MP40 Flow

[aquaticlog]

I have a 6x3 tank where I have 4 MP40, for the longest time I've been running them similar to many frag systems - all 4 on one side to get that gyre. But lately I've noticed that a few reefers use a different configuration - 2 on one narrow side, more in the centre and top; and two in the back narrow side, more to the corners and low. This results in a pretty cool double gyre that seems to be an efficient way to move water.

Is that the most optimal way to run it? Is there a better way? And what do you think should the different modes be? Reef Crest on random for all 4? Have the back ones on constant? Or Pulse? What's the rationale? Let's get to the bottom of this!

I shot a video to illustrate the MP40 configuration:

 

[blaxsun]

I run four (4) actual gyres on my 6' tank; 2 on the sides facing inwards and 2 smaller ones on either side of the overflow facing forward.

 

[aquaticlog]

I run four (4) actual gyres on my 6' tank; 2 on the sides facing inwards and 2 smaller ones on either side of the overflow facing forward.

Gyres are great. So a similar pattern of layout as I had described? Are they all on random?

 

[blaxsun]

Gyres are great. So a similar pattern of layout as I had described? Are they all on random?

The two Red Sea ReefWave45 gyres on the side provide a random 20-60% flow (depending on time of day), with about 80% forward and 20% reverse. The two Maxspect XF330 gyres on either side of the overflow are set to a fixed 20% forward constant flow.

 

[aquaticlog]

The two Red Sea ReefWave45 gyres on the side provide a random 20-60% flow (depending on time of day), with about 80% forward and 20% reverse. The two Maxspect XF330 gyres on either side of the overflow are set to a fixed 20% forward constant flow.

Do the two gyres at the front go in unison or are they independent? What's the rationale for doing 20% constant flow as opposed to say random?

 

[blaxsun]

Do the two gyres at the front go in unison or are they independent? What's the rationale for doing 20% constant flow as opposed to say random?

They're both running at a fixed 20%, but even though they're on the same dual controller they can be run independently if so desired. I have the Maxspect XF330s on battery backup so the rationale is to just provide a constant flow from back to front in the tank that interacts with the return pump outlets and the two random gyres on the sides.

 

[PedroYoung]

I have 4 MP40's on 6'x2' tank. 2 low in the back and 2 high in the front. I run them all in reef crest random with each side anti-synced from the other (right 2 run together, left 2 run together. Does a pretty good job in nutrient transport mode getting stuff up off the bottom.

Untitled by Peter Young, on Flickr