Just curious... how many MP40s would you run....

[lyrical]

I was just curious for some opinions on what you guys would do. I have a 180g standard dims with two MP40s and a Vectra M1 return dual return.

My question is.. how many MP40s would you run for a mixed reef LPS/SPS/Zoas? Would you go with more? Or stay with the two?

TIA !

 

[rayn]

Depends on the rock work and how much flow is displaced by it. I ran two on my 180 with minimal rock and it worked well. How much return flow do you have? How high are you planning to run the mp?

 

[maroun.c]

I'd rather have more a d dial them down a bit. This way you don't have to blast some corals to get flow to some dead areas.

 

[Eric G]

I had 180 Sps tank I ran 6 mp 40's

 

[lyrical]

Wow! Yea I won't be going with six but that's awesome lol.

 

[lyrical]

Depends on the rock work and how much flow is displaced by it. I ran two on my 180 with minimal rock and it worked well. How much return flow do you have? How high are you planning to run the mp?

I have three islands in the center and an overflow top to bottom in the back that has been causing some dead spots behind the two islands. The rocks and front have been getting good flow running the two I have more towards the center depth and front of the tank. I get good movement in the water column but on the sand bed the two dead spots are pretty low flow.

I have a Vectra M1 return so I am guessing with head pressure and heigh around the 1300 to 1400 gph range from others that I have read. I am running everything at 100% during the day dialed back at night to make it calmer for my Anthias who like to sleep up in the rocks.

 

[lyrical]

I'd rather have more a d dial them down a bit. This way you don't have to blast some corals to get flow to some dead areas.

That's kinda what I was thinking... two more in the back corners dialed down with enough flow to move the sand a little but not blast it everywhere. I just wasn't sure if four would be silly or not since this is not a mature SPS reef.

 

[TheEngineer]

If it is just for dead spots in the back, I'd suggest a simpler pump like a Koralia or a non-controllable Tunze just to keep that area moving. You can get a small one.

 

[lyrical]

I don't want cords in my tank. One of the reasons I like MP40s.

 

[raultsu]

i just added another Mp40 to my 80 Gallon. I now run 2 MP40s on the sides and an Mp10 on the back. I have them dialed down im going to slowly ramp them up and find a good flow pattern

 

[redfishbluefish]

I don't believe there is a definitive answer to you query. As a minimum, I believe two would be enough. As mentioned, if you rock word "walls off" areas of the tank, more might be needed. I would think that two would have to run at or near 100%. The good thing about adding more is that you could turn them down a bit, saving them from premature death.

 

[lyrical]

I know there is not a definitive answer I was just curious what other people did with their 180s.

Thanks for the input everyone

 

[d2mini]

Four.
Or if you have a canopy and/or have your return plumbing running up over the top, install some sea swirls, and then run two MP40's.

 

[lyrical]

No canopy. Just two small returns from the M1. Good idea on the return though!

 

[jsker]

I am running two Gyre 130"s on top and one Mp40 in the middle of a 72gal with the mp40 set at 28% and the gyre's set at 50% and I have a bunch of water movement.

 

[FMF0331]

I have 5 running on my 200.

 

[jeremy]

I run 4 mp40 on my 120. I went with 4 so I can dial them down a bit.

 

[jackson6745]

4x mp40 would be good on a mixed 180 with SPS.

 

[lyrical]

Thanks everyone. So yea it's sounding like I would do better with another two.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Just get a Gyre. I ran into a similar problem with my 250. I'd rather pay $300 for one pump, which is more then enough, that 4 or 5 x $350.