Vortech options for a 93 Cube?

[carlso63]

I have an acrylic 93 g cube tank (30 X 30 X 24H) that currently runs 1 Tunze 6101 on a controller (30% - 90% pulse cycle) and 2 Aqueon 750 gph powerheads.

Looking to upgrade to Vortech; here are my 3 options I am considering:

- (2) mp10's opposite each other on each side panel. I think 2 of these would be sufficient flow (tank is a mixed LPS/SPS system with a 2" sandbed). I think 2 mp10s would give me more flow options than a single larger unit; only problem I can think of is the acrylic measures 7/16" thick and that is 1/16" thicker than the recommended maximun thickness of 3/8" from Vortech. So I am not sure if the mp10 is even an option due to the thickness issue. Anybody every ran these on acrylic or glass slightly thicker than the recommended max?

- a single mp40. Again, I think this is enough flow for the 93, and certainly the acrylic thickness would no longer be an issue; only downside is less flow options (IMO) than with 2 of the mp10's

- 2 mp40s. Downside here is (I think) this would be overkill, and of course now cost come into play... having a little difficulty justifying almost a grand on powerheads...

Open to opinions, so let's here 'em...

 

[carlso63]

Nobody has an opinion?

Bump

 

[rtparty]

Bob,

I really think that 2 MP40s is the best way to go. The 2 MP10s might work but it is a tough call.

I would be willing to come down one day and bring my MP10 with me. I work at JCWs so I am down there everyday. I just have to find time between work and school.

That way you could see if the pump will hold and how well it moves the water.

 

[carlso63]

Ryan -

That would be awesome!

 

[scarface70706]

one mp40wes would be perfect for your tank size. i run one on my 90g tank and its doing fine. i want a second one but its really not needed. dont get the mp10 since you will need to crank them up which will be a lot louder then one mp40. also i dont think the mp10 will work that well on the thickness of your tank. and going the mp10 route you are really shorting yourself on giving yourself room to grow. get the mp40 and just use that one pump to move your water. you wont be disappointed.

 

[tkeracer619]

Personally I would get two mp40wes pumps. You can always start with one and you already have a few powerheads to fill in if you need it. Then later on add the second vortech.

It can be hard to justify the cost but IMHO you won't care once you see how the tank responds.

 

[footboard]

Why not Tunze? I have a 45 cube and the only reason I went Vortech was because of limited real estate inside the tank. If it was at all larger I would have gone Tunze. Of course I prefer a tank that is as quiet as possible and on a nice Sunday morning while trying to catch up on reading all I hear is those Vortech's, drives me nuts. On your initial question, I would go with the the 40, keep the Tunze in the tank, make sure you like the Vortech and if so, save for a second one down the road. I like having alternating patterns of flow to keep things stirred up.

 

[rtparty]

Ryan -

That would be awesome!

Bob,

You can PM me here or over on WMAS but what is your schedule like this week? I might have some time to make a quick stop and let you play with the MP10.