Mp40w

jcovercash · 06/02/2009, 11:36 AM

I am looking at powerheads for my aquarium. I have a 75G RR tank with corner overflow.

Would a single MP40W be enough by itself for the 75G? I can not afford to get two of them. A single unit is my max budget. I was actually only looking at spending $300 on powerheads but can up to $400 if a single MP40W would be enough random flow for the WHOLE tank..... I don't want any dead spots. I don't plan on keeping any SPS, I just want good flow throughout the tank.

Other than the MP40 I have been looking at using 2x Tunze 6045's, and a modded MJ400 with Sureflow Mod (1300GPH). The two Tunzes one on each side and the MJ running in the back behind the rockwork...

I am going to have an ultrafine sand bottom in the tank too if that matters for the MP40w stirring up the sand.

Could I get by with one, or would it be marginal?

I am still leaning towards the Tunze pumps, with MJ as I think I can get better flow throughout the tank....

Dholmblad · 06/02/2009, 11:40 AM

What kind of return do you have?

I would go with the tunze & mj set up. You will get far more flow from 3 pumps instead of one.

jcovercash · 06/02/2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dholmblad
What kind of return do you have?

I would go with the tunze & mj set up. You will get far more flow from 3 pumps instead of one.

I am using an Eheim 1262 for the return, it is split between my DT and fuge though. 75% of the flow is going back to the tank however.

I have tried buying some used 6045's and the sellers have even tried talking me out of the Tunze's they were selling to get a MP40w.... Thats what had me confused. If the sellers wanted to push a product and loose a sale they must be good...

I just can't see the price for what you get though really.... I just want good flow and can't pay $800 for two of those pumps.

dr.darkness · 06/02/2009, 12:15 PM

One Mp40w will be fine for you I have one on my 85. Just say no to Tunze, they're big and ugly.

Alaskan Reefer · 06/02/2009, 12:40 PM

I think you'll get better flow throughout the tank with the paired Tunzes and MJ mod. That said, the MP40W is an awesome and unique piece of equipment. I have good things to say about my Tunzes (6 years and still dependably doing what they do) as well as my MP40W (6 months and although I've replaced the wet side assembly, what it does is unique).

jcovercash · 06/03/2009, 09:22 AM

Anyone else have any opinions? Im heavily leaning towards the 3 pump setup... No one has really had any reasons other than size to go with the Vortech...

rdlisby · 06/03/2009, 09:29 AM

I find my 1 MP40w really creates great flow and depending on your Aqua Scaping the flow can get every where. I think the small foot print inside the tank is enough for me, couple that with the intense flow itâ€™s great. Like I said I only have the one on my 180 and am saving up for another one, but on 75G one would be plenty. I would run it on Lagoon mode and you will be very happy. My opinion.

jcovercash · 06/03/2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdlisby
I find my 1 MP40w really creates great flow and depending on your Aqua Scaping the flow can get every where. I think the small foot print inside the tank is enough for me, couple that with the intense flow itâ€™s great. Like I said I only have the one on my 180 and am saving up for another one, but on 75G one would be plenty. I would run it on Lagoon mode and you will be very happy. My opinion.

Is the single one the only pump you have in your 180?

I have the return pump in my tank mainly breaking the water surface so i can't really count that as any flow in my tank.

Whatever I get I don't want so much flow that i have a sandstorm trying to get flow to everywhere in my tank.

My rock work will fill the tank a good bit though, mainly towards the backside. with two cave like structures and some rocks interconnecting them....

RRaider · 06/03/2009, 09:58 AM

With the mp40 you can adjust how much flow and choose from several different modes.

jcovercash · 06/03/2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RRaider
With the mp40 you can adjust how much flow and choose from several different modes.

I understand that. Its just that its not directional and its so small that gets me. I just don't see how I can get good flow all over my tank with a single MP40W...

I am not opposed if I got one to still using the MJ mod pump behind the rockwork to get flow there though....

