Two or three vortechs on a 150?

[lcashman]

I am currently running a vortech and two 6100s on my 150 gal (48X24X30).
I am contemplating getting rid of the tunzes and buying another vortech(s).

Is anyone running two vortechs on a 48 inch tank?
If you are, where are the pumps placed?

Or should I look at putting three in the tank?
If you think I should run three, where should the pumps be placed?

BTW.....I really enjoy the my vortech and this is why I am considering on removing the tunzes.

Thanks!

 

[jgillard]

I have a 150g 60x24x24. I am running two vortechs one on each side. I do not think you would need 3. 2 seems plenty for this size tank. If you had 3 you could probably run them all at slightly reduced max speed.

 

[lactose]

I have 2 150's in the same dimensions as you lcashman and I am running only one on both and have great SPS growth etc. The one is located on one end.

I am adding a second one to the tank that is rather SPS dominated but also has quite a bit of softies, LPS, etc. towards the bottom. I was planning on putting the second pump on the other end or the back of the other side (meaning if pump #1 is on the left side pane then pump #2 would be on the back pane on the right side) and this is due more to not wanting/being able to have a pump on that side due to my layout.

The main reason I wanted to add a second pump is so I can get a more flow in there without having to crank the one vortech to full speed (it is at about 2/3 now) as I can see that with the SPS growing there is more 'blocking' of flow and I need to compensate. The reason I don't want one on full speed is that could be too much flow in one 'direction' for some of the softies/LPS and with 2 in different spots I can increase flow without it all coming from one place.

Hope that helps.

BTW, if you need it (while I know I am about 3 hours from you) I have my drivers upgraded to Gen2 and could flash yours if you wanted to drop by instead of sending it in. Of course if you are buying a new one then that won't be an issue.

 

[lcashman]

Thanks for the responses!!!

The vortech is placed on the left side of the tank currently.
I'm curious if it would be better to have the second pump on the same side or place it on the other side.
Also, considered placing the pump on the back wall of the tank, but don't think that would be the most effective.

Keep the posts coming!!

 

[cbrguy]

I have three on my 120. I have two on one side and one on the other. I have them in slave/master mode using the slow pulse mode. when the waves meet in the middle it creates a nice turbulent flow in the middle of the tank.

 

[HellboundX]

I currently have 2 on my 120, I am thinking of adding a third. There is nice flow with 2 of them, but I am getting some brown algae build up on my sand bed where its not getting enough flow. I have tried different programs and different pump placements but cant resolve the problem. So I think I would be better off with 3 or 4

 

[lcashman]

Where does everyone have the vortechs placed?
Anyone have it placed on the back wall facing the front of the tank?
I know that it would work, but how efficient would that be?

So many questions.....and thanks for the replies!!!

 

[HellboundX]

mine are currently on the sides set at 11" from the bottom and 13" from the front. I am hoping this will help with the brown algae that has been started growing on the sand bed. If this arrangement doesn't work I will try them on the back.

 

[Groovok]

The sides of the tank are Definitely the best location for the pumps, not the back wall of aquarium..