MP-40 Placement

[ozzysince87]

Good evening,
I just purchased 2- MP-40 power heads. I am currently running 1 gyre from the right side of the tank. I have a 125 gallon 72'' long. The gyre is a great pump, but is lacking when it comes to full coverage on the far end of the tank now that coral colonies are getting bigger. Ideally I want to run the two MP-40's by one on each end and utilize the Nutrient export and the Reef crest modes.

My delima...I built an entire room around this tank and the tank sits in the corner built into the wall. It is view able from the front and left side. I have access to the back thru the sump room and the right side is open in the sump room. I am able to replace the Gyre on the right side of the tank with an MP-40 but when it comes to the left side is where my problem lies. Do I mount it on the left side and run the cord thru the wall into the sump room, or would I mount it on the back wall of the tank? I am under the assumption that I would not be able to get the full effect of the modes I am interested in, if I put one on the back/left side of the tank right?

What would be your recommendation for placement to maximize effectiveness of these 2 power heads? I do not mind cutting a hole and running the power cord thru the wall to be able to place it on the left side, but I have built this tank for show and that means the public would be able to physically touch the outer magnet of that pump also.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
William

 

[JUNBUG361]

That’s a nice build. If it was my tank, I would put both pumps on the right side(looking at the tank). Keep the magnets/cords hidden.

 

[HBtank]

The only mode you really miss is a standing wave in NTT or short pulse mode; based on your post I think you would value a clean look more and go with none on the left side.

Just adding one on the back left to increase flow there with the gyre would have been good, but you have two MP40 already, so I would pick up another and use 3, two right and one back left to keep that end moving in a more passive mode; there is still all sorts of modes you have access to and flexibility with 3 Vortechs and you will have options as you get even more growth.

 

[ozzysince87]

Thank you for the feed back and complaints on the tank. I narrowed it down to 2 choices.
1. Put both on the right side like JUNBUG361 suggested. Run one in constant and the other in what ever mode I choose. The one in constant will be closest to the front where there is no obstructions over the whole length. The other will be blowing straight down the length of the rock and coral.
2. Both on the right side just like option 1 but keep the gyre in operation like HBtank suggested and utilize it, but on the right side / back positioned vertical and at a lower power to keep more flow but not sand blowing power. Just supplemental.

Again thanks for the suggestions, it really helped come up with a plan. Never thought 2 on one side could work or be efficient. Ill play around with it over time and see how the coral like it.