I like the idea of how small it is and you don't have the clunky pump inside the tank but I just don't see how I can get the flow I need all over the tank to keep algae from growing/detritus from settling that I need without blowing everything away. I can see how two could accomplish this but like I said I can't budget that in.

fishkid6692 · 06/03/2009, 10:07 AM

i ordered a pair of mp40w for my 75g. i think one would be enough if your not going to have sps. there small and compact with amazing flow. thats the only reasons i need to go with a vortech.

jcovercash · 06/03/2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishkid6692
i ordered a pair of mp40w for my 75g. i think one would be enough if your not going to have sps. there small and compact with amazing flow. thats the only reasons i need to go with a vortech.

I just want enough flow that I don't have to worry about cynobacteria and stuff from not having flow in an area. I also would hate to spend the money on the Vortech to have to end up still putting another pump in there to get flow too....

soloiiwolf · 06/03/2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jcovercash
I understand that. Its just that its not directional and its so small that gets me. I just don't see how I can get good flow all over my tank with a single MP40W...

I am not opposed if I got one to still using the MJ mod pump behind the rockwork to get flow there though....

I like the idea of how small it is and you don't have the clunky pump inside the tank but I just don't see how I can get the flow I need all over the tank to keep algae from growing/detritus from settling that I need without blowing everything away. I can see how two could accomplish this but like I said I can't budget that in.

FWIW regarding flow I have a pair of MP40's for my 6' 220 but currently only have one setup. Put in feed mode to feed fish and after 10 minutes it resumes normal operation. Once the normal operation resumes any food that may have sunk to the bottom is blown up and resuspended in the water column. Including food on the opposite end of the tank behind rock work.

I would think you would be very pleased with a single MP40 but can't go wrong in either case.

jcovercash · 06/03/2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by soloiiwolf
FWIW regarding flow I have a pair of MP40's for my 6' 220 but currently only have one setup. Put in feed mode to feed fish and after 10 minutes it resumes normal operation. Once the normal operation resumes any food that may have sunk to the bottom is blown up and resuspended in the water column. Including food on the opposite end of the tank behind rock work.

I would think you would be very pleased with a single MP40 but can't go wrong in either case.

The more I read the more I am leaning towards giving one a try.... I know I can always add another one, but the way my stand is built I need to know what pumps I am going to have on the side of overflow area so I can set it up and drill holes in the top to leave room for the pump if I add one later.

rdlisby · 06/03/2009, 10:39 AM

I have a Dolphin Amp Master running my two over flows, that flow is greatly restricted by the undersized bulk heads in the over flows. I should say the bulkheads allow enough water for my sump, but you canâ€™t push enough through them to really count as flow. I aim the returns lines down the back of the tank behind the live rock to push what flow there is from them that direction. And then yes, I only run the one MP40W for additional flow through out the tank. Running on Lagoon mode moves plenty of water about 4 feet of the length of the tank. Since my tank is 6 feet long it is not as intense on the far side, but my soft corals like it way better over there. The thing about the MP40W like "soloiiwolf" was eluding to is the undertow current that is generated by the high flow rate, it really keeps everything moving. I have run power heads and built manifolds every which way from Sunday over the years and the flow from this MP40W is truly amazing. I think for 4 feet in length 1 would be amazing anything over 4 feet you really need 2.

As for your sand if you keep the Vortech mounted about 6 inches from the water surface you will get a little "dust storm" at first but I would think it would settle. If for some crazy reason it doesnâ€™t I would just turn it down a little or run it on reef crest mode. There are just so many options with these things. I need to go into business selling them I guess. I really choked on the price when I purchased it, but I have not regretted it. Out of all the money I have blown on crap in the last 6 years that didnâ€™t work like I thought, this is not one of them.

rdlisby · 06/03/2009, 10:45 AM

One thing they are not perfectly silent, they have a hum to them. I would say quieter than any power head, much quieter than my external pump, quieter than the two fans to cool my MH's. But you can hear a slight hum from the external motor. Kind of like the hum of your refrigerator running. If you have your skimmer running and an external pump and what ever fans you have cooling what ever lights you have The Vortech is not what you will hear.

jcovercash · 06/03/2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdlisby
One thing they are not perfectly silent, they have a hum to them. I would say quieter than any power head, much quieter than my external pump, quieter than the two fans to cool my MH's. But you can hear a slight hum from the external motor. Kind of like the hum of your refrigerator running. If you have your skimmer running and an external pump and what ever fans you have cooling what ever lights you have The Vortech is not what you will hear.

