Powerhead selection is breaking my brain: questions

[danielankeny]

Friends: Help! I am a newbie trying to pick powerheads for my newly purchased fiji cube 76g complete package and I have some questions. Planning on soft corals, maybe a mixed reef.

I was all set on purchasing 2 vortech mp10s to place on opposing walls but they won’t work since my glass is too thick. i like the idea of vortech because of the cordless wet side and the battery backup system.

Working on the assumption I should place 1 powerhead on each of the 2 side walls, 2 mp40s seem like it will be flow overkill. So my questions are:

1) would a single vortech mp40 on one side be ok?
2) are there battery backups that work with the AI NEROs or should I consider another powerhead maker
3) maybe a gyre pump is better?

Any insight would be much appreciated!

Dan

 

[lapin]

Working on the assumption I should place 1 powerhead on each of the 2 side walls, 2 mp40s seem like it will be flow overkill. So my questions are:

1) would a single vortech mp40 on one side be ok?

Maybe but you will have dead spots because its a cube.

I would use 2ea mp40's and turn them to a low setting. Placing 1 low and one higher will disburse the flow a bit.

 

[LOVEROCK]

Jebao slw aren’t bad , it’s a fraction of a price compared to mp10 , seen many people using it with success for reef tanks

 

[bushdoc]

I second lapin suggestion.With controllable powerheads you can dial flow down and when you decide to introduce SPS, you can increase the flow.

 

[Cletus617]

I agree with Lapin

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

MP 40s would be great. I would recommend 2 pumps. You can't get the same flow dynamics with 1 pump as you can with 2. I also wouldn't rule out some tunze 6095s. Two with a safety connector would be great for battery backup and would save you a bit of cash. The tunzes will most likely outlast the vortechs IMO.

Tunze Turbelle Nanostream 6095 Pump

The Tunze Turbelle Nanostream 6095 Pump is relatively compact, high powered and energy efficient. This pump puts out 2500 gph while only using 5 to 21 watts.

www.marineandreef.com

Tunze Safety Connector 6105.500

The Tunze Safety Connector 6105.500 allows for the safe connection of your Tunze Turbelle Pump to a 12V battery (battery not included).

www.marineandreef.com

 

[vtecintegra]

I would go with two gyres, up high to make the cords less noticeable. I use two Maxspect Jump 4K in a 120g. The 2K version should be sufficient in a 76g.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

2 mp40 would be great