MP40 36" Tank

scott11 · 03/13/2016, 02:39 PM

Experimenting with flow on my 36"x24" tank. I have 2 MP40s for flow. Tried a few other pumps, but I like these the best, aside from having it on a viewing pane.

I have the pumps opposite each other in the sides, but since I view the tank from a short side at times, I was thinking about putting both on 1 short side. This would be easy to test, but due to my hood/setup, its sort of a hassle to move it over, so I thought I would ask here.

Given the various modes on the MPs, I am not too concerned about having all the flow coming from one side, since I can vary the 2 pumps to create a chaotic flow. Am I wrong? Will there be more benefit to have the pumps opposite? I mostly use reef crest/lagoon, so its not like i am building a wave with anti sync.

Plus, I think the pumps are strong enough for flow the entire 36". Dont know if I would try on a longer tank.

Open to suggestions and comments.

azjohnny · 03/13/2016, 04:39 PM

MP 40s have a max of 24" @ 100%. I would keep them at opposite sides they work best in tandem and can communicate with each other

Hentz · 03/13/2016, 04:52 PM

I actually run 2 MP40's on my 36" tank. I run them anti sync together at 6 second pulses. Might even bump it up to 10-12 seconds each. Around 1 they go from 10% to 40% and I've found that to be perfect for my SPS. It's really a lot of flow from what it looks like. Though I might still boost them up

drummerboyevil · 03/13/2016, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjohnny

MP 40s have a max of 24" @ 100%. I would keep them at opposite sides they work best in tandem and can communicate with each other

I run opposing mp40qd pumps on my 48" tank on reef crest anti sync. When one pump is at 100% it is visibly hitting the end of the 48" tank.

danrobberg · 03/13/2016, 07:21 PM

On my 32x32 tank an mo40 at about 60 percent hits the opposite wall goes down to the sand bed then goes all the way across the sand bed so they get way more than 24 inches of flow distance.

scott11 · 03/13/2016, 07:35 PM

They may be rated for 24", and I notice less flow past that, they certainly do reach the full 36"

But the question is, is it worth putting 2 on one end of a 36" tank, or is it much better for corals to have flow from both ends? Seems like it would be easy to get a great gyre going with both on one end

drummerboyevil · 03/13/2016, 07:45 PM

I prefer opposing vortechs. Reefcrest and anti sync.

Hentz · 03/13/2016, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott11

They may be rated for 24", and I notice less flow past that, they certainly do reach the full 36"

But the question is, is it worth putting 2 on one end of a 36" tank, or is it much better for corals to have flow from both ends? Seems like it would be easy to get a great gyre going with both on one end

Well it depends what you want to keep? What corals do you plan to keep? You can get away with just one with Zoas/LPS/Softies. Definitely recommend two for SPS.

Though on another note, if you have the two powerheads already, run them both, no matter what coral you do. More various flow is always better to get those tough spots.

scott11 · 03/14/2016, 02:02 PM

I am keeping mostly SPS. I plan to use both, the question is same side or opposite side. There will be plenty of flow with both, so the GPH is not a concern.

I know opposite is preferred, just looking for the downside to using both on one side.

drummerboyevil · 03/14/2016, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott11

I am keeping mostly SPS. I plan to use both, the question is same side or opposite side. There will be plenty of flow with both, so the GPH is not a concern.

I know opposite is preferred, just looking for the downside to using both on one side.

I prefer hitting sps from both sides vs a one sided gyre kinda of situation.

Hentz · 03/14/2016, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott11

I am keeping mostly SPS. I plan to use both, the question is same side or opposite side. There will be plenty of flow with both, so the GPH is not a concern.

I know opposite is preferred, just looking for the downside to using both on one side.

Ah sorry I misunderstood hah.

I'm pro-opposite side. I've got both my MP40's on each side of the tank, anti-sync like I said.

The one on the left is a little further towards the front and lower, where as the one on the right is a little higher and towards the back. This I feel gives me the circleish flow in the tank. Though due to my scape, I think I'm still getting a few dead spots. but not big deal. Might just turn up the flow.

FullBoreReefer · 03/14/2016, 03:21 PM

I have the same sized tank. 36"x24"x25". I also use two mp40's on opposite sides. Left side is master, right side is anti sync. Reef crest at 60-80% depending. They are placed 10" down. One is 6" from the front glass, the other is about 10", so they don't flow into each other if that makes sense.

scott11 · 03/14/2016, 04:35 PM

yes, I have mine sort of offset now as well, based on the rockwork. One lower and toward the front and one high in the back.

Seems like the flow is so broad (which is why I like these pumps), they dont really need to be offset, but I didnt want them aided right into a rock.

oseymour · 03/14/2016, 05:05 PM

I was running 2 Mp40s on my 50 breeder which is 36 inches and couldn't turn them about 40% or they blew over corals and sand.

Can you put them on the back glass? The back glass on pulse would work well.

You can place 2 on the same side but SPS would need to be close and LPS and softies that need less flow at the far end. You can also aim your return in that far end so detritus doesn't settle there. With this you can run them on any mode you want.

I actually had a similar issue on my 40" tank where the MP40 was taking valuable viewing area and I couldn't aim them around my rockwork. I ended going with 2 Tunze 6095 which I put on the back glass and aimed to where I wanted them.

sixpackgarage · 03/14/2016, 05:25 PM

that's actually a pretty cool idea. Never thought of putting both MPs on one end, then alternating.

drummerboyevil · 03/14/2016, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixpackgarage

that's actually a pretty cool idea. Never thought of putting both MPs on one end, then alternating.