I have a panworld 100PX, and MR-1 Skimmer. So they make a good bit of noise, most of it is hidden by the cabinet (im hoping lol).

I am considering getting one though. When I setup the tank on my stand I will leave room on the left hand side should I ever be able to afford another one so that I can add it.

mcrist · 06/03/2009, 11:04 AM

The Vortech is such a great pump you donâ€™t need to direct the flow.

A.VOID · 06/03/2009, 11:04 AM

Well, I can add to this since I just installed one on a 75. Aquasquape is similar to the tank of the month and i installed it next to the corner overflow on one end.

So far, I'm not real confident this will be enough flow for me. I'm going to play with it a little and try moving it to the center back wall.

SPS heavy in my tank, but lps, zoas and rics down low.

Taqpol · 06/03/2009, 11:08 AM

One would probably get flow throughout your tank, but two would be absolutely ideal. Especially if you plan on keeping SPS.

The difference between vortechs and tunzes is that the vortech has a super wide flow. That means that while it will move detritus around in every nook and corner on its side of the tank, its flow starts diminishing on the longer 4' and up tanks. If you want to save money I would add one now (to the cool tower side that is hard to access, and then put one or two MJ mods on the other side/back wall. In the future you can buy another vortech and have a lot of fun with all the different sync and anti-sync modes.

maroun.c · 06/03/2009, 11:27 AM

Will be posting a video of my MP40 alone on a 6 foot long tank, it moves coral on the lower opposite side of the tank. I do have a CL andreturn that I had before adding the vortech however when I turn them off I see a nice wave and pulsing movement all over the tank the moment I start the vortech alone. and it's only at around 70% output.
Flying back home tonight and should take the video and post by tomorrow If I have some time as I promised others on another vortech thread. I was first worried about not being able to point the vortech in any directin however with the wide flow it gives croals 1-2 foot away are not blasted and as I said it does craete a nice flow

jcovercash · 06/03/2009, 11:43 AM

Thanks guys. I just bought a new one off of the Forum here for $370! Can't wait to get it in now. If it proves to not be enough I will add another one later on.

Interested in seeing that video maroun.c with the CL off.

Thanks,
Josh

jungliztkruger · 06/03/2009, 12:18 PM

I am also thinking about purchasing one for my 75g but was thinking instead of going with the mp20 and upgrading later

rdlisby · 06/03/2009, 12:54 PM

You may not need to upgrade later in that size tank with 40,

jcovercash, when you get everything going, you should report on your thoughts in your system, would be good for others considering the same options.

redfishsc · 06/03/2009, 01:14 PM

You would be surprised at how much flow you can get out of modded Maxi-Jets.

I have a single MJ600 with a ghetto hack-n-chop mod (slice off the output nozzle so it's very wide and drill extra 1/4" intake holes in the bottom for more inflow).

That one MJ makes the entire tank dance--- the flow is ridiculous for such a low power pump.

That being said, the MJ mod kits you can buy online put out a lot more flow even than what I have.

Do a search if you can and look up "ghetto maxi jet mods"--- I started a thread a month or two ago and several people posted some really great and very inexpensive mods they did.

Modded MJ1200's or 900's would supplement an mp40 quite nicely.

