Need opinon on new setup ( Flow)

[Jdubb]

Hi all, its been a very long time since I last attempted a reef tank, and I think its about that time again

I just purchased a 24x24x24 60g cube with center overflow and my primary focus will be on keeping SPS but with some LPS mixed into it. My question is what reurn pump would be adequate for this tank size, and what kind of water pumps should I use to suppliment flow in the tank? I was considering going with a Rio Hyperflow 20 for the return just because of the cheap price, anyone have any opinions on this? Also I have some leftover Seio pumps I was going to use, but I came across a used vortech MP20 gen1 and might hop on that deal. Do you think one MP20 and a strong retun w/2 outlets would be good?

So far this is the equipment i have:
60g Cube Tank (2x Returns)
20L Sump
250w MH w/14k phoenix bulb
2x24 T5 (one actnic one daylight)
Euro Reef CS-6 Skimmer

[tkeracer619]

The rio hyperflow is the worst purchase I have made since having marine tanks.

A return pump is one of the most crucial pumps in the system. Don't buy a cheap return pump.

MP20 pumps are awesome but with just one pump I would get a gen2 mp40w.

[Celestin]

I'm running a similiar setup, i'm using a ehiem 1260 as the return. I'm using the return with a mp20 gen1 for my flow right now but I plan to get a mp10 to make it a little more variable. Also, why run a daylight on one of your T5's when you have the MH?

[Jdubb]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

The rio hyperflow is the worst purchase I have made since having marine tanks.

A return pump is one of the most crucial pumps in the system. Don't buy a cheap return pump.

MP20 pumps are awesome but with just one pump I would get a gen2 mp40w.

Thanks for the solid response. I will def avoid the Rio, but I will have to say that in the many Rio pumps ive used, all of them operated as they should have, although I do remmember there were two or three rio pumps that became non operational but I chalked this up to improper user error

Can you explain to me what the primary difference between the generations of vortech pumps is? Sorry to bug, but I did a search and did not find a thorough comparison.

[Jdubb]

Originally Posted by Celestin

I'm running a similiar setup, i'm using a ehiem 1260 as the return. I'm using the return with a mp20 gen1 for my flow right now but I plan to get a mp10 to make it a little more variable. Also, why run a daylight on one of your T5's when you have the MH?

Mmm, sounds like the general consensus is that you should run two to create a good variable flow. Im sure its not totally necessary to use 2, but if someone is seeking to create optimal conditions, then 2 pumps would be the way to go. In that case I think I may consider two mp10's, which is about 350-400 I think, this could get pricy for pumps.

Good point on the T5 light. I actually bought the MH/T5 retrofit system used which included the extra daylight bulb, but do not fret my friend, that is one of the first items I will be swapping out when it comes closer to setting this bad mamma jamma up.

[tkeracer619]

the hyperflow rio is much worse then the standard rio. The impeller is not salt water compatible. It will swell and split ruining the pump. Mine did this in a few months. When it did work I had to plug in it multiple times to get it to spin the right direction.

Gen 1 vortechs had a few issues with the wet side. The Gen 2 has a better wetside. The wet sides are interchangeable so you could always just get a gen 2 wet side to convert.