How much power in my powerheads?

[MelO82]

Hello All,

After getting some preliminary info from the awesome peeps in these forums on my 1st forum post, I've realized that my next purchase needs to be powerheads before I even get LR.

I have a 39-gallon tank and plan to add both fish and corals. I'd like to get two powerheads. That should be good right?

What should be my gph on each powerhead for 39gal? And what about wave makers, I've heard them mentioned along w/ powerheads.

What are good reliable brands and models for powerheads? Any other advice?

Thanks!!

 

[Alabamareef]

1 MP 40 should do everything you need. It can give great flow. Make waves and only takes up a small amount of space inside the tank.

 

[mcarroll]

If you have the jing for an MP40 I guess that's a valid option....but it's a $465 valid option with issues IMO.

For a tank that size I think I would consider something a lot smaller. If you feel like Vortechs are your thing, maybe the mp10 (or two) would be my suggestion. By far the smallest flow option, so worth considering on that basis. (Still $235 tho.)

A much better option IME is a Tunze nanostream or two. At most a pair of 6045's ($92/ea) would do it..and the smaller ones may even work if your tank has fairly short sides (like a cube) and you don't need a pump with as much reach as a 6045.

FWIW, by better I mean both in terms of value ($$) and function. They're an amazingly flexible (useful) and durable pump by comparison. These aren't controllable (look at 7095's or 6055's if you need that) but your corals will be happy if you just use timers to alternate pumps every 3-6 hours. (Like the tides.)

I hope this helps!

-Matt

 

[DSP]

1 mp 10 was good flow in my 40 gallon breeder,2 mp10s would be awesome flow And you wouldn't need to run them at 100 percent so it would save pump life.i def wouldn't put an mp40 in it

 

[MelO82]

1 MP 40 should do everything you need. It can give great flow. Make waves and only takes up a small amount of space inside the tank.

Thx! I was thinking instead of one strong one, two weaker ones so I can point them in different directions, and have one on each side that I could turn on and off. My tank is shaped like a rectangle so it's long.

 

[MelO82]

Thanks Matt! That does help... I'm going to start looking them up today. I didn't know they needed pumps. I thought they had an I internal propeller that would suck water in from the back and jet stream it out through the front. This is why I say it's going to take me months before I even have a fish. Each new part is like 3-days of research then purchase, then research on best way to position and set up... Lol... I'll get there.

 

[MelO82]

Thx DSP... I do want two for pointing in different directions. Or interchanging having one off and one on.

 

[ReeferBob]

I suggest Hydor Koralia Evolutions. Best bang for your buck. They are controllable with a wave timer and WAY less then the overpriced-beyond-belief Vortechs and not-far-behind overpriced Tunzes. For that size tank 1 600gph is enough along with your return. Perhaps 2 they are only $35. Also look at a controller like the reefkeeper lite or elite. It comes with a built-in wavemaker for $120.

Hydor Koralia Evolution - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[rjcranor]

I've been hearing good results from the wp 40 it's around $100 and basically does the same thing as the mp 40. Have seen u tube videos and side by side comparison and the wp has more power. Has a feed mode plus other wave modes. Would like to get one myself one day.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Koralia Wavemaker with DC Powerheads, if your thinking wavemaker
Or 2 400gph powerheads, of which the Nano Hydor would do you nicely.

 

[mcarroll]

Thanks Matt! That does help... I'm going to start looking them up today. I didn't know they needed pumps. I thought they had an I internal propeller that would suck water in from the back and jet stream it out through the front. This is why I say it's going to take me months before I even have a fish. Each new part is like 3-days of research then purchase, then research on best way to position and set up... Lol... I'll get there.

I've never heard a good argument against taking "just a little more time" for something in this hobby.

Definitely take your time to figure out what you really want from these pumps and the budget you are willing to commit.

FWIW, the inherently long flow pattern and ultimate adjustability of the Tunze nanostreams makes them a no brainier in a long tank IMO. Virtually all other brands are designed with a very short, recirculating flow pattern. Generally, handy for stubby tanks, but inefficient for long ones.

-Matt

 

[Alabamareef]

MP 40s are adjustable. So you can have a lot of flow or small amount. They take up a small amount of room inside the tank which is a plus for a tank your size. The MP10 may be ok but most likely you'll need two so the one 40 is a cheeper option. Also with a battery back up lots of added security. Not up to date on the WP powerheads but it may be worth looking up.
In this hobby you get what you pay for. Sometimes the cheep option is not the best. After you start adding corals and fish the cost of something of quality is very minor. Those who hate on the MP 40 only wish they were in there tank.

 

[rich850]

I have 2 mp40s on my 150 and definitely wouldnt put one on that small of a tank I don't think anyone is hating its just overkill I would go with a pair of mp 10s or tunzes there is a reason ecotech made the mp 10...for smaller tanks

 

[rich850]

The wp 40 would be too big as well but the wp 25 is a cheaper Chinese option

 

[MelO82]

PH Purchase (almost) made - Koralia Evolutions 750 X 2 or...

Ok, I think I'm going for two Koralia Evolution 750s ... No wavemaker for now.. I'll try a method i've been reading about where I will point them towards each other to make a current. For a 38-gallon reef tank (LR, corals and a couple fish) is this good??? :neutral:

Thanks!!

P.S. My only worry is too much current - where then I may scale down to my Option B) two Tunze Nano 6015s :juggle:

 

[Reefing Madness]

Thats huge movement for a 38g.

 

[rich850]

the tunzes are much quieter where the koralia 750s are loud especially on a wavemaker if it was between the two I would go with the tunzes

 

[Alabamareef]

Tunze is a great option. I have two 6105s in my 180 along with 2 mp 40s. The tunze is defiantly a more quite option, with the silencers. My vote is still the mp40. You can turn the flow down to accomidate your tank. Sounds like your on the right tract. Just remember with SPS more flow the better. That's what's great about this hobby whatever you start with you'll always want an upgrade, :bigsmile:

 

[rjcranor]

Right now I am using 2 sicce voyager 3's in my 50 gallon. Right now they are on a timer. But they have a wave maker you can get for them. They are quite and have smaller ones.

 

[MelO82]

Thanks everyone!! So Tunzes seems to be the popular choice... Will the two tunze 6015s be enough flow for a reef tank? That's why I was originally leaning towards koralias? But quieter is better.