06/02/2009, 11:36 AM	#1
jcovercash Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 192	Mp40w I am looking at powerheads for my aquarium. I have a 75G RR tank with corner overflow. Would a single MP40W be enough by itself for the 75G? I can not afford to get two of them. A single unit is my max budget. I was actually only looking at spending $300 on powerheads but can up to $400 if a single MP40W would be enough random flow for the WHOLE tank..... I don't want any dead spots. I don't plan on keeping any SPS, I just want good flow throughout the tank. Other than the MP40 I have been looking at using 2x Tunze 6045's, and a modded MJ400 with Sureflow Mod (1300GPH). The two Tunzes one on each side and the MJ running in the back behind the rockwork... I am going to have an ultrafine sand bottom in the tank too if that matters for the MP40w stirring up the sand. Could I get by with one, or would it be marginal? I am still leaning towards the Tunze pumps, with MJ as I think I can get better flow throughout the tank....

06/02/2009, 12:15 PM	#4
dr.darkness Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: bay area,ca Posts: 346	One Mp40w will be fine for you I have one on my 85. Just say no to Tunze, they're big and ugly. __________________ "I don't care who you think you are, when it comes down to it you're just another piece of meat to a serial killer" - William Dan Current Tank Info: 85g reef/12g nano

06/02/2009, 12:40 PM	#5
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	I think you'll get better flow throughout the tank with the paired Tunzes and MJ mod. That said, the MP40W is an awesome and unique piece of equipment. I have good things to say about my Tunzes (6 years and still dependably doing what they do) as well as my MP40W (6 months and although I've replaced the wet side assembly, what it does is unique). __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

06/03/2009, 09:22 AM	#6
jcovercash Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 192	Anyone else have any opinions? Im heavily leaning towards the 3 pump setup... No one has really had any reasons other than size to go with the Vortech... __________________ Click the little red house for my build thread. Current Tank Info: Building a 75 Gallon setup......

06/03/2009, 10:07 AM	#11
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	i ordered a pair of mp40w for my 75g. i think one would be enough if your not going to have sps. there small and compact with amazing flow. thats the only reasons i need to go with a vortech. __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

06/02/2009, 11:40 AM	#2
Dholmblad Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Northern va Posts: 563	What kind of return do you have? I would go with the tunze & mj set up. You will get far more flow from 3 pumps instead of one.

06/03/2009, 09:29 AM	#7
rdlisby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 324	I find my 1 MP40w really creates great flow and depending on your Aqua Scaping the flow can get every where. I think the small foot print inside the tank is enough for me, couple that with the intense flow itâ€™s great. Like I said I only have the one on my 180 and am saving up for another one, but on 75G one would be plenty. I would run it on Lagoon mode and you will be very happy. My opinion.

06/03/2009, 09:58 AM	#9
RRaider Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 703	With the mp40 you can adjust how much flow and choose from several different modes.

06/03/2009, 10:39 AM	#15
rdlisby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 324	I have a Dolphin Amp Master running my two over flows, that flow is greatly restricted by the undersized bulk heads in the over flows. I should say the bulkheads allow enough water for my sump, but you canâ€™t push enough through them to really count as flow. I aim the returns lines down the back of the tank behind the live rock to push what flow there is from them that direction. And then yes, I only run the one MP40W for additional flow through out the tank. Running on Lagoon mode moves plenty of water about 4 feet of the length of the tank. Since my tank is 6 feet long it is not as intense on the far side, but my soft corals like it way better over there. The thing about the MP40W like "soloiiwolf" was eluding to is the undertow current that is generated by the high flow rate, it really keeps everything moving. I have run power heads and built manifolds every which way from Sunday over the years and the flow from this MP40W is truly amazing. I think for 4 feet in length 1 would be amazing anything over 4 feet you really need 2. As for your sand if you keep the Vortech mounted about 6 inches from the water surface you will get a little "dust storm" at first but I would think it would settle. If for some crazy reason it doesnâ€™t I would just turn it down a little or run it on reef crest mode. There are just so many options with these things. I need to go into business selling them I guess. I really choked on the price when I purchased it, but I have not regretted it. Out of all the money I have blown on crap in the last 6 years that didnâ€™t work like I thought, this is not one of them.

