Vortech placement

[mattyg]

I was at LFS admiring the vortech mp40w, while discussing tank placement they suggested placing two pumps on one side of tank as opposed to one on either end. What do you all suggest? I have a 90 gallon AGA mixed reef viewable from 3 sides, and putting both on one side would be ideal for me.

 

[niko5]

I have a 120 gal and have one on each side, iv offen wondered if it would be better to put both on one side but just never tried it... maybe ill try it this weekend unless someone else on here has tried it then please post

I use mine to make a wave and get good movement through the tank however have a dead spot in the middle... but i think its mainly becuase of some clams I have on the sandbed.

 

[mattyg]

One of the employees at LFS said he liked flow in his 120 gallon AGA with both on same side, one up high and one down lower. He did not mention if they were synched or working independently. He also said I could just use 1 on my 90 gal, but not sure that would be enough flow. I currently have 3900gph(2 hydor 4's and a seio 1500) + return 500gph(eheim 1260).

 

[Gtstricky]

bump for a good question

 

[EcoTech Marine]

Two pumps on one side of the tank in sync mode tend to have an easier time making a standing wave than one pump on each side of the tank in anti-sync mode.

-Tim

 

[mouscacha]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12740240#post12740240 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mattyg
One of the employees at LFS said he liked flow in his 120 gallon AGA with both on same side, one up high and one down lower. He did not mention if they were synched or working independently. He also said I could just use 1 on my 90 gal, but not sure that would be enough flow. I currently have 3900gph(2 hydor 4's and a seio 1500) + return 500gph(eheim 1260).

Have you tried it with two pumps on one side? I have a DSB going on mine, so not sure if this'll be a good idea.

 

[mattyg]

Not yet, I am waiting for 2nd generation to be in stock. Looking forward to trying, but wife is unsure how it will look having powerhead on both sided of tank. Tank is 3 sides viewable, one side is towards hallway and not a problem, but other side is right next to kitchen table and we walk passed it all the time. Also young kids like to touch everything, and won't stop wanting to touch the magnet glass cleaner on side of tank. Still planning, but really love the flow these pumps produce and don't want the heat in tank(over 110 degrees here in phoenix with no chiller just fans).

 

[mouscacha]

Know what you mean. My son loves that magnet... Don't you hate it when you see the wet side just floating in the tank?

Anyway, let me know if you change it up. I"ll let you know if I do.

 

[HellboundX]

Since this thread is about placement , if the pumps are on opposite sides of the tank are they to be placed directly across from each other? Should they have an unobstructed path between the two? Are they better up high or near the middle. (this is on a 120g as well)

 

[LoneRanger]

I am building a 300+ gallon tank 8 feet long 31" wide and 24" tall-

I am going to run 4 total 2 on one end on the right and 2 on the opposite end on the left. pumps are purchased allready but now I need to get the magnet/ driver upgrade!

 

[mouscacha]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12793446#post12793446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HellboundX
Since this thread is about placement , if the pumps are on opposite sides of the tank are they to be placed directly across from each other? Should they have an unobstructed path between the two? Are they better up high or near the middle. (this is on a 120g as well)

Vertical placement depends upon your substrate. I had a DSB, so I placed them 2/3 from the bottom.

The vortech's flow is pretty wide, so as long as they are not COMPLETELY obstructed, you'll be okay. You may even want to obstruct it a little to distribute the flow evenly...

 

[unbreakable]

ive seen some place on the back of the tank.

what were to happen if placed like that? would that sand be blown around in the middle section of the tank?

 

[HellboundX]

when I tried my modded maxijets on the two back corners pointing to the front, I had sand piling up in front of the tank. I would think the vortechs would do the same since they are more powerful (at highest level) then the maxijets.

 

[unbreakable]

thanks for that response HellboundX, makes sense

 

[adtravels]

if you are in the planning stage I would plan on bb tank as it allows you to crank the flow without sandstorms, thats id what I did but had to remove the existing bed.

 

[HellboundX]

Currently I have my vortechs located at each end of my 120 about 4 inch from the top and running reefcrest. but now I am getting a lot of brown algae growing on my sand. So I guess I need to move them around even more.