MP40 Overkill?

[mjlash22]

Looking for some suggestions/opinions as to my powerhead setup on my tank. Setting up a reefer 525XL (59" x 22" x 22.6"), which is a 108G display. I have initially purchased 2 EcoTech MP40's for the tank, but I'm starting to second guess my self and wondering if 2 are overkill.

Looking at EcoTech's website and doing the flow calculator, it appears I would be able to get the recommended flow rate with one unit at approx. 75% power/flow rate. I understand I could just cut back to power/flow rate if I had 2, but is that just wasted money? Is there a benefit to having 2?

Initial plans for the tank are for it to be fish only with live rock/sand and inverts (snails/crabs/etc). Will add in corals eventually but this would be my first tank with corals so I do not know my plans as to whether they will be soft/LPS/SPS, not to mention when I would add them in.

Anyone who has a similar setup/tank size that uses the MP40's, I would greatly appreciate some suggestions as to how to proceed. The units aren't cheap, so if I can cut back to 1, that's more money in my pocket.

Also, I would love to hear your favorite modes/settings for these. I have no prior experience with these powerheads, this is my first tank using them.

 

[bobbyM]

I would use both. One on each end. Flow is under rated. Always good to have a little more. As the tank grows, you kinda need more and more. IMO

 

[bobbyM]

I use nutrient export mode on mine. I have an MP40 on my 85, but with the foot print, I could use another to eliminate dead spots.

 

[bobbyM]

Also, my MP40 is at 100%. The tank is bare bottom, so no sand to blow around. I also use a cheap crappy pump in the corner. I’m trying to keep all the detritus in a pile out in the front so I can vacuum it out during water changes.

 

[mjlash22]

How many inches below the water line do you have yours?

 

[LesPaulPlayer]

I think you should use both. You will have less dead spots.

 

[mjlash22]

Any modes in particular that work better when having 2 pumps together? From my initial research, seems to be like reef crest and nutrient export mode are the most popular modes. Any recommendation on placement in the tank? Sides, back, distance from sand/water line?

 

[ncaldwell]

I was having alot of trouble with 2 mp40s on my 525 as well. Sand blowing everywhere but I have inconvenient rock work in the middle to try and get around. I ended up settling with 1 mp40 on both ends and 2 gyres on the back vertically beside the overflow all at lower speeds. I couldn't get good enough circulation with just the mp40s

 

[LesPaulPlayer]

Any modes in particular that work better when having 2 pumps together? From my initial research, seems to be like reef crest and nutrient export mode are the most popular modes. Any recommendation on placement in the tank? Sides, back, distance from sand/water line?

In my 180 I have 2 MP40QD and 2 Tunze 6055. I have a 1" sand bed so I cannot run the at 100%. I use a reeflink and have them set to about 75% most of the tank daylight hours. I shuffle through reef crest, pulse, gyre, and 20% constant at night. Alternating modes between the 2 MP40s. One of the 2 sides is always on reefcrest though. There is no perfect way. I enjoy changing it up every so often.

 

[ifarmer]

No 2 mp40 is not over kill.
In fact if you do sps, you probabaly will need even more flow.

 

[bobbyM]

Mine is about 4 maybe 5 inches from the surface.

 

[watdachuck]

My tank is only slightly larger but similar dimensions, 66 X 24 X 24. Two MP40's should work well for your tank.

I would keep them in a 46% to 70% range (40X - 60X), just my rule of thumb.

I use two MP40's on one side of the tank. They alternate between 68% and 100% every 4 hours. This is 40X and ~60X tank turnover. The ReefLink is what allows the alternating programs in Nutrient Export move. Both pumps are about 7-8" below the waterline.

 

[Danny Venditti]

I have a Reefer 350 and have 2 offset one high and aimed right across the front of the overflow. the second is opposite, lower and more towards the front. You can always tone them down if the flow is to much, but unless its causing tissue to separate off your coral I wouldn't worry about it being to much.