How many MP40s do I need for a 225g?

Ostri · 03/20/2016, 07:51 PM

Hi everyone, I'm currently running a 225g all SPS system with 3 RW-8, 1 Gyre 150. I really like the jebao pumps but I just wish their wires can be less obvious. So I have a plan to change my RW-8s to MP40s.

I do like the Gyre a lot so I think it will stay.

The tank dimensions are:
72 x 30 x 24

With one Gyre running, how many MP40s would you recommend? and where to place them?

Thanks!

Ostri · 03/20/2016, 08:03 PM

I'm considering 2 - 3 MP40s right now but I'm not quite sure. I have my RW-8s set quite low on speed because their flow easily crush with Gyre's and blow my sand (which is pretty coarse) everywhere.

bif24701 · 03/20/2016, 09:38 PM

Two would do just fine. With three you wouldn't want more "flow" but you. Could achieve more with all three connected running programs.

Ostri · 03/21/2016, 10:57 AM

I'm wondering if 2 mp40s can cover enough area needed

bif24701 · 03/21/2016, 11:19 AM

Yes

golferbud101691 · 03/21/2016, 11:26 AM

yes the mp40 will reach across your 72" tank no problem. I would put one mp40 on each end and the gyre positioned vertically on the back glass to give a circular motion.

Pitter98 · 03/21/2016, 11:28 AM

To be honest, I'm surprised the RW-8's are doing much for you. I bought a couple of them to test out on my 150g cube (36" x 36") to see if I could replace my MP40's and it wasn't even close. The RW-8's barely registered a blip compared to an MP40 at about 80%. I picked up an RW-15 instead and it is a much better pump (it actually moves water). I now run two MP40w QD's and an RW-15 on wave mode and am happy.

On your 225, I would recommend minimum two MP40's (quiet drives if you can swing the cost) with two RW-15's. If you can swing more, go with 3 or 4 MP40's. You might have to turn things down a bit, but it's better to have more headroom that you can turn down if you need than not have enough when things grow in.

Edit: Forgot about the Gyre. You might be able to do just the 2 MP40's with that, but I would toss in an RW-15 anyways to give some more options.

scuzy · 03/21/2016, 11:34 AM

or you could go mp60. I have 2 in my tank and it moves lots of water.

toothybugs · 03/21/2016, 11:50 AM

3 RW8s on a 225?! They're just getting the dead spots a little and not much else. I had 2 running my 40B and thought they were okay

Your Gyre is what's saving you. I have a single RW15 running my 75BB right now with the two 8s hitting a couple dead spots on the opposite end but that's all they're good for even in a tank a third the volume of yours.

To answer your question, however, for the basement I'm planning a similar system and will be going with a deuce of MP60s, or 4 MP40s.

Ostri · 03/21/2016, 04:32 PM

Thanks everyone for the info! I didn't realize RW8 was rated for 60G until now lol my LFS bought them.

So the only concern I have over placing 2 MP60s is that they will likely move my sand in the middle of the tank. But if I go with 3 MP40s, where should I place the third MP40? If I go with 2 MP40s, will there be dead spots?

Thanks!

ca1ore · 03/21/2016, 04:52 PM

I would think that a pair of MP40s at either end of your tank would be workable, though you'd have to run them closer to their max output. On my 265 (a foot longer than the 225) I run one MP60 on one end, a MP40 on the other end, and a second 40 on the back wall. 60 doesn't move the sand, but don't use the really fine stuff either.

Ostri · 03/21/2016, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

I would think that a pair of MP40s at either end of your tank would be workable, though you'd have to run them closer to their max output. On my 265 (a foot longer than the 225) I run one MP60 on one end, a MP40 on the other end, and a second 40 on the back wall. 60 doesn't move the sand, but don't use the really fine stuff either.

Thanks! I was thinking the same thing. I have a Gyre that produces ~3000 GPH and I can run MP40s at 2500 - 3000GPH each. That gives me a total of 8000 - 9000 GPH in this tank which I think should be sufficient...

scuzy · 03/21/2016, 06:13 PM

My 220 runs dual gyren 150 and dual mp60 i really love the gyre flow and the mp60 just adds to the under current.

blaujess · 04/04/2016, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golferbud101691

yes the mp40 will reach across your 72" tank no problem. I would put one mp40 on each end and the gyre positioned vertically on the back glass to give a circular motion.

