Flow for a 40 gal breeder

ahiggins · Dec 6, 2016

what do you recommend for flow for a 40 gallon breeder? I e heard mp 10s are good and so are maxspect 230.
Pros and cons of either?
Other powerheads you've used that you like better?
It's a frag tank for lps and zoas and right now has two nano crappy circulation pumps.

mcarroll · Dec 6, 2016

The current pumps may be just fine if you haven't used them before.

$$$$ ≠ good.
$ ≠ bad

;)

I would start with what you have.

It sounds like budget is unlimited?

Regardless, I like the Tunze pumps for most applications. Depending on exactly what you do with the 40 and exactly how you lay it out, I like any or all of these, in any combination. These combo's are just for ideas:

Turbelle® nanostream® 6045 ($78)
Turbelle® nanostream® 6040 ($140)
Turbelle® nanostream® 6055 ($185)
Turbelle® nanostream® 6095 ($230)
Nanostream® Rock (if hiding a pump is desired) ($50-$70)

2 to 4 – 6045's. With or with out Rocks. A great general purpose pump!! Four would make a pretty sweet tidal simulation. Run two at a time in one direction, then after a few hours switch and run the other two in the other direction. Usually how I run my AC pumps and corals seem to love it.

2 or more – 6040's, 6055's or 6095's.

The 6040's are transverse mounted pumps, so they are great for tight spots – perfect for behind rocks or corals or underneath a large pump or return outlet.
The 6055 is the controllable version of the 6045, and is a bit more powerful.
The 6095 if the wide flow option....very strong pump!

If budget is limited, go for the AC-pump solution without hesitation! :)

elev8 · Dec 6, 2016

You should get a mp40

ahiggins · Dec 7, 2016

thanks for the info-Ill have to look into those :)
The reason I liked the maxspect was that you can get many different flow patterns with a single pump.
I do have to rearrange my tank though. I have a lot of detritus buildup on the bottom that I need to get rid of.