MP40 Placement - 6 x 2 Tank - Need Advice

sanzz18 · Jan 12, 2022

I currently have two MP40s on my Waterbox 220.6 system. I have them on each side of the tank at approximately 8" below the water surface. I also acquired a 3rd MP40 that I want to put on the back wall. The tank has a center overflow so I can't put it there. The goal is to end up with 4 MP40s eventually. I only have a couple corals but the goal is SPS dominant with some lips mixed in.

Any suggestions on changing my side VorTechs placements (height, location) as well as the placement of the 3rd one would be so helpful.

Also, any suggestions on modes for all three would be awesome. Should I keep them all on reefcrest? Sync or anti sync?

carmodpg · Jan 13, 2022

I would typically put the MP40s across from each other staggered a little so they’re not directly facing each other to create a little more random flow. For SPS, I would run the MPs on the opposite side mostly in anti-sync on reef crest. I am also a believer in switching the flow up during parts of the day so that one pump is running a completely different mode than the other. I would also place them about 6” below the water line.
For the other MP, there is numerous options. I would probably try to place it as close to the center of the tank as possible (avoiding overflow). When you get a 4th, I would spread them out as equa distant as possible on the back wall to create a balanced and random flow. However, depending on scap and coral growth, there is no right way to do it without playing around with the placement a little. Another option could be to put the 3rd MP on the side of the tank either below or to the side of one of the other MPs. You would set that pump in anti-sync of the pump that’s on the same side. This would help create more of a circular flow in the tank.

Lavey29 · Jan 13, 2022

Although I like MP40s and have 2 on my tank if I was to add a 3rd powerhead on the back wall I would want something that can be moved directional to where I need the flow to go. Like a Nero or something you can easily change to different angles. Mp40 is one directional only.

sanzz18 · Jan 13, 2022

carmodpg said:
I would typically put the MP40s across from each other staggered a little so they’re not directly facing each other to create a little more random flow. For SPS, I would run the MPs on the opposite side mostly in anti-sync on reef crest. I am also a believer in switching the flow up during parts of the day so that one pump is running a completely different mode than the other. I would also place them about 6” below the water line.
For the other MP, there is numerous options. I would probably try to place it as close to the center of the tank as possible (avoiding overflow). When you get a 4th, I would spread them out as equa distant as possible on the back wall to create a balanced and random flow. However, depending on scap and coral growth, there is no right way to do it without playing around with the placement a little. Another option could be to put the 3rd MP on the side of the tank either below or to the side of one of the other MPs. You would set that pump in anti-sync of the pump that’s on the same side. This would help create more of a circular flow in the tank.

With my tank being 6 feet, only having MP40s, I believe it makes more sense to add any extras on the back wall. Adding another to a side I feel will might waste the 3rd vortech. Would you agree?

If I place that 3rd one on the back wall, how should I program it? Reefcrest? Constant? Sync of antisync?

Lavey29 said:
Although I like MP40s and have 2 on my tank if I was to add a 3rd powerhead on the back wall I would want something that can be moved directional to where I need the flow to go. Like a Nero or something you can easily change to different angles. Mp40 is one directional only.

I have thought of other powerhead with different adjustment angles, but my buddy who wasn't using his mp40 gave it to me.