Everyone's tank is different, need EcoTech's help!

[stevereef]

Need EcoTech's help... Okay, I've finally decided to purchase the EcoTech Vortech system. I just need help with which model to invest in based on my current rock work. And seeing that the EcoTech's president is responding to inquiries, I would love to hear your best practices from your experience.

I have a 120g mix, I used the old fashion stadium aquascaping and have what people would call dense rockwork. So based on this configuration, would you recommend 1xMP40, or 2xMP40 or 1xMP60? I'm using a Mag18 for my return and I currently use the Hydor's wavemaker system with 2xK4s. I will eventually take the Hydor system out when I purchase the EcoTech system.

For your reference, please see the photo and threads from RC users in the link provided below.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2011359



I look forward to your response. Thank you in advance.

Steve

 

[EcoTech Marine]

I would definitely go with two MP40's, one on the right and one on the left. Move them toward the front so that they are blowing in front of the rock. If the rock is not touching the back wall, I would place them closer to the back.

With this configuration you can create a gyre flow (using long pulse mode) and get great circulation with minimal energy consumption.

 

[stevereef]

Unfortunately, my rocks to lean on the back wall. Not all but for the most part they do. So based on this, just place the MP40s on each end torwards the front?

Would putting them on the back wall be an option?

 

[EcoTech Marine]

I would not place the pumps on the back wall. You are correct that given your constraints the best placement would be on both sides and toward the front.

 

[stevereef]

Tim - last question, I hope...

Based on this setup, the MP40s still push, pull and create enough water flow in between and behind the rockwork?

And eventually when I have large SPS growth, will the water flow be unchanged?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[EcoTech Marine]

That's a tough question to answer. The reality is that with a "rock wall" type of setup, nothing can really circulate water through the rock work. A VorTech will definitely do a better job than a lot of other options, but at the end of the day open rock work is always superior from a flow perspective.

 

[stevereef]

Thanks, I'm pickup up my MP40 this week. I'll buy one first and add a second one later. I guess, ultimately I should start thinking about re-aquascaping with less rock.

 

[EcoTech Marine]

Nothing wrong with buying one to start and going from there. Moving forward on new tanks that you setup, going with a more open rock structure would be a lot better. Or if you go with a rock wall, pull it away from the back of the aquarium by about 4" and you'll achieve MUCH better flow.

 

[stevereef]

Awesome, thanks for lending all your help, expertise, and experience. I look forward to using your product. If you don't mind, I will reach out to you again should I need help with any adjustments or setup questions.

 

[EcoTech Marine]

It's no problem and we'd love to help you again should you need advice on a future tank.

 

[stevereef]

okay, finally picked up the MP40w ES. I plan to place the in the front about 5-6" from the water line. Based on my stadium rockwork, which mode should I select? I'll get a second one in a few months but in the mean time which mode should I go with? Thanks!

 

[stevereef]

I'm removing the Hydor wavemaker with the 2xK4's.

 

[EcoTech Marine]

Steve-

There's no best mode, I'd use whichever mode produces the best results for you. A lot of people start with reefcrest.

 

[stevereef]

Okay, I've removed the Hydor system from my tank and installed the MP40 over the weekend. A few follow up questions, I was hoping you could field...

1) Is this the correction position for my setup?
- current about an inch or two from the front glass and about 7" down from the water line (to the center of the pump).

2) I'm planning on removing all the sand and re-aquascaping and purchasing another pump. Would the above setup still the preferred method? Of course I would add the other pump opposite of the current pump.

3) Last question - in a 120g with a center overflow column, what would be the best way to aquascape in a bare bottom setup?

Thanks!

 

[EcoTech Marine]

1) I'd move it further away from the front glass so that it can breath better.
2) Yes.
3) Ideally two separate islands centered from front to back of the tank.

 

[stevereef]

rebuild / reaquascaped /

rebuild / reaquascaped /

Greetings,

Today, I will be receivng my 2nd MP40. I have a few questions.

1) Is the placement of my first MP40 in the correct spot. What's the ideal spot, closer to the front glass or closer to the center overflow box? I'm planning to make this a SPS dominated tank.

2) For the second MP40, is it best to place it directly adjacent to the first MP40?

3) What mode do you recommend?

4) Sync or not to sync?

 

[stevereef]

Here are the photos

 

[gig]

I'd move it down a bit, my mp40's are a little over a 1/3 of the way down, nearly halfway...if you drew a line that separated the side glass in half, the bottom of the mp40 would nearly be touching that line. Since I have a "rock" mound that is towards the back of the tank, it is closer to the front glass, I'd say 2/3rds of the way toward the front.

I'd put the other one directly opposite of the other, but you can off set it a bit, depends on the rockwork.

oh, and you definately want antisync

try reefcrest to start...

 

[stevereef]

Got it, 1/3 down bottom at 1/2 line. I have my one MP40 on full blast, will this kick up the substrate? I have about 1/2" to 3/4" of the Special Reef Grade.

Horizonal 2/3 front, is that so that the flow reaches the behind the rocks on the other side?

Off-center depending on rock? So if there is less rock on the other side, more back side room behind the rocks, it should be closer to center than 2/3 frontside?

What's is the rational behind the antisync?

Do you have any pics of your tank you care to share. thanks!

 

[stevereef]

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