72 Bow Vortech vs CL

[skunkiechris]

I'm in the process of setting up a 72 bowfront reef, and was planning on having it drilled for a CL system. After much reading, it seems I may abandon that idea and go the Vortech route instead.

From other posts, I've seen the opinion that 1 MP40 will be enough for a 75 gal tank. Is this definitely the case? Also, given the bow shape and that the sides are obviously significantly narrower than the middle, does the recommended placement change at all?

Thanks in advance!

 

[EcoTech Marine]

Can I say that this is definitely the case? No, as it will depend on your rock work, coral selection and placement. However, it is a really good start for a 75gallon and can probably handle it on its own unless you have a lot of rock work.

Regarding the bow setup, I wouldn't change the placement, just place it on the left or right side of the tank and you should be fine.

 

[skunkiechris]

Okay, I might have worded the question a little strongly, lol. Of course you can't make universal guarantees.

I'll probably have 100 - 120lbs of LR, lots of swimming space -- by no means an overly rock heavy tank. I was really trying to make sure that a single MP40 would be able to create sufficient water movement, even at the other end of the tank -- four feet away.

I'm thinking two 40's would be overkill, plus I don't really want anything mounted at the opposite end of the tank. Would you recommend considering a regular PH on the back wall somewhere to aid in movement?

Thanks!!

 

[EcoTech Marine]

I don't think that two MP40w's would be overkill, because you can turn them on, and you'd definitely have a lot of fun playing with all the modes on the two pumps (because then you can take advantage of the wireless syncing), but I don't think it would be necessary either.

I would start with one and make a decision from there.

 

[skunkiechris]

I'm assuming this wouldn't be recommended, but any chance it's workable to place one on an end panel, but the other on the back surface near the opposite end?

Thanks for your help!

 

[gonefishy]

i just got a mp40w for my 72g bow and there is plenty of flow. remember you will have flow from our return pump too. i'm using a mag7 with the sump in the stand. if your has the built in overflow like mine does it may seem like a dead spot on the short side of the back wall if you place the vortech on the end with the longer back wall. i've got my return aimed toward the short side.

 

[skunkiechris]

Thanks for the input! I don't have the built in overflow, I drilled, so I'll have two 3/4" returns (at each corner) driven by an Ocean Runner 3500. Between that and the Vortech, I think I'll be good!

I'm assuming you like the Vortech? Is it able to move water sufficiently all the way across the tank to the other end?

Thanks!

 

[gonefishy]

yes it definitly gives out a lot of flow to reach the other side and to actually see the undertow from it is pretty impressive. i have to keep it dialed down now until the corals that are closest can get used to the increased flow. then i'll gradually increase the speed. i only had 2 k2s on there and a closed loop on a sqwd ran by a mag 9.5 and the 1 vortech puts out way more than all those combined.

one of the things i liked the most is that it is not bulky in the tank. being that a 72 is not that big space is a comodity and you don't want what little space their is taken up by big powerheads/ pumps which would also block your view of the corals behind it.