MP60 and 2 MP40s on 180

[mattgumaer]

I just ordered an 'old' MP60 on sale to make way for the new quiet drives. I have 2 existing MP40s on a standard Marineland 180 with corner overflows (72 inches by 24 inches by 25 inches I think).

Any thoughts on pump placement? I plan to use the MP60 at one end. Should both MP40s be on the other end? Should I Put one on the back?

I'd like to try a gyre type flow. Taking into account the corner overflows, are there particular places I should be putting the pumps?

Thanks for any thoughts. I'm excited to see what an MP60 will do in the tank. Tank is a mixed reef with mostly SPS.

Matt

 

[Midnightt]

I think your going to see that the MP60 is a flow monster. Chances are pretty good it is going to create a vortech from the surface and pull the sand from the bottom with even the lowest settings. I have a tank the same size as you and I have one MP40 on each end and an MP10 on the back glass. I do have to run them a little higher 85% but, it gets the job done.

Yes technically the MP10 should not be on the back but, it is and as long as I don't accidentally hit it while cleaning it does a pretty good job of hanging on.

 

[mattgumaer]

I have mild concern about too much flow but it's hard to believe I won't be able to manage this by turning the pump down. Two MP40s at 95/100 percent certainly doesn't seem like too much (and not enough in the middle of the tank). I'm also hoping that the MP60, with its wider flow pattern, will allow some more overall flow without blasting any particular corals, not that there really anything directly in the path of the pumps now.

Matt

 

[Midnightt]

Totally agree that the 2 MP40s aren't enough. I'm actually considering selling my little mp10 and stepping it up to an additional MP40 on the back.

Good luck and let me know how they do.

 

[mattgumaer]

Well, the MP60 is up and running. I had a couple small hiccups getting my Apex WXM to control it (not sure why) but everything seems fine now. In terms of flow, all I can say is wow, it is definitely a broad, strong flow. I'm still playing with it but right now, my max intensity is 50%. I have some pulse, some lagoon and some reefcrest. Just trying out a bunch of different things. Also, I haven't decided what to do with the second MP40 yet (whether to use two MP40s on the opposite end of the tank from the MP60 or whether to put it on the back wall).

Matt