180 gallon pump selection

[Fish Bowl]

I'm looking for some pump recommendations for my upcoming 180 reef.
I'm currently looking between using 4x Mp40QDs (2 per side) vs 2x Mp60QD's (1 per side) on it or even 2x Mp40QDs (2 on one side) + 1x Mp60QD (opposite side)
Now I've used both the WES models of the Mp40s and Mp60s before on my much larger 300 gallon system and I have to say that I really like the Mp60s a lot more (Flow seemed wider and definitely pushed further). The only issue with deciding now is because of the newly improved Mp40 has increased flow in comparison to before and I was wondering if the other two options I mentioned may be a better choice as opposed to just 2 60s. The tank dimensions are 72x24x25 if that also helps.
Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[Alex Y EcoTech]

Fish Bowl,

I would recommend taking a look at our VorTech flow calculator found here: http://ecotechmarine.com/calculator/

 

[Fish Bowl]

I did give that a try prior to posting this question and apparently it recommends 2 Mp40s (based on the older 3200gph rating) or 1 Mp60 (If I'm reading it correctly) but would that adequately cover all the dead spots in a 180 bare bottomed with an intended open aquascape?

 

[bobbyc366]

I have two mp40's in my 180 and no dead spots, plenty of flow.

 

[mattgumaer]

I had 2 MP40s on a 180 and decided I wanted more flow and was faced with essentially the same question. I wanted more flow because I felt like I wasn't getting a lot of flow in the middle of the tank (that the MP40s weren't pushing far enough).

Ultimately, decided to add an MP60 (just got it yesterday and installed it last night). I got a reasonably good deal on it because people were/are clearing them out for the new Quiet Drive pumps. While I can't compare it to a QD MP40, my first impression is that it moves a ton of water in a very diffuse way. It is hard for me to imagine that the new QD MP40s will move the same amount of water without blasting things directly in the path of the flow.

So, 12 hours in, I'm happy with the choice but, what does 12 hours tell you......

Matt

 

[Fish Bowl]

Well I do know that if we're going by just the older model vortechs, I would for sure go with 2 Mp60s from previous experience but this time, I'm not as sure since the Mp40QD is supposed to be stronger = is it more worth it to get 4 of them for what I would assume to be vastly superior control?

 

[mattgumaer]

It seems like the MP40s get more flow due to a move to the MP10/MP60 design in terms of dry and wet side. All three QDs get 'better control' or at least quieter pumps because the controller essentially gives the spinning portion smaller, more frequent pushes. As I understand it, the only difference between the 'old' MP10s and MP60s and the new QDs is the controller (an 'old' style MP60 when upgraded with a new controller is exactly the same as a new QD MP60 I think).

I got my 'old' style MP60 for 472. If i decide to upgrade to QD, I'll be in for 572 so I felt pretty good about the price relative to a new MP40QD (or two new MP40QDs). For me, personally, I also had the advantage of being able to hook up the MP60 right away to the WXM module for my Apex. I'm sure Apex compatibility with the QDs will come but, the way I went, when it comes, if I feel the need to upgrade to QD, I can spend the extra hundred bucks and still be ahead of the game.

I would be curious to know if the new 'gyre' mode is anything different than a pulse mode on individual pump or whether the 'gyre' mode coordinates multiple pumps different than say one pump in pulse mode and another, on the opposite end, in anti-sync.

Whatever, you get, I'm sure it will be more than enough flow and fun to experiment with.

Matt

 

[Fish Bowl]

Apex compatibility is hardly an issue for me, but after watching this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBi6GT_0XQ
I think I might be going with 1 Mp60Qd on one side and then 2 mp40qd on the opposite. Now the next question is when the Mp60QD is coming out or whether it will be in-stock when the next shipment of MP40s come out which apparently is in April?

 

[reelredfish]

I have a 5' 180 Gallon custom built tank. I have one MP40 on one side and one MP60 across from it.

This is my first bare bottom tank and I had these both mounted above the half way point of the tank as normal. However I collected a ton of crap on the bottom and it created problems. Last week I moved both of them down to the exact center point. While it does seem to be working better only a week has passed so still nto sure if I even have enough flow....again bare bottom so looking for more than normal flow not worried about sand storms.

Guess I can always move them down further if need be but not real sure how that would work out.