Flow Pumps for 8x2x2 Mixed Heavy SPS ?

[Chris Spaulding]

Ok I am debating on getting 2 MP60s to replace the Cloud addition Maxspect 350 Gyers and move Neptune wav to rear.
The Tank is 8x2x2 and atm I have 3 350 Gyers along with 2 Neptune waves. 1 gyers on each end with 1 gyer on back wall in middle. The Wavs are on the ends towards the back. The tank is 3/4 acrylic and the Gyers hold but just barely. Euro braced so cord routing is a little difficult. I have MP40s and mp10s on other tanks so I am no stranger to them.

Would replacing the Gyers with MP60s be worth it flow wise? I can think of other reasons to as well, easier battery back up, no cords in the tank. Wetside swap out easy for maintenance.

 

[cilyjr]

Do you have a bare bottom tank or sand? Because an mp60 is going to move your sand even at the lowest settings.
The gyers tend to be better at not doing this

 

[Chris Spaulding]

Do you have a bare bottom tank or sand? Because an mp60 is going to move your sand even at the lowest settings.
The gyers tend to be better at not doing this

There is sand but is heavy corse live sand from Tampabay so it will take a lot to do.

 

[cilyjr]

There is sand but is heavy corse live sand from Tampabay so it will take a lot to do.

An mp 40 will move tropic Eden 3.5 reef flakes at 65%

That said, I like the no cords.
I have 4x MP40s on my 320 gallon. And ended up adding 2x gyers (spent a lot of time hiding the 2 cables)
The MP40s will move my sand which is very coarse and heavy. To the point where I designed and printed flow redirectors for the lower ones.

If insufficient flow due to coral growth is a problem, consider more smaller pumps fore multiple placements.
Bigger pumps in the same spot will like move sand and burn the coral in its immediate vicinity.

 

[backbayreef]

You’ll love the MP60s but I wouldn’t get rid of those gyres — they move some serious water on top of the surface! The MP60s provide different flow patterns. I got 2xXF350, 2xXF330, and 2xMP60 on a 8x3x2.5 — flow is incredible!

Cleaning the gyres ain’t bad - just twist off the ends and soak in citric acid and reinstall.

 

[Chris Spaulding]

An mp 40 will move tropic Eden 3.5 reef flakes at 65%

That said, I like the no cords.
I have 4x MP40s on my 320 gallon. And ended up adding 2x gyers (spent a lot of time hiding the 2 cables)
The MP40s will move my sand which is very coarse and heavy. To the point where I designed and printed flow redirectors for the lower ones.

If insufficient flow due to coral growth is a problem, consider more smaller pumps fore multiple placements.
Bigger pumps in the same spot will like move sand and burn the coral in its immediate vicinity.

Yes I have 2 mp40 and 2 330 on my 5ft 150 Sps with the 3.5 miso and the sand at the center front has blown elsewhere. I really like that combo. With this 8ft tank I am just not sure.

 

[cilyjr]

I hear you, you're clearly not inexperienced.
I stand by believing that the mp60 is too big. You'll put one on either side and end up having to throttle it way back because of blowing sand or burnt tips near the pump and you will negate getting any extra flow from it.

If I were in your situation and I was at one point, I would put multiple smaller pumps along the back wall.

 

[Ghostbuster]

Six pumps here on my 8’ tank. Three on each side; two provide direct flow across the back

 

[Chris Spaulding]

ATM I have 2- 350 one on each side running SPS program (Cloud Addition) with maintenance time slots running 100%. Rear Center a 350 30% random. On each closer to the back Neptune Wav pointed slightly up running variable patterns throughout the day up to 70%. I do have 2 more Wavs that I could use if needed. Will Try to post picture tonight.

 

[Chris Spaulding]

I hear you, you're clearly not inexperienced.
I stand by believing that the mp60 is too big. You'll put one on either side and end up having to throttle it way back because of blowing sand or burnt tips near the pump and you will negate getting any extra flow from it.

If I were in your situation and I was at one point, I would put multiple smaller pumps along the back wall.

The hardest part about that is access to the back is not as easy and the acrylic is 3/4 inch. I was thinking of maybe adding 2 wavs that I have to the overflows.But once again more cords in the tank.

 

[backbayreef]

Unless your SPS is growing like weeds, I think that’s adequate — you can test with some ReefEnergy AB+

 

[Chris Spaulding]

Not many corals in this tank atm as it is new and going through some uglies. I do know when I feed this tank nothing stay at the bottom everything is kept in suspension. No SPS in this tank atm just a large Hammer 1 smaller one , couple torches, elegance and few Zoe frags to start Zoe gardens. all are along the bottom of the tank.

 

[cilyjr]

Not many corals in this tank atm as it is new and going through some uglies. I do know when I feed this tank nothing stay at the bottom everything is kept in suspension. No SPS in this tank atm just a large Hammer 1 smaller one , couple torches, elegance and few Zoe frags to start Zoe gardens. all are along the bottom of the tank.

This is the time to get equipment where you want it for sure.

The hardest part about that is access to the back is not as easy and the acrylic is 3/4 inch. I was thinking of maybe adding 2 wavs that I have to the overflows.But once again more cords in the tank.

I think I would get a few MP40s over the 60 and have a little money for another 40 down the road.
That's my opinion.

 

[Chris Spaulding]

Still running this through my head. I do not like how often I need to clean the Gyers to keep them at peak performance. After about 2 weeks the really slow down.

Thoughts on 4 Mp40s one each side 2 on back wall. Or 2 Mp60 one each side and 1 mp40 back wall or 2 mp 40 on back wall.