

I have a 36x24x24 90gal tank with 2 ecotech vortech mp40s

I purchased the mp40s as the calculator said the mp10s would not work, my glass is too thick.

I run the two of them between 30% and 60%, sync'd.

With my rock structure I have somewhat of a dead spot behind the rock. I was thinking of putting another powerhead in but don't want too much flow.

Questions
Can I get away with an mp10 or is the glass thickness a real problem at 1/2 an inch
If I added an mp40 do I need to back off on the flow in the other two?
Is three powerheads overkill?

 

[lapin]

You can try to see if the MP10 will work. You will know right off it it wont. If you add another Mp40 you dont need to run it 24/7. Put it on some sort of timer or apex so it comes on for a short period a few times a day. That will keep stuff from building up on the dead spot.

 

[butrflynlambie]

Wife does not like me experimenting with equipment.. so i will pass on trying if the mp10 works without someone else's experience.

Using it to stir the deadspot is an option.

If i had 3 mp40s is it possible to just run them all syncd at a lower setting or will this be too much flow?

Basically how is ecotechs flow calculator setup?

Is it assuming the powerheads are at max ulitization?

 

[WVNed]

I have not found the estimator to be particularly helpful. It says my tank needs 2 MP40s for optimal flow.
It is a 96x24x24 240gallon. The estimator seems to be greatly optimistic on the abilities of their pumps.
I am using 2 MP60s and 2 MP40s in it. Now I have correct flow.
It says on the website you can sync 8 pumps. The most I have done is 4.
I have 2 pump groups of 2 pumps now.
I have found I get more chaotic flow if I don't sync all the pumps. I run them in short pulse mode with different pulse durations. Then they go in and out of sync over time. This gives me periods of higher and lower flows.

 

[jblasi]

An MP10 will work up to 1/2”. I used to have 2 on my RS 250, along with 2 MP40’s. If it was me I would add another MP, because it’s better to have the flow there and turn it way down then not have it at all.

 

[Water Dog]

You also have the option of offsetting the pumps... For example, put the left pump more forward toward the front of the tank and the right pump more back toward the back of the tank. This would also give you gyre type flow throughout the tank.