Overhauling Flow -- Adding MP20?

[aaron1987]

I'm considering redoing the flow in my 46g column (20x18x30") tank. Currently I'm running two Koralia 3's and a Koralia 1 which are primarily directed into the SPS zone of my aquarium (top half). It creates, heavy, turbulent, random flow, but inhibits a bit of my usable rock work because the edges of certain portions have heavy laminar flow since I'm operating in such a small footprint. I could fix these spots but it would direct a ton of flow down into my LPS zone which is far from ideal.

I'm considering removing the Koralias (possibly keeping the K1 near the bottom to provide a bit of flow to the LPS zone) and adding an MP20. Will I be able to configure the MP20 in such a way that my SPS will get sufficient flow without blowing my LPS and softies away? I'm also a bit concerned about the stress to the seams of the aquarium due to the pulsing of an MP20 -- lots of water volume to be moved around a small footprint. Is this something I should be worried about?

 

[tkeracer619]

Votechs are programmable so you can adjust not only the amount of water flow but how it puts that flow out. I prefer reef crest over pulse as it ramps the pump from minimum up to the my set point randomly. Go for it, I think you will be pleased with the way the pump works. Your lps wont mind the flow, if anything they will love the way the vortech will supply them with more flow via a gentle undertow rather then a blast directly from the prop.

 

[sjm817]

You may want to wait for the new MP10.

 

[aaron1987]

To my understanding the MP10 is fairly similar to the MP20 (max flow is only a few hundred GPH less), is there a reason other than price for waiting on the MP10?

 

[sjm817]

Its a smaller unit and you may like the look better in the tank.

Flow: 500 to 1575 gph
Wattage: 8 to 18 watts
Maximum Tank Thickness: 3/8"
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 2.5 to 50 gal
Dimensions: Wet Side- 2.5" diameter by 1.5" long, Dry Side - 2.5" diameter by 2" long
Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2.25"