Number of Powerheads

[dbroncos]

Looking for some opinions. 42 gallon cube already have a vortech mp10 will be a mixed reef. Would getting another mp10 be ideal or is one enough for this size tank? Will have sand.

 

[Jason_MrFrags]

Run with what you have. If you notice that it isn't enough flow then get another one.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I always like at least 2, with one you get one-way flow and lots of dead spots, 2 is better IMO

 

[The_Paradox]

I have a single on a 60 cube and run it about 50%. Just have it going against the return and you will have tons of flow. Mine is set for reef crest dead center in the back. Return is aimed straight at the four side. With the bounce off the front glass everything gets pretty random flow.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Knot sur what the setup looks like, in terms of returns and return pump, but if you have a return pump cable of 500 top 660 GPH, then a single 1/2in Random Flow Generator on the return would to well in the at size tank - combine that with your MP10, and you would be good to go.

if you have dual return, then bump that return pump up top 660 to 800 GPH and run dual 1/2un RFGs

 

[nukemdanno]

Atleast 2...Corals dig the random flow

 

[bushdoc]

As far as flow/h volume, one MP10 would be enough, but as others stated, you want to create random flow, turbulence and no death spots, so 2 are better.

 

[InactionJackson]

I have 3 Nero 3’s in my 45g display…..60 total w/sump
Withe return…it hits every spot. Their all on 35%. 6-7 seconds off and 3-4 seconds on…

 

[dbroncos]

So my return has two nozzles that i can point at the side. My risk will be 10.5 inches high in a tank that is 21 inches high and will be in the center so not touching the side, front or back of the tank wall.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

So my return has two nozzles that i can point at the side. My risk will be 10.5 inches high in a tank that is 21 inches high and will be in the center so not touching the side, front or back of the tank wall.

is it a single return that is split in two? or two physicals inlets?

 

[InactionJackson]

So my return has two nozzles that i can point at the side. My risk will be 10.5 inches high in a tank that is 21 inches high and will be in the center so not touching the side, front or back of the tank wall.

 

[InactionJackson]

So my return has two nozzles that i can point at the side. My risk will be 10.5 inches high in a tank that is 21 inches high and will be in the center so not touching the side, front or back of the tank wall.

1 on left is 8-9” from bottom, 2 on left….1 is 7-8” off bottom and the one on the side I’d 5” from top
My return is a single that’s in the middle of tank

 

[dbroncos]

Knot sur what the setup looks like, in terms of returns and return pump, but if you have a return pump cable of 500 top 660 GPH, then a single 1/2in Random Flow Generator on the return would to well in the at size tank - combine that with your MP10, and you would be good to go.

if you have dual return, then bump that return pump up top 660 to 800 GPH and run dual 1/2un RFGs

I do have a dual random generator on the return.

 

[dbroncos]

is it a single return that is split in two? or two physicals inlets?

It’s a Vivid dual random flow nozzle

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

It’s a Vivid dual random flow nozzle

Nice - what's your estimated GPH?

Depending on your supply flow, sometime a single RFG can do better than a dual.

 

[dbroncos]

Nice - what's your estimated GPH?

Depending on your supply flow, sometime a single RFG can do better than a dual.

Haven’t setup yet but return pump minimum is 530 GPH. It’s the Red Sea Reefer model since my tank is a Red Sea Reefer 200 G2.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Haven’t setup yet but return pump minimum is 530 GPH. It’s the Red Sea Reefer model since my tank is a Red Sea Reefer 200 G2.

Depending on head loss, you will need to bump that up - at least if you want t get that punchy randomized flow the RFG is capable of.

if the Minimum is 530GPH, what is the maximum? If you can push to up to , say 800 GPH, I think it will do really well.

Assuming you have the dual 1/2in Flow kit, you can pretty easily convert that to a single nozzle if you wanted to try that too - you would just need to get this adapter

Multidapter 2025-050 – 20-25mm Pipe to 1/2in Loc-Line Adapter | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

 

[dbroncos]

Depending on head loss, you will need to bump that up - at least if you want t get that punchy randomized flow the RFG is capable of.

if the Minimum is 530GPH, what is the maximum? If you can push to up to , say 800 GPH, I think it will do really well.

Assuming you have the dual 1/2in Flow kit, you can pretty easily convert that to a single nozzle if you wanted to try that too - you would just need to get this adapter

Multidapter 2025-050 – 20-25mm Pipe to 1/2in Loc-Line Adapter | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

So the max is 1450 GPH

 

[dbroncos]

Depending on head loss, you will need to bump that up - at least if you want t get that punchy randomized flow the RFG is capable of.

if the Minimum is 530GPH, what is the maximum? If you can push to up to , say 800 GPH, I think it will do really well.

Assuming you have the dual 1/2in Flow kit, you can pretty easily convert that to a single nozzle if you wanted to try that too - you would just need to get this adapter

Multidapter 2025-050 – 20-25mm Pipe to 1/2in Loc-Line Adapter | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

So that would replace the dual output nozzle?

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

So that would replace the dual output nozzle?

You could use the adapter I linked to above to convert the dual RFG flow kit you have to a single RFG. Basically, you cold disconnect one side for the dual kit, and using that adapter to connect a single RFG it to you single inlet.

however, since your return pump is capable of up to 1450, I would say you'll be good with the dual. Just turn that pump up and find the sweet spot for flow.