Help me choose circulation pumps?

RocketCityReef · Feb 7, 2014

Hi all. I'm currently purchasing components for my pending ReefSavvy Rimless 20x30x20h (52ish gallons) build. It's going to house mainly SPS coral, and a few small fish. I've been trying to decide what to do about the internal circulation. At first, I was going to go with a couple of MP10s, but after reading about issues with 1/2" glass, I'd rather not risk it (especially since this tank will have LIG). Since I have a full Apex, I want something that is controllable. I'm not stuck on the Vortech 100%, so I'm looking for input on any and all options. If I went with MP40, would I be okay with one or should I go with two (running at much lower speeds)? I certainly don't want overkill. Price isn't too big of a factor here...I just want to get what is best for this particular build. Help? Thanks!

Reefing Madness · Feb 7, 2014

What about a couple of WP-25s instead?

mcarroll · Feb 7, 2014

If you've ruled the 10's out, I would have to suggest Tunze nanostreams and possibly a wavebox. Wavebox mostly just gives bigger waves, btw...you aren't really missing any capabilities per se even if you just have a 6055/6095 or two. (Storm mode is going to be a lot more meaningful with 2+ flow sources where one is a wavebox, fwiw.)

In terms of a specific recommendation, you have many options. A "generalist" setup similar in feature to what you'd get from Vortechs could just be a pair of 7095's. Great power and amazing flexibility. If you have a more specific idea of what flow and look you want for the tank, you may decide that big waves and a clean look are the priority. You can consider the wavebox choices and consider using 6055's hidden in their "stream rock" instead of the 6095's. Just an example...all depends on your needs.

-Matt

Edit: Almost forgot, one suggestion...my favorite way is to start small with one pump and build your equipment set as your needs dictate vs trying to be 100% predictive.

RocketCityReef · Feb 12, 2014

mcarroll said:
If you've ruled the 10's out, I would have to suggest Tunze nanostreams and possibly a wavebox. Wavebox mostly just gives bigger waves, btw...you aren't really missing any capabilities per se even if you just have a 6055/6095 or two. (Storm mode is going to be a lot more meaningful with 2+ flow sources where one is a wavebox, fwiw.)

In terms of a specific recommendation, you have many options. A "generalist" setup similar in feature to what you'd get from Vortechs could just be a pair of 7095's. Great power and amazing flexibility. If you have a more specific idea of what flow and look you want for the tank, you may decide that big waves and a clean look are the priority. You can consider the wavebox choices and consider using 6055's hidden in their "stream rock" instead of the 6095's. Just an example...all depends on your needs.

-Matt

Edit: Almost forgot, one suggestion...my favorite way is to start small with one pump and build your equipment set as your needs dictate vs trying to be 100% predictive.

Thanks Matt. I'm taking a close look at the 6095s now. It seems that their wide flow would be better for my application than the 6055. I also like that I can control them with my Apex. The only downside is that if I go with them, I'll have cords going into my tank...which may affect the rimless aesthetic.

I wonder if it would work to mount them to the back (L and R sides) of my tank to help hide the wiring against the black background. The Tunze pumps do afford the opportunity to "aim" where the Vortechs do not...

Re the Chinese WP series pumps: I'm sure people are getting great bang/buck on those, but I've ruled them out for other reasons.

aslmx · Feb 12, 2014

Re the Chinese WP series pumps: I'm sure people are getting great bang/buck on those, but I've ruled them out for other reasons. What reasons? I see a lot of people going from the mp to the wp. I love my wp 40. 9 months with no issues and it doesnt sound like a helicopter landing in your living room. Yes we ve had a mp10.

90greefman · Feb 12, 2014

Here are my experiences:

1. Mps-like the clean look and no chords in the tank. Dont like they are loud and wetsides seem to need to be replaced a lot.
2. Wps-nice pump, priced right, very loud though imo.
3. Tunze-great pump, quietess of them all(imo) and fits all my needs. I went thru them all on my 280 and ended up with the tunze because i prefer dead quiet, reliable, controllable.

RocketCityReef · Feb 12, 2014

aslmx said:
Re the Chinese WP series pumps: I'm sure people are getting great bang/buck on those, but I've ruled them out for other reasons. What reasons? I see a lot of people going from the mp to the wp. I love my wp 40. 9 months with no issues and it doesnt sound like a helicopter landing in your living room. Yes we ve had a mp10.

Personal preference is all. I much prefer the Tunze quality / reliability over a Chinese product and am willing to pay the extra for the peace of mind. Not trying to flame...but you asked.

aslmx · Feb 12, 2014

RocketCityReef said:
Personal preference is all. I much prefer the Tunze quality / reliability over a Chinese product and am willing to pay the extra for the peace of mind. Not trying to flame...but you asked.

Thats what i said when I got my new phone, I still got the i phone thats made in China. Just wondering if I needed to look for a flaw in the wp that im not seeing. Thanks.

ReeferEric · Feb 12, 2014

MP10s will be fine on 1/2" glass, my wet side never fell off once. Rimless to me needs to be clean and if that means wires outside of the tank then so be it. I only switch to the MP40s because I wanted more flow. Check out my thread in the members tank section.