Tunze Powerheads

[KJoFan]

I will soon enough be faced with the decision of adding a second MP40 to my 120g (4x2x2) tank. However, I'm also looking at swapping out to Tunzes. I've seen all kinds of varying combinations used on varying sized tanks. Can those of you that have or have had Tunzes throw out some suggestions on which ones would be best suited, how many, and in what combination? (Basically, if it were your tank and you were buying them, what you would get.)

The tank is mostly LPS and soft corals at this point. But, I would like it to support some SPS as well. Right now, I just want a good amount of flow to keep detritus suspended and eliminate any dead spots in the tank.

 

[AJreefs]

I would think the newer tunze 6105's or the smaller 6095's with wider flow nozzles would be great for the 120 tank. One thing to note is the 6105 has both wide and narrow shrouds standard with the unit to give you some more flexibility.

 

[KJoFan]

Thanks for the input Ajay, I've been reading your thread about your switch. Would you suggest two 6105's or 6095's or more? I'm trying to read up on the Tunze's but there's so many options and combinations it seems!

 

[azjohnny]

Tagging along I am facing the same decision for my 180. Do Tunes have undertow like the Vortechs

 

[mcarroll]

I will soon enough be faced with the decision of adding a second MP40 to my 120g (4x2x2) tank. However, I'm also looking at swapping out to Tunzes. I've seen all kinds of varying combinations used on varying sized tanks. Can those of you that have or have had Tunzes throw out some suggestions on which ones would be best suited, how many, and in what combination? (Basically, if it were your tank and you were buying them, what you would get.)

The tank is mostly LPS and soft corals at this point. But, I would like it to support some SPS as well. Right now, I just want a good amount of flow to keep detritus suspended and eliminate any dead spots in the tank.

In theory, a pair of mp40's could be ok on that size of tank, but IMO that's a costly and limited solution. If budget will flex, you will not be disappointed with a pair of 6105's on a 120. Run them at low speed or high, controlled or not, wide flow or narrow, 360° ball mount - all according to your budget and plans. There's a strong chance you'll never need another pump or even a wave device...even on your text tank. At 4' the 120 is short enoug that a pair of 7095's would also probably do very well - and would be a lot softer on the budget than a pair of mp40's.

The good part is that the m40's seem to hold their value well.

And BTW you really can't eliminate dead spots. Dead spots exist wherever there is turbulence, and turbulence exists wherever water flow hits an immovable object. The only "solution" is wave action, or to do your best to keep changing the flow so the dead spots move around.

Tagging along I am facing the same decision for my 180. Do Tunes have undertow like the Vortechs

Loaded question.

I just replaced a mp40 with a 6105 on a 180 recently. If you've never seen a 6105, I predict you will be flabbergasted when you see one in action if you think the mp40 is a strong pump. I would estimate that three mp40's would be required to do what this single 6105 was doing in this tank. In fact, if your tank is mostly open water (as most are at the beginning) you can probably flow your whole 180 with a single 6105 until things grown in a bit.

-Matt

 

[Steelerfan747]

I think switching to tunze is a great decision that you will look back on and wonder what took you so long

 

[KJoFan]

In theory, a pair of mp40's could be ok on that size of tank, but IMO that's a costly and limited solution. If budget will flex, you will not be disappointed with a pair of 6105's on a 120. Run them at low speed or high, controlled or not, wide flow or narrow, 360° ball mount - all according to your budget and plans. There's a strong chance you'll never need another pump or even a wave device...even on your text tank. At 4' the 120 is short enoug that a pair of 7095's would also probably do very well - and would be a lot softer on the budget than a pair of mp40's.

The good part is that the m40's seem to hold their value well.

And BTW you really can't eliminate dead spots. Dead spots exist wherever there is turbulence, and turbulence exists wherever water flow hits an immovable object. The only "solution" is wave action, or to do your best to keep changing the flow so the dead spots move around.



Loaded question.

I just replaced a mp40 with a 6105 on a 180 recently. If you've never seen a 6105, I predict you will be flabbergasted when you see one in action if you think the mp40 is a strong pump. I would estimate that three mp40's would be required to do what this single 6105 was doing in this tank. In fact, if your tank is mostly open water (as most are at the beginning) you can probably flow your whole 180 with a single 6105 until things grown in a bit.

