MP10s or MP40S for 65 gallon reef

msl5078 · Oct 16, 2018

Looking to get some advice on what powerheads I should use for my new 65 gallon reef build!

I’m just getting back into the hobby after a 4 year break. I still have the 2 x MP40s I had from my old 120 gallon tank, but I think they may be too much for this 3ft 65 gallon tank.

Let me know what you think/recommend!

MTBake · Oct 16, 2018

I used one mp40 in my 40 for a bit. Worked well, but I did have issues with too much flow in certain areas. Made placing coral a pain. I switched to one Icecap 3K gyre and couldn't be happier. I will say that I'd probably spring for a Maxspect gyre if I was going to buy another. They do have more features that I would like to have. I got the Icecap just to try out a gyre. Really like it. It's been place for over 6 months now and have it set at 50% continuous mode for my sps reef.

PedroYoung · Oct 16, 2018

What kind of corals are you wanting to keep and will you have a sand or bare bottom tank?

ndrwater · Oct 16, 2018

If you have the MP40'suse those. You can always turn them down. Spend the $$ you would ha e replacing them on other things. Lights, skimmers, corals, whatever..

Justfebreezeit · Oct 16, 2018

IMO use the mp40s for sure. Its a pretty deep tank if its the 3ft version. The extra flow could be used to get deeper.

msl5078 · Oct 16, 2018

PedroYoung said:
What kind of corals are you wanting to keep and will you have a sand or bare bottom tank?

I’m looking to do a LPS/SPS tank with some zoas in the shady spots. Had pretty good luck on my old 120 with a similar setup.

I been going back and forth between using special grade or bare bottom. While I love the appeal of Bare bottom, and the reduced work without having to clean the sand bed, I really love sand sifting gobys. Can’t decide if I want to give my favorite fish up for better nutrient control.

msl5078 · Oct 16, 2018

Justfebreezeit said:
IMO use the mp40s for sure. Its a pretty deep tank if its the 3ft version. The extra flow could be used to get deeper.

Tank dimensions or 36”w x 20” D x 21” H

msl5078 · Oct 16, 2018

MTBake said:
I used one mp40 in my 40 for a bit. Worked well, but I did have issues with too much flow in certain areas. Made placing coral a pain. I switched to one Icecap 3K gyre and couldn't be happier. I will say that I'd probably spring for a Maxspect gyre if I was going to buy another. They do have more features that I would like to have. I got the Icecap just to try out a gyre. Really like it. It's been place for over 6 months now and have it set at 50% continuous mode for my sps reef.

I’ve been looking at the gyres, I remember them just coming out when I was getting out of the hobby. A real quick look online looks like they have come a long way since then!

msl5078 · Oct 16, 2018

ndrwater said:
If you have the MP40'suse those. You can always turn them down. Spend the $$ you would ha e replacing them on other things. Lights, skimmers, corals, whatever..

That is what I was thinking. My job requires a lot of travel, so I was throwing around the idea of working on my apex to get the tank more automated. Finally moved into my first home, and automatic water changes were my dream since my first tank!

MTBake · Oct 16, 2018

Start with the mp40s and see how they do. Can always change if you want to.

AdamNC · Oct 16, 2018

Use the MP40s. I use 2 of them in a 40 br and they are great for wide flow, plus they can be turned down and not run at full speed all the time to wear them out.