Recommended Pump for a Column tank

[check45]

I currently am running a 37 g column tank. 20l x 18w x 22h. My rock work is a narrow structure going up near the middle of the tank. What is the recommended mp-es pump for a tank that size and where would the ideal placement for the pump or pumps be.

There is a local reefer who has 2 used mp40es pumps that I am interested in buying but I and the current owner are inclined to believe that an mp40 may be too much for a 37g column.

I will be upgrading to at least a 125g 4x2x2 or 150g 4x3x2 tank in the future and would like to be able to use the pump I buy for this tank in the new tank.

I am also curious what type of support there is for used products.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Alex Y EcoTech]

Chris,

For an aquarium that size, I would recommend a single MP10wES to start. That said, you would not be able to use an MP10 on your future aquarium as a result of the aquariums wall thickness. For more information on how many and which type of VorTech is best for your aquarium, please see the following link: http://ecotechmarine.com/calculator/

 

[check45]

Thanks for the quick reply! The calculator showed that an mp40 could be throttled down enough for my tank, but tank volume is only a small part of the equation. If I were to reduce the flow would I lose its wave making capability. Has there been any testing with the pumps on a column or cube tank? I have done a lot of research and have not found much information probably due to the unusual dimensions of my tank. Through my own testing it has been very difficult for me to get flow where I need it without 3+ power heads.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[EcoTech Service]

Regardless of the pump being used, it's going to be a bit harder to achieve a large wave due to the tank dimensions. However, I know someone who has a tank similar to yours with two (2) MP10wES pumps and he has great results.

On an unrelated note, nice aquascape! :thumbsup:

 

[check45]

Regardless of the pump being used, it's going to be a bit harder to achieve a large wave due to the tank dimensions. However, I know someone who has a tank similar to yours with two (2) MP10wES pumps and he has great results.

On an unrelated note, nice aquascape! :thumbsup:

Thanks!

Can you help with pump placement? Is it an issue that where ever I would put the pump either the 10 or 40 it is going to be a short shot to the glass. It has been difficult to get the flow right in my tank and I'm obviously still not happy, but do you think the mp pumps will be the right choice at all? With my current setup the powerheads are pointed from corner to opposite corner but the mp pumps cannot be directed.

Could I get one of the mp40wes's and 'downgrade' it to a 20? Going off the calculator one mp10 is too little and the 40 or two 10s is too much.

The stock is sps in the upper half and mixed below. I upgraded to an xr30w about 6 weeks ago and it is awesome.

 

[Alex Y EcoTech]

Check,

I have a similar cube style aquarium with mixed reef containing a lot of SPS. Personally, I have two MP10wES pumps on the back of the aquarium. This allows me create a very dynamic flow pattern including some awesome gyre waves.

 

[check45]

I purchased 2 mp10wes's. Is 2 overkill for a 37 column. I still don't know what the best placement would be. I really want them on the back glass. Would that work okay? If so do they need to be at the same elevation or can I stagger them a bit? Have one about a quarter down and the other about half. I would need to do this to prevent directly blowing onto the rockwork.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Alex Y EcoTech]

Chris,

Putting the pumps on the back of the aquarium would be fine. Additionally, I would recommend having them at different heights since the aquarium is so tall and narrow. With that in mind, it will take some experimenting with mode, speed and placement until you find what works best for your aquarium.