RedSea Reefer 350 Mp40 placement help?

PlanktonB · Mar 8, 2017

I was wondering if I can get some input for placement of my mp40w in the red sea reefer 350, this tank will be mostly sps dominant. I aware that I'm not suppose to place them directly in front of each other. I know what two Mp40w for a 75g is a bit much, but I want good flow, so I'm planning to run them at 30-40% each.

GoVols · Mar 8, 2017

how many returns do you have coming back from the sump and which way do you point then?

blkhwkz · Mar 8, 2017

I have an XL425 so basically the same tank, but slightly wider and using the Neptune WAV pumps, I have them on the back. One on each side of the overflow, tank is all SPS and clams. If I had used MP40, I would put them in the same place, but I don't like the headphone look on my tank with the dry sides. I have an MP40 on my JBJ that is going to be replaced with a Reefer 250 and it will be going on the back.

PlanktonB · Mar 8, 2017

GoVols said:
how many returns do you have coming back from the sump and which way do you point then?

I have 1 return line, but it split into two at the exit.

Screen Shot 2017-03-08 at 7.58.59 PM.png

GoVols · Mar 8, 2017

PlanktonB said:
I have 1 return line, but it split into two at the exit.

I like @blkhwkz suggestion and Broadfield runs his that way too.

See his WAV pumps on the back wall.

PlanktonB · Mar 9, 2017

GoVols said:
I like @blkhwkz suggestion and Broadfield runs his that way too.

See his WAV pumps on the back wall.

Ollly dammm your setup!!

Pongo · Mar 9, 2017

I think it really depends on your aquascape as to where you should place the powerheads.

I've got 2 on the left back glass and 2 on the right end, but only because that provides the best chaotic flow while eliminating dead spots.
Experiment until you find what works for your tank and makes your corals happiest.

PlanktonB · Mar 9, 2017

Pongo said:
I think it really depends on your aquascape as to where you should place the powerheads.

I've got 2 on the left back glass and 2 on the left end, but only because that provides the best chaotic flow while eliminating dead spots.
Experiment until you find what works for your tank and makes your corals happiest.

I want to have some on the back glass also. But the rear gap for the mp40w to fit back there is just too much. =/

Pongo · Mar 9, 2017

I've got an MP40 on the back glass, it works just fine.

Sorry I mistyped the previous post.
So, on the left back glass are 1 MP40 and 1 Neptune WAV.
On the right side end are 1 MP40 and 1 Neptune WAV.

reeferparty · Mar 9, 2017

I have a reefer 350 and I'm running a mp40 on each side staggered high and low; forward and back. I'm also running 2 m10s on the back wall about half way down and 2 inches from the sides of the overflow to further create more random flow.

But like Pongo said, it really depends on your aquascape and coral placements. I can't put the mp40 too low/forward because my bottom dwelling LPS corals would be blasted.

GoVols · Mar 9, 2017

PlanktonB said:
Ollly dammm your setup!!

Broadfield's tank

Can you tell he used to "install" custom audio systems?

Looks like "StarWars"

saltyhog · Mar 9, 2017

Either way will work. I think you would get better flow behind the rock and less detritus accumulation with your original plan but like everyone said, your aquascape will decide which is best. I tried putting my MP40's on the back wall of my 72x24 tank but I couldn't turn them up very high and couldn't use NTM because it would rapidly create a bare spot in my sandbed near the front glass.

One good thing is that it's not too hard to move them if you don't like the results from the first placement.

griff500 · Mar 11, 2017

Unless you already own the MP40s I wouldn't rule out a couple of Gyres. It would be cheaper and I found the flow better.

Danny Venditti · May 21, 2017

They will generally work just fine either on the back or on the sides. The newer MP40's have increased power over the older generation. If you have the Reeflink you can play with the different settings in order to eliminate dead spots and create different flows. The ecosmart site basically lays out for you how to set up the master and slave pumps to create the right flows. I run mine in a 350 at about 45-65% depending on the time of day, I also vary the settings to change the flows about every 6 hours.

Andy G · Oct 16, 2017

PlanktonB said:
I was wondering if I can get some input for placement of my mp40w in the red sea reefer 350, this tank will be mostly sps dominant. I aware that I'm not suppose to place them directly in front of each other. I know what two Mp40w for a 75g is a bit much, but I want good flow, so I'm planning to run them at 30-40% each.

Hi PlanktonB,

What was you final setup, I'm going through the same dilemma.

Specifically, I would please like to know how high - vs. the water line - did you place them?

If you had to use just 1 MP40 - as Ecotech calculator recommends - would you put it on the side where the SPS are, at the coral's height, and using medium speed?

Or would you go to the opposite side of where the SPS are located, placing it near the top of the tank, and use a high speed?

elsheikh1974 · Mar 23, 2018

blkhwkz said:
I have an XL425 so basically the same tank, but slightly wider and using the Neptune WAV pumps, I have them on the back. One on each side of the overflow, tank is all SPS and clams. If I had used MP40, I would put them in the same place, but I don't like the headphone look on my tank with the dry sides. I have an MP40 on my JBJ that is going to be replaced with a Reefer 250 and it will be going on the back.

Hi, I habe the same tank and I am running now 2 mp40 on each side 55% each on reefcrest, I have two neptune waves still in the box and I would just to ask what setting are you running cuz I want to give them a try as I hate looking at the dry side of mp40 all the time

blkhwkz · Mar 23, 2018

elsheikh1974 said:
Hi, I habe the same tank and I am running now 2 mp40 on each side 55% each on reefcrest, I have two neptune waves still in the box and I would just to ask what setting are you running cuz I want to give them a try as I hate looking at the dry side of mp40 all the time

I run them on mavericks which is similar to reefcrest.

kott-reef · Jun 5, 2018

GoVols, the system is impressive. I am in the process of setting up Red Sea Reefer 350 (upgrading from my nano to this mid-size tank) and I would like to know details on your setup. Also how is the backwall of the tank is gradient blue, the tank i have is black coated.