generating flow for a 60gal mixed reef

[capschamp]

Hey all,

been searching through the threads looking for flow creation, have a 60 gallon cube (24"). I really want to avoid cables inside the display, so search has mainly been around the gyre type pumps and the vortechs. Reading too many mixed reviews with the cleaning/noise around the gyres-but the price range of the icecap 3k is very appealing. I had mp40 on a previous reef and (it's been a while) believe i switched to two mp10s (was a 72 bowfront). Really liked those, but the cost is quite a bit if i can get the same or better flow from a gyre. Thinking about buying slightly oversize, and running at lower power. Planning on mix of lps and sps. Currently acquiring eqpt, seeking any input. Thanks in advance!

:beer:

 

[West1]

Cant go wrong with either of the 3 brands. Ecotech for reliability.
I have 2 PM10's on a 45gl (32" long) and have them on 50%. More than enough in my tank

 

[reeftivo]

i have a gyre xf230 off the back wall on random mode (60 cube) with 2 MP 10's off the side walls. i hate the look of the mp10's cables mounted to the outside of the glass and have a couple waveline pucks sitting around for the last few months that i will try in place of the vortechs. Still hesitating to install the pucks because they will be difficult to clean compared to the vortechs. I bought the pucks because i wanted to be able to direct the flow more, but I'm still procrastinating on installing them since the MP10's are still working well.

 

[capschamp]

Does the gyre not generate enough flow? Or do you eliminate all dead zones by having the mp10's in addition?

i have a gyre xf230 off the back wall on random mode (60 cube) with 2 MP 10's off the side walls. i hate the look of the mp10's cables mounted to the outside of the glass and have a couple waveline pucks sitting around for the last few months that i will try in place of the vortechs. Still hesitating to install the pucks because they will be difficult to clean compared to the vortechs. I bought the pucks because i wanted to be able to direct the flow more, but I'm still procrastinating on installing them since the MP10's are still working well.

 

[capschamp]

Do you have them lined up across from each other or offset in some manner? Trying not to be too cheap, but also want to get the most bang for the buck.

Cant go wrong with either of the 3 brands. Ecotech for reliability.
I have 2 PM10's on a 45gl (32" long) and have them on 50%. More than enough in my tank

 

[reeftivo]

Do you have them lined up across from each other or offset in some manner? Trying not to be too cheap, but also want to get the most bang for the buck.

the MP's are for crossflow and are staggered. One is centered on one side and the other side closer to the water surface and slightly more toward the front of the tank. Works very well with almost no dead spots, except where i have a cubby zone in the very back where not much flow can get to. this zone is cleaned up however by my huge emerald crab and serpent star which reside in that zone.

 

[West1]

Do you have them lined up across from each other or offset in some manner? Trying not to be too cheap, but also want to get the most bang for the buck.

I have them on opposite sides of the glass about 3/4 of the way up.
The MP10 on the left is on the side pane towards the front of the glass. The 2nd MP10 is on the right side pane towards the back of the glass that is aimed to hit 1/2 of my overflow to force the waves in weird directions.

Both MP10's are on anti sync mode at 50% reefcrest.

I have a center overflow with dual return locklines facing the water surface.

 

[capschamp]

This is great info, thank you both!

 

[cody6766]

2x MP10s or MP40s is what I'd recommend. I have 2x 40s on my 60 cube. I run them at about 1/3 - 1/2 power in anti-sync mode. I think they're in lagoon, but could be reef crest. I've used both in the past and forgot what setting I used recently.

I'd probably buy MP10s if I had to start from the beginning (cost and size). I'm only running MP40s because I had them from my old 120g set up. Also, buy used if you want to save some cash. Mine were bought in the Classifieds and are still running several years later.