Need help from all you flow experts!
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Having equipment that is aesthetically pleasing to you AND having it work the best for the corals is not mutually exclusive. However, if you choose yourself over the corals in the cases where it is, then don't expect to have the best corals. How could you, right? A popular example of this is people who are having to put Aquatic Life Hybrids onto their tanks where their LEDs on goosenecks are not cutting it... but they really liked the sleek look of the mounts or goosenecks.
I bought a gyre since I could hide it up top on the left side - it is black, the tank is black. It moves a lot of water, but the flow is too straight, so I needed to put some flow pumps on the other end (exposed) to give more random flow. If I did not, the corals would continue to lean as they grew. So I basically have to look at a Tunze 6105 in the top corner of my right panel, but I did it for the corals. I do not even notice it anymore.
I once heard it explained as if a zoo put a Lion into a polar bear habitat because they like the look of snow. This is way extreme, but you get it...
I bought a gyre since I could hide it up top on the left side - it is black, the tank is black. It moves a lot of water, but the flow is too straight, so I needed to put some flow pumps on the other end (exposed) to give more random flow. If I did not, the corals would continue to lean as they grew. So I basically have to look at a Tunze 6105 in the top corner of my right panel, but I did it for the corals. I do not even notice it anymore.
I once heard it explained as if a zoo put a Lion into a polar bear habitat because they like the look of snow. This is way extreme, but you get it...
Fishfinder
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Really Eco tec flow calculator just takes into account turnover. It’s not capable of determining flow directions, dead spots, and interaction of flow directions
By now, you all know that I am a dooooucher, so take this for what it is worth... Their calculators are WAY on the light side... and it is on purpose. Say that you use their calculator and buy a pair of mp40s. When you find out that they are not enough, not only have you purchased two already, you are more likely to go back to get more. It is old-as-time sales tactic to get into the door...
It is the same thing with Radions... go to the light section and check out all of the people who to a XR15 and needed 3x or 4x that amount in the end.
It is the same thing with Radions... go to the light section and check out all of the people who to a XR15 and needed 3x or 4x that amount in the end.
My tank layout is similar to yours, not wanting anything on the front or right pane. I ended up putting a gyre on the back wall towards the right, vertically, pointed to the right pane. Helps get any flow coming from the left get to the right side.
Also, I don't really like the gyres and have been contemplating ditching them and going with a Tunze in the same spot.
Also, I don't really like the gyres and have been contemplating ditching them and going with a Tunze in the same spot.
Potatohead
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I kind of like 1-2 big Tunzes on the left wall and maybe another pair of MP40's on the back wall. Or an MP60 on the left wall but not sure it will be enough. I guess ideally would be a 60 and 3 x 40 but obviously that is not cheap. Keep in mind you can always add a pump or two down the road when the tank fills in.
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Tuffloud1
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I agree with you. I definitely am not going to limit myself because I don’t like cords. I am definitely going to get at least a couple MP40s but if I end up needing something that can’t be achieved with more MP40s, I will be fine with adding additional power heads that have cords in the tank if that means healthier, better environment for the corals.
I say 2 mp60s and a gyre 350 should be good
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Tuffloud1
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I do have 2 of the Neptune WAV’s on my current tank that I could transfer for the new tank but I really don’t like them. The mounting system on it no longer holds the heads tight so it just drops to the bottom of the groove. Only a couple years old.
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MP 60's instead of 40's
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Tuffloud1
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For those recommending MP60s instead of the MP40s, are you making this suggestion for the left side wall or for mounting anywhere?
I can’t really see why an MP60 would be better than an MP40 if mounting on the back glass as you would be turning it way down below what the MP40s maximum would be anyway.
I can’t really see why an MP60 would be better than an MP40 if mounting on the back glass as you would be turning it way down below what the MP40s maximum would be anyway.
Oberst Oswald
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For your 6' x 2 1/2' tank I would recommend the 60's. Run them slow the 1st year or two. Once the corals, if SPS, start to "grow out" you will appreciate having bought the bigger pumps when more flow is required. If you don't have one already get a Green Slimer, place it as a center piece, and you will see what I mean.
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Tuffloud1
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Yeah, I’m really torn. I was going to get two MP40s and add more based on what is lacking, but now I see recommendations for not going with any MP40s and to go with only MP60s.......man, 700 bucks for a single powerhead!
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Tuffloud1
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If your tank was 6 ft would you still go with 60s?
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Tuffloud1
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If I plan on mounting on the back wall, wouldn’t the MP60s be overkill pointed at the front glass?
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If your dead set on vortechs then I would do 60 on the side panel and 3 40s on the back
I personally have 2 60s on my side panel. Both on reef crest at 90%
I personally have 2 60s on my side panel. Both on reef crest at 90%
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@Tuffloud1. you've gotten a lot if good comments from other posters already. I thought I'd share my experience, as I have a similar size tank and use Vortechs. I personally despise cords in the tank, so that's a big draw for me on the Vortechs. The MP40 is not really good at pushing flow across a 6 foot tank (I think they do very well with 3 to 4 feet). I have 4 MP40s on my tank for reference (2 on each side). I ran some on the back wall at one point, but I felt like I had to run them so low that I was just wasting them. Your aquascape will definitely influence a lot in regards to placement, and it depends on how willing you are to place units on each short side of the tank. If you are willing to run units on each side like I do, then I think you can get by with the MP40s (3 at least I'm thinking). If you want pumps just on one side and need to push water the full 6 feet, I think you would need an MP60 (maybe 2 or at least one MP60 with an MP40 or two?). It's not that the a couple of MP40s can't move the water.....that size of tank and the directional flow of the vortechs just winds up leaving areas with less flow and you'll find yourself wanting more than two MP40s for sure. Full disclosure, I have never ran an MP60 just the MP40s. I'm just basing my advice on my experience with the MP40s.
Also, I have ran gyres in the pazt. Nothing wrong with them, and i like them for long tanks with open aquascapes. Maintaining them was a little more work but not horrible like some people claim. I am super OCD on cords, though, so my vortechs have stayed.
Also, I have ran gyres in the pazt. Nothing wrong with them, and i like them for long tanks with open aquascapes. Maintaining them was a little more work but not horrible like some people claim. I am super OCD on cords, though, so my vortechs have stayed.
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Can't comment there from experience. I have 1/2" glass. I'd just be sure whoever is commenting is referring to the newer models versus the older. The newer ones seemed better than my older ones, as I did have some decoupling issues on the older ones. But no experience on that size glass thickness. I would suspect an mp60 would not have an issue. MP40 I don't know