06/03/2009, 10:45 AM	#16
rdlisby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 324	One thing they are not perfectly silent, they have a hum to them. I would say quieter than any power head, much quieter than my external pump, quieter than the two fans to cool my MH's. But you can hear a slight hum from the external motor. Kind of like the hum of your refrigerator running. If you have your skimmer running and an external pump and what ever fans you have cooling what ever lights you have The Vortech is not what you will hear.

06/03/2009, 11:04 AM	#18
mcrist Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania Posts: 1,598	The Vortech is such a great pump you donâ€™t need to direct the flow. __________________ Mark Current Tank Info: 450 Gallon Peninsula

06/03/2009, 11:04 AM	#19
A.VOID Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Columbus Posts: 985	Well, I can add to this since I just installed one on a 75. Aquasquape is similar to the tank of the month and i installed it next to the corner overflow on one end. So far, I'm not real confident this will be enough flow for me. I'm going to play with it a little and try moving it to the center back wall. SPS heavy in my tank, but lps, zoas and rics down low.

06/03/2009, 11:08 AM	#20
Taqpol Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 2,205	One would probably get flow throughout your tank, but two would be absolutely ideal. Especially if you plan on keeping SPS. The difference between vortechs and tunzes is that the vortech has a super wide flow. That means that while it will move detritus around in every nook and corner on its side of the tank, its flow starts diminishing on the longer 4' and up tanks. If you want to save money I would add one now (to the cool tower side that is hard to access, and then put one or two MJ mods on the other side/back wall. In the future you can buy another vortech and have a lot of fun with all the different sync and anti-sync modes. __________________ ^ Click on my username and 'Visit Taqpol's Home Page!" to view my 220 gallon custom Miracles tank! -Alex

06/03/2009, 11:27 AM	#21
maroun.c Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Lebanon Posts: 6,111	Will be posting a video of my MP40 alone on a 6 foot long tank, it moves coral on the lower opposite side of the tank. I do have a CL andreturn that I had before adding the vortech however when I turn them off I see a nice wave and pulsing movement all over the tank the moment I start the vortech alone. and it's only at around 70% output. Flying back home tonight and should take the video and post by tomorrow If I have some time as I promised others on another vortech thread. I was first worried about not being able to point the vortech in any directin however with the wide flow it gives croals 1-2 foot away are not blasted and as I said it does craete a nice flow __________________ 390 G mixed reef build Current Tank Info: 390G mixed reef

06/03/2009, 11:43 AM	#22
jcovercash Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 192	Thanks guys. I just bought a new one off of the Forum here for $370! Can't wait to get it in now. If it proves to not be enough I will add another one later on. Interested in seeing that video maroun.c with the CL off. Thanks, Josh __________________ Click the little red house for my build thread. Current Tank Info: Building a 75 Gallon setup......

06/03/2009, 12:18 PM	#23
jungliztkruger Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: ohio Posts: 154	I am also thinking about purchasing one for my 75g but was thinking instead of going with the mp20 and upgrading later

06/03/2009, 12:54 PM	#24
rdlisby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 324	You may not need to upgrade later in that size tank with 40, jcovercash, when you get everything going, you should report on your thoughts in your system, would be good for others considering the same options.

06/03/2009, 01:14 PM	#25
redfishsc Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 3,696	You would be surprised at how much flow you can get out of modded Maxi-Jets. I have a single MJ600 with a ghetto hack-n-chop mod (slice off the output nozzle so it's very wide and drill extra 1/4" intake holes in the bottom for more inflow). That one MJ makes the entire tank dance--- the flow is ridiculous for such a low power pump. That being said, the MJ mod kits you can buy online put out a lot more flow even than what I have. Do a search if you can and look up "ghetto maxi jet mods"--- I started a thread a month or two ago and several people posted some really great and very inexpensive mods they did. Modded MJ1200's or 900's would supplement an mp40 quite nicely. __________________ "The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation." Corrie Ten Boom “The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins” -- Søren Kierkegaard Current Tank Info: ghetto grad school reef.....11g rimless tank, 36X9X9, lit by Cree and Rebels scobbled together. Stocked mostly with free stuff I got from panhandling my fellow reefers.