2 Vortech MP20's in a 40 breeder

[subielover]

I picked up a 40 breeder yesterday. It also came with a HOB cpr bakpak skimmer. I plan on buying a 36" NPE fixture and upgrade the bulbs. Since we are in a second floor apartment I plan to just run some HOB fuges (think CPR aquafuge) for some added biological filtration as well as a place for pods to reproduce safely.

I have a deal in place to get 2 MP20's. I am thinking of putting one on each side of the tank facing each other. Will this be overkill, or will it be as awesome as I am thinking it will be?

Any other opinions are welcome as well. This is my first tank that wasn't an all-in-one so I am in uncharted territory here.:angel:

 

[AlexStinson]

I put a single mp40w on my 40 breeder, just the oen sufficied, Im generally not impressed with the mp20's

If you look through the build threads on 40 breeders, alot of folks have done the same thing I did, I would recommend that route.
I can help you out finding an mp40w if you choose that route.

 

[gparr]

I have a mp40w in my 40 breeder and run it at about 1/3 power. It moves more than enough water throughout the entire tank. A pair of 20s in that 3-ft. length might create a maelstrom you don't want. ;)

Alex, I was thinking about buying a 20. What is it about them that you don't like?

Gary

 

[subielover]

I could replace the 2 MP20's with 1 MP40 if that is what is recommended.

 

[jok312]

would it be better to have 2 MP10's instead of MP20's then? or would having 1 MP40 still be better?

 

[reefdan]

it's not overkill - don't sweat it. having two will avoid getting detrius settlement on one side

i have 2 mp40ws in my 40 breeder with one on each side. i run them at about 60% but have let them go full blast before. i have mostly sps with some lps on the bottom. needless to say, i run a bare bottom tank

one would likely be enough but it really depends on what kind of water movement you're looking for. two pumps will provide movement in different areas. i would go two smaller over just one bigger.

 

[subielover]

That has always been my preference as well, that is 2 smaller pumps over one larger. In this case 2 Mp20's. Any chance I could keep sand in this tank? By the way, I keep a mixed reef, sps, lps, softies, clams and most likely a RBTA in this tank.

 

[AlexStinson]

i just have a mp20 in the store, using it and am not fond of it.

It just doesnt seem to be a complete as the mp40, has the exact same wetside, so you dont save any on room. And with an mp40, you can always turn it down :). Mp10, i might buy that because the smaller size is actually an advantage

 

[roscoe]

One MP40 should be good for your 40b. However I like more flow than some. I added a k3 on the oppsite end to keep detritus susppened and to take care of a couple dead spots. Here is how my 40b looks like with a CPR BakPAk skimmer with mesh MJ1200 and without a fuge or sump.

 

[subielover]

That looks great, what lights are you running?

 

[roscoe]

I'm running 14k hami under a lumenarc stealth pendant driven with IC ballast and supplement with dual 65w PC actinics.

 

[Acezwild]

awesome looking tank dude. Id say 1 MP40w and a Koralia power head behind the rocks should do well for a 40b

 

[roscoe]

awesome looking tank dude. Id say 1 MP40w and a Koralia power head behind the rocks should do well for a 40b

That is how my 40b is. If you take a close look at the back bottom corner you will see a k3 back there. It keeps detritus suspended or off to a isolated corner for easy removal during WC.

 

[Neon Reef]

Very nice corals but a Chevron AND a PBT in a 40b? Don't let the tang police catch see you..lol..

 

[nayrgaijin]

I'm setting up my 40b now and was going to do 2 mp10's is this not going to be sufficient ? I'm thinking it would be, I will just be keeping LPS and some zoas. I have 2 deepwater SPS as well, but this should be ok right ?
Thanks !

 

[AlexStinson]

that would be fine for lps/softies

 

[roscoe]

Very nice corals but a Chevron AND a PBT in a 40b? Don't let the tang police catch see you..lol..

Ha ha ha tang police who are they!?:bigsmile: I have room to put 10 more tang in that 40b how about that for the tang police LOL. I took apart the 40b on Sunday to catch those two. They are now residing in my 270g 76''x36''x24'' tank with my Achilles tang.

I'm setting up my 40b now and was going to do 2 mp10's is this not going to be sufficient ? I'm thinking it would be, I will just be keeping LPS and some zoas. I have 2 deepwater SPS as well, but this should be ok right ?
Thanks !

I would just go with the MP40. I think the the mp10 or 20 is just a waste of money. It is always good to have more power to tap into when you need it.

 

[subielover]

Ok so I just made the purchase. I went with 2 Vortech MP20's. Probably run one on each side, hopefully I will have some nice chaotic flow. Thanks for the input.