Good idea

03/20/2016, 07:51 PM	#1
Ostri Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 222	How many MP40s do I need for a 225g? Hi everyone, I'm currently running a 225g all SPS system with 3 RW-8, 1 Gyre 150. I really like the jebao pumps but I just wish their wires can be less obvious. So I have a plan to change my RW-8s to MP40s. I do like the Gyre a lot so I think it will stay. The tank dimensions are: 72 x 30 x 24 With one Gyre running, how many MP40s would you recommend? and where to place them? Thanks!

03/20/2016, 09:38 PM	#3
bif24701 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida, FWB Posts: 3,389	Two would do just fine. With three you wouldn't want more "flow" but you. Could achieve more with all three connected running programs. __________________ 180 Mixed Reef SRO-5000 Skimmer Neptune APEX Gold Kessil AP700/ MP60+6105 Kalk+2 part/ Cheato Fuge Current Tank Info: 180 SPS Dominant

03/21/2016, 11:19 AM	#5
bif24701 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida, FWB Posts: 3,389	Yes __________________ 180 Mixed Reef SRO-5000 Skimmer Neptune APEX Gold Kessil AP700/ MP60+6105 Kalk+2 part/ Cheato Fuge Current Tank Info: 180 SPS Dominant

03/21/2016, 11:28 AM	#7
Pitter98 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Troy, MI Posts: 115	To be honest, I'm surprised the RW-8's are doing much for you. I bought a couple of them to test out on my 150g cube (36" x 36") to see if I could replace my MP40's and it wasn't even close. The RW-8's barely registered a blip compared to an MP40 at about 80%. I picked up an RW-15 instead and it is a much better pump (it actually moves water). I now run two MP40w QD's and an RW-15 on wave mode and am happy. On your 225, I would recommend minimum two MP40's (quiet drives if you can swing the cost) with two RW-15's. If you can swing more, go with 3 or 4 MP40's. You might have to turn things down a bit, but it's better to have more headroom that you can turn down if you need than not have enough when things grow in. Edit: Forgot about the Gyre. You might be able to do just the 2 MP40's with that, but I would toss in an RW-15 anyways to give some more options. __________________ 150g DD Cube Mixed Reef w/ 2 MP40wQD's, a Jebao RW-15, black box LED's, a basement sump, and not enough fish.

03/21/2016, 04:52 PM	#11
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I would think that a pair of MP40s at either end of your tank would be workable, though you'd have to run them closer to their max output. On my 265 (a foot longer than the 225) I run one MP60 on one end, a MP40 on the other end, and a second 40 on the back wall. 60 doesn't move the sand, but don't use the really fine stuff either. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

03/20/2016, 08:03 PM	#2
Ostri Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 222	I'm considering 2 - 3 MP40s right now but I'm not quite sure. I have my RW-8s set quite low on speed because their flow easily crush with Gyre's and blow my sand (which is pretty coarse) everywhere.

03/21/2016, 10:57 AM	#4
Ostri Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 222	I'm wondering if 2 mp40s can cover enough area needed

03/21/2016, 11:26 AM	#6
golferbud101691 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NC Posts: 310	yes the mp40 will reach across your 72" tank no problem. I would put one mp40 on each end and the gyre positioned vertically on the back glass to give a circular motion.

03/21/2016, 11:34 AM	#8
scuzy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 6,499	or you could go mp60. I have 2 in my tank and it moves lots of water.

03/21/2016, 11:50 AM	#9
toothybugs In Memoriam Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: The smallest county in Illinois Posts: 1,986	3 RW8s on a 225?! They're just getting the dead spots a little and not much else. I had 2 running my 40B and thought they were okay Your Gyre is what's saving you. I have a single RW15 running my 75BB right now with the two 8s hitting a couple dead spots on the opposite end but that's all they're good for even in a tank a third the volume of yours. To answer your question, however, for the basement I'm planning a similar system and will be going with a deuce of MP60s, or 4 MP40s.

03/21/2016, 04:32 PM	#10
Ostri Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 222	Thanks everyone for the info! I didn't realize RW8 was rated for 60G until now lol my LFS bought them. So the only concern I have over placing 2 MP60s is that they will likely move my sand in the middle of the tank. But if I go with 3 MP40s, where should I place the third MP40? If I go with 2 MP40s, will there be dead spots? Thanks!

03/21/2016, 06:13 PM	#13
scuzy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 6,499	My 220 runs dual gyren 150 and dual mp60 i really love the gyre flow and the mp60 just adds to the under current.