You can do the same thing a LOT cheaper by just buying a maxspect gyre 150 and running on alternating direction with AA or BB blades. I had one before my MP40QD's and it did exactly what you want for <$300 when you are looking at spending $700.

scott11 · 03/14/2016, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drummerboyevil

You can do the same thing a LOT cheaper by just buying a maxspect gyre 150 and running on alternating direction with AA or BB blades. I had one before my MP40QD's and it did exactly what you want for <$300 when you are looking at spending $700.

Good point, but I already have 2 MP40s. I like that the gyre are small and quiet, but the MP40 have a proven track record, and give lots of other options for different flow.

WaReefer458 · 03/15/2016, 03:57 AM

I would love to know how you guys are getting them to 50% or higher on that small of a tank. I have an mp40qd on my 40b and if I go more than20% it just shoots sand all over and my corals damn near get blown off the rocks. If I wasn't planning ahead for a just adding a second one when I upgrade I probably would have just done 2 mp10's. The flow on them is just ludicrous.

03/13/2016, 02:39 PM	#1
scott11 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 1,960	MP40 36" Tank Experimenting with flow on my 36"x24" tank. I have 2 MP40s for flow. Tried a few other pumps, but I like these the best, aside from having it on a viewing pane. I have the pumps opposite each other in the sides, but since I view the tank from a short side at times, I was thinking about putting both on 1 short side. This would be easy to test, but due to my hood/setup, its sort of a hassle to move it over, so I thought I would ask here. Given the various modes on the MPs, I am not too concerned about having all the flow coming from one side, since I can vary the 2 pumps to create a chaotic flow. Am I wrong? Will there be more benefit to have the pumps opposite? I mostly use reef crest/lagoon, so its not like i am building a wave with anti sync. Plus, I think the pumps are strong enough for flow the entire 36". Dont know if I would try on a longer tank. Open to suggestions and comments.

03/13/2016, 04:52 PM	#3
Hentz Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 2,016	I actually run 2 MP40's on my 36" tank. I run them anti sync together at 6 second pulses. Might even bump it up to 10-12 seconds each. Around 1 they go from 10% to 40% and I've found that to be perfect for my SPS. It's really a lot of flow from what it looks like. Though I might still boost them up __________________ A Reef in the Desert: 120 Gallon (4x2x2) - MP40 x2 - Gyre 130 - ATI Sunpower - Simplicity Pump/Skimmer - Controlled by Apex

03/14/2016, 03:21 PM	#12
FullBoreReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 1,862	I have the same sized tank. 36"x24"x25". I also use two mp40's on opposite sides. Left side is master, right side is anti sync. Reef crest at 60-80% depending. They are placed 10" down. One is 6" from the front glass, the other is about 10", so they don't flow into each other if that makes sense. __________________ 60x36x24 mixed reef. 40b sump. Regal 250int Varios. 4xHydra26HDs+t5s. 4xMp40wes. Apex2016.

03/14/2016, 05:05 PM	#14
oseymour Euphyllia Addict Join Date: May 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 1,424	I was running 2 Mp40s on my 50 breeder which is 36 inches and couldn't turn them about 40% or they blew over corals and sand. Can you put them on the back glass? The back glass on pulse would work well. You can place 2 on the same side but SPS would need to be close and LPS and softies that need less flow at the far end. You can also aim your return in that far end so detritus doesn't settle there. With this you can run them on any mode you want. I actually had a similar issue on my 40" tank where the MP40 was taking valuable viewing area and I couldn't aim them around my rockwork. I ended going with 2 Tunze 6095 which I put on the back glass and aimed to where I wanted them. __________________ Just started Red Sea Reefer 350 (75 Gallon) Build Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2555495 Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 350

03/14/2016, 05:25 PM	#15
sixpackgarage reef mechanic Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 819	that's actually a pretty cool idea. Never thought of putting both MPs on one end, then alternating. __________________ my build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2512689 my fuge thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2523500 Current Tank Info: DSA NEO 65G reef powered by Kessil

03/13/2016, 04:39 PM	#2
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	MP 40s have a max of 24" @ 100%. I would keep them at opposite sides they work best in tandem and can communicate with each other

03/13/2016, 07:21 PM	#5
danrobberg Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buffalo NY Posts: 962	On my 32x32 tank an mo40 at about 60 percent hits the opposite wall goes down to the sand bed then goes all the way across the sand bed so they get way more than 24 inches of flow distance.

03/13/2016, 07:35 PM	#6
scott11 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 1,960	They may be rated for 24", and I notice less flow past that, they certainly do reach the full 36" But the question is, is it worth putting 2 on one end of a 36" tank, or is it much better for corals to have flow from both ends? Seems like it would be easy to get a great gyre going with both on one end

03/13/2016, 07:45 PM	#7
drummerboyevil Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 654	I prefer opposing vortechs. Reefcrest and anti sync.

03/14/2016, 02:02 PM	#9
scott11 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 1,960	I am keeping mostly SPS. I plan to use both, the question is same side or opposite side. There will be plenty of flow with both, so the GPH is not a concern. I know opposite is preferred, just looking for the downside to using both on one side.

03/14/2016, 04:35 PM	#13
scott11 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 1,960	yes, I have mine sort of offset now as well, based on the rockwork. One lower and toward the front and one high in the back. Seems like the flow is so broad (which is why I like these pumps), they dont really need to be offset, but I didnt want them aided right into a rock.

03/15/2016, 03:57 AM	#18
WaReefer458 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 333	I would love to know how you guys are getting them to 50% or higher on that small of a tank. I have an mp40qd on my 40b and if I go more than20% it just shoots sand all over and my corals damn near get blown off the rocks. If I wasn't planning ahead for a just adding a second one when I upgrade I probably would have just done 2 mp10's. The flow on them is just ludicrous.