Vortech Advice?

tmc1313

tmc1313

Active member
Hi guys, I'm getting my SPS frag grow out tank together (60" x 18" x 14"). I want to run two vortechs on both ends and my return from the sump will be in the center. My question is I know two MP40's is overkill on this tank and I really want to go with two MP10's. My problem is that this tank has 1/2" glass. MP10 specs say 3/8" max., but I've read posts where mp10's have worked on 1/2" while others say no way. What do you think? Am I stuck buying two MP40's just to have to dial them way down on a shallow tank that's barely 60 gallons? Here's a pic of the tank:

fragtank.jpg

By tmc13 at 2012-02-20
 
I don't think that 2 MP40's would be overkill in a 60" tank. I run 2 MP40s in my 90G SPS tank on reef crest mode at full blast and despite the sand moving around a little at first, it's worked out great for me.
 
might be better off with the mp40s. i just got 2 mp10s for my 75 thats 48" long and its good for what i have but with the extra foot you WILL have a dead spot in the center. it stays pretty calmn in the center of my 75 thats why i kept my k425s :) hope this helps a little.
 
I have to agree with all of the above...... go with the MP-40's. I have two of them in my 92 gallon corner tank and I think it's perfect. Better to have to power them down and have the option of more flow than to constantly keep the MP-10's at full power and wishing you had more. Besides, you'll probably have a bigger tank someday and wish you had the bigger powerheads. :)
Sue
 
I would call EcoTech in regards to the thickness question. They can probably answer as to whether the magnets will couple through 1/2" glass.

Is this getting plumbed into another tank or a sump? If so, what are you using to move water between the tanks? It may be more effective to use something like an oceans motions 2 or 4 way valve to move water with a good return pump.

I found that 1 MP40 was overkill on my old 55 gallon tank. I had it turned on to about 1/4-1/3 of the velocity to keep it from blowing the sand around the tank. This was being used with a mag 7 return pump.
 
FroMan said:
I would call EcoTech in regards to the thickness question. They can probably answer as to whether the magnets will couple through 1/2" glass.

They say that some people have done it, but 3/8" is what they recommend

Is this getting plumbed into another tank or a sump? If so, what are you using to move water between the tanks? It may be more effective to use something like an oceans motions 2 or 4 way valve to move water with a good return pump.

It will not be plumbed inline with my DT at all. Water changes from DT (20 gallons, once a week) are pumped over to frag tank.

I found that 1 MP40 was overkill on my old 55 gallon tank. I had it turned on to about 1/4-1/3 of the velocity to keep it from blowing the sand around the tank. This was being used with a mag 7 return pump.
Click to expand...

I also thought that the MP40's would be overkill, being that the tank is so shallow. I will not be using sand at all (just starboard) on the bottom, so blowing sand is not a concern. I might just have to bite the bullet and get the mp40's. If I ever upgrade, at least I'll have them.
 
Thanks everyone for your opinions. I'm going to go ahead and order the MP40's. Even if I have to run them dialed down, I don't think I'll be dissapointed.
 
I would get the mp40 if there is no sand and it's a grow out sps tank however I believe the mp10 would work using the supplied spacer if glass is 1/2" thick
 
you would be surprised what 2 mp10's on the back glass with proper placement would do... one on each end would work ok too, but much less strength of flow...

2 mp40's would rock it regardless... jus depends on how much you wana spend... but again, i think 2 mp10's would work better than thought with proper placement...

GL with whatever you decide!!
 
FroMan said:
What company made this tank or was it a custom build? It is actually a great size for a coral grow out tank.
Click to expand...

It's an Oceanic tank. I agree, I think it's a great size for a grow out tank. I think it was one of the old frag tanks from the now former Realm of Pets, before they got those acrylic flats.
 
Well, I went ahead and bought two used MP40's from a member on the forum here. They are practically new condition. I don't think I will be disappointed that I went with the 40's at all.
 
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