Which Vortech Pumps 10 or 40 for my 75?

Wind · 01/26/2020, 06:20 PM

Hi,

I have a typical standard 75 gallon currently with a Tunze Pump, but I would like to get a MP10wQD Vortech as a supplemental secondary pump. I've heard nothing but good things about these, but read about the 'spacers' and such affecting the life of the pump?

I may eventually switch to a larger tank like a 125 in a few years, so I don't know if it may make more sense to just get the MP40wQD in anticipation of future glass thickness?

I've attached a picture of my glass thickness, any guidance is appreciated. My gut feeling is that the MP10wQD would suffice, but I hope to get some feedback and help, seeing that these command a premium.

Thanks

alton · 01/27/2020, 06:56 AM

the 10 is good for now, but the 40 would be best since you are upgrading. Also since you will only have one MP, you do not need the MP10W saving you like $50 if you want to save money. You can always buy the wireless driver later

Wind · 01/27/2020, 10:40 AM

Thanks. Can you provide some guidance about the spacers?

tkeracer619 · 01/27/2020, 10:51 PM

I would go with the 40. Excellent flow now and in the future.

Wind · 01/28/2020, 11:53 PM

Hmm. Okay, and what does the spacer thing supposed to do?
Let me sleep on it a bit, but I am in fact thinking about the 40 now, I'll just tone it lower.

RobbyG · 01/30/2020, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wind

Hmm. Okay, and what does the spacer thing supposed to do?
Let me sleep on it a bit, but I am in fact thinking about the 40 now, I'll just tone it lower.

The spacers are used depending on the thickness of your aquarium glass.
You get three with the MP-40 and they tell you which one to use for which glass thickness.

Dmorty217 · 01/31/2020, 06:50 AM

MP40 for sure. I had a 55g QT with a MP10 on it years ago and at full speed it wouldn't push water to the other side of the tank... Or at least very well

Wind · 02/01/2020, 08:10 PM

Okay thanks. I may lean on the 40. In general what is the purpose of the spacers? I don't really get it. lol

RobbyG · 02/01/2020, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wind

Okay thanks. I may lean on the 40. In general what is the purpose of the spacers? I don't really get it. lol

They dont want the magnets to close together when the glass is thinner so they add a spacer to get the optimum distance. If they are too close together it puts more strain on the drive shaft.

Crooked Reef · 02/03/2020, 02:05 PM

I had a 40 and a 10 on a 48” 90 gallon tank. Get the 40 and you will be happier. The 10 had to be turned up considerably higher to push water across the tank which will have a more detrimental affect on pump life than a spacer. I’m not even sure how a spacer can affect pump life honestly. My 40 ran with the spacer for three years with no issue and the 40 is now on my 150 gallon still running strong.

01/27/2020, 10:51 PM	#4
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I would go with the 40. Excellent flow now and in the future. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

01/31/2020, 06:50 AM	#7
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	MP40 for sure. I had a 55g QT with a MP10 on it years ago and at full speed it wouldn't push water to the other side of the tank... Or at least very well __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

02/03/2020, 02:05 PM	#10
Crooked Reef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 1,765	I had a 40 and a 10 on a 48” 90 gallon tank. Get the 40 and you will be happier. The 10 had to be turned up considerably higher to push water across the tank which will have a more detrimental affect on pump life than a spacer. I’m not even sure how a spacer can affect pump life honestly. My 40 ran with the spacer for three years with no issue and the 40 is now on my 150 gallon still running strong. __________________ “In wine there is wisdom; in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef. Biocube 29 lionfish tank. Mantis tank.

01/27/2020, 06:56 AM	#2
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	the 10 is good for now, but the 40 would be best since you are upgrading. Also since you will only have one MP, you do not need the MP10W saving you like $50 if you want to save money. You can always buy the wireless driver later

01/27/2020, 10:40 AM	#3
Wind Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In an extension Posts: 1,378	Thanks. Can you provide some guidance about the spacers?

01/28/2020, 11:53 PM	#5
Wind Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In an extension Posts: 1,378	Hmm. Okay, and what does the spacer thing supposed to do? Let me sleep on it a bit, but I am in fact thinking about the 40 now, I'll just tone it lower.

02/01/2020, 08:10 PM	#8
Wind Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In an extension Posts: 1,378	Okay thanks. I may lean on the 40. In general what is the purpose of the spacers? I don't really get it. lol