-Matt

So it seems like the 6105 is the pump of choice and recommendation by most for my size tank. I will keep an eye out for some good deals, used or new. I'm not in a rush to switch out/upgrade so I've got time. I think you meant 6095 not 7095 as another option correct? I don't think I'm in need of two controllers.

I really have no complaints to speak of about the MP40, other than the ramping up noise it makes. Since my tank is right in my fairly small living room, I'd like to keep the "white noise" as low as possible. Plus, I just feel the Tunze pumps are a bit more versatile.

As stated, dead spots can't be completely eliminated but the Tunze can be much more easily moved/redirected from time to time.

I really think I'd like to give Tunze a shot when funds allow.

I appreciate the input of those in the know!

 

[Craig Borowski Verified Sponsor]

I will soon enough be faced with the decision of adding a second MP40 to my 120g (4x2x2) tank. However, I'm also looking at swapping out to Tunzes. I've seen all kinds of varying combinations used on varying sized tanks. Can those of you that have or have had Tunzes throw out some suggestions on which ones would be best suited, how many, and in what combination? (Basically, if it were your tank and you were buying them, what you would get.)

The tank is mostly LPS and soft corals at this point. But, I would like it to support some SPS as well. Right now, I just want a good amount of flow to keep detritus suspended and eliminate any dead spots in the tank.

In your situation two 6095 would most likely be sufficient. If you eventually add a lot of SPS, you may look to adding a third 6095 or else a 6105. However if you want to avoid having three powerheads, and don't mind the extra expense, then you could go with two 6105 from the beginning and use them with the Wide Flow housings and probably also throttled down. (All of our controllable pumps can be throttled down without needing any controller, both by using the jumpers on the power supply or else the small dial built into the power cord.)

So it seems like the 6105 is the pump of choice and recommendation by most for my size tank. I will keep an eye out for some good deals, used or new. I'm not in a rush to switch out/upgrade so I've got time. I think you meant 6095 not 7095 as another option correct? I don't think I'm in need of two controllers.

Correct, I think he meant 6095.

 

[KJoFan]

If I add the VDM module to my Apex Jr will that control the Tunzes?

 

[kuyatwo]

If I add the VDM module to my Apex Jr will that control the Tunzes?

yes it will... I would also look at getting a 6096 tunze controller i use to run my tunzes through my apex but decided to do go with the controller i find it much easier to program, clears up room for me to add my diy leds, plus i do not like everything being controlled through the apex as if it goes out you are stuck.

 

[kuyatwo]

i ran two setups on my 150 gallon tank 48"x30"x24" first was 2 x 6105's and a nano wave box on my apex. now i run 3 x 6105's and a nano wave box with a 6096 tunze controller. I am very happy with the results

 

[j.p. harrington]

go with the tunzes for sure. id do 2 wide flows and a wave box that will be absolutely killer flow in the tank unless is slam full of rock and then you might wanna add another wideflow these things are beasts btw

 

[Craig Borowski Verified Sponsor]

i ran two setups on my 150 gallon tank 48"x30"x24" first was 2 x 6105's and a nano wave box on my apex. now i run 3 x 6105's and a nano wave box with a 6096 tunze controller. I am very happy with the results

That's a great set up! One small correction, the controller is model 7096.

By the way, I know our numbering system can be a bit mysterious to people. If anyone's interested in learning how to decipher the Da Vinci Code of Tunze numbers, there's a little post about it right here. :spy:

 

[KJoFan]

Maybe I could start out with two 6095's with plans to add a wavebox or something down the road....

I'm debating on whether I really need the 6105's or if the 6095's will be enough, especially if I plan to add the wavebox at some point.

I have fairly minimal rockwork. As seen below:

 

[j.p. harrington]

6095's would be plenty with that amount of rock in there trust me the flow on the wideflows is crazy!!!!

 

[KJoFan]

Thanks JP. I also don't want to irritate the elegance too much, it's not a fan of crazy flows.

 

[Craig Borowski Verified Sponsor]

I'm with J.P on this one, two 6095s will be plenty.

Great tank, btw! Please keep us updated as it progresses. :bigsmile: