Is a MP40 too much flow for a 3ft SPS tank??

[saltcreep74]

Currently running a cheapo Jebao gyre and a Nero 3 on my 77g. 3ft SPS tank....at 40% the gyre is blowing the sand on the opposite side all over the place so now you can see the glass at the bottom which I hate...

Was thinking of replacing the gyre with an MP40, or possibly 2 on opposite ends. I heard that the MP40's tend to produce too much flow on 3 and 2ft tanks. I have several 1 inch sticks I recently added and don't want to harm them.

Or would a couple of MP10's be better?

Salty-

 

[Jason_MrFrags]

sps love flow, just don't put them right in front of the powerhead. Any tank flow is going to eventually move the sand bed, unless its coarse.

 

[RichReef]

No. I have 2 on my 36 inch tank. They are adjustable and SPS loves flow.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I had mp10's on my 40 breeder 3 foot tank, was more than enough. The mp40's turned down would work as well.

 

[exnisstech]

I've found sand to always be a problem when trying to get good flow for SPS. I ran two MP40, two Mp10 and two nero 5s on my 36x24x24 tank but it was barebottom.

 

[Serpentman2024]

I have 2 on my 36" x 24". I don't run them full out but its nice to have the option. And should you upgrade down the road, they're still usable.

 

[Reef.]

I run 2 mp10s on a 3 foot at 40%, think if you can’t make your gyre work you would likely struggle with mp40s.

 

[saltcreep74]

I have 2 on my 36" x 24". I don't run them full out but its nice to have the option. And should you upgrade down the road, they're still usable.

Great point...I was also thinking along those lines...I know for a fact I'll be upgrading to a 4 or 5 ft tank in a couple years. Makes more sense to go with 40's and turn them way down.

Next time, I'll definitely go BB.

 

[saltcreep74]

I've found sand to always be a problem when trying to get good flow for SPS. I ran two MP40, two Mp10 and two nero 5s on my 36x24x24 tank but it was barebottom.

How did you like the N5's on your tank? Was 2 enough flow for your SPS tank?

 

[exnisstech]

My only complaint on the nero is the long cord that has to be fished out if you want to clean them away from the tank. If your cord management is nice and organized it might not be an issue but my cords are a tangled mess.
I run two nero 3s in a 24x22x22 that is all sps but not packed full and they do well.
I don't have a tank with just the nero 5s. I currently run 2 along with 2 mp10s in my reefer 300 36x24x24. I think two 5s would be fine but running four powerheads I'm able to get all of my detritus to blow into one corner for easy cleanup so I'm rolling with the four.

EDIT : as much as I dislike mobius vortechs are my hands down favorite powerheads. I keep spare wet sides and just swap them out when they need cleaning.

 

[Troylee]

Great point...I was also thinking along those lines...I know for a fact I'll be upgrading to a 4 or 5 ft tank in a couple years. Makes more sense to go with 40's and turn them way down.

Next time, I'll definitely go BB.

Good choice with the 40’s… if sand is a problem people are 3D printing gaurds with a shield on the bottom to prevent sand movement.

 

[cilyjr]

I run four MP40s on the 3-ft direction of my tank. To combat blowing sand I made a guard that has a redirector on it.

 

[saltcreep74]

I run four MP40s on the 3-ft direction of my tank. To combat blowing sand I made a guard that has a redirector on it.

Very cool...definitely worth considering for the 40's

Thank you!

 

[Reef.]

I run four MP40s on the 3-ft direction of my tank. To combat blowing sand I made a guard that has a redirector on it.

I have similar but just the deflector glued to the original body, whats the reason for the smaller holes? Nem guard?

 

[cilyjr]

I have similar but just the deflector glued to the original body, whats the reason for the smaller holes? Nem guard?

Kind of, more of Just a generic guard to keep things out of the propeller area. When a small snail gets in there they click.
I find it easier to clean with less little crevices when it has holes like a basket. Strainer you can just wipe it with a rag or green scrubbie.
Also, it's a little more rigid than the original one that just felt like it was more easily. Breakable.