Flow Question — SPS System & Number of VorTechs

[nickkohrn]

I have a Waterbox 100.3, which contains roughly 75 gallons of water in the display tank and measures roughly 36” long, 24” wide, and 22” tall. The display is bare-bottom and filled with SPS frags that reside on a bonsai structure. Below are photos that show what I have described.

As you can see, I have two MP40s on the rear glass; one on each side of the overflow box. I have them on Reefcrest at a maximum of 70%, which moves the water well.

I have been thinking about adding two more MP40s; one on each side, opposing each other. That would allow me to set all pumps on Tidal Swell and lower them to 40-50%. I think that would create a better randomized flow pattern throughout the day, and it would allow for less areas for detritus to collect, possibly moving all, if not most, of it into the overflow.

I’m not worried about the cost of the pumps because I have a bunch of points to use when purchasing them. I’m concerned with the possible health benefits of my system as a whole when considering the addition of two more MP40s.

Do you think that adding two more would be beneficial?

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Two MP40 should be plenty in a tank that size in my opinion. Try moving the two you already have to the sides, and maybe set one to anti-sync the other. Play around with the positioning and mode setting to find what works best.

 

[homer1475]

I have two mp10's, 2 jebao pp8's, and one gyre in my 80 cube(32x24x24).

My 2 mp10's are on the side glass on reefcrest @ 75%, 2 PP8's on the back glass firing off at random times and powers(via apex), then the gyre I only use for top water movement, and that runs at random times and powers(controlled via apex).

Might give you an idea on the flow and intensity in my tank, but I also have a lot of rock blocking quite a bit of that flow which you do not have. I would think in that size tank and the minimal rockwork, the 2 40's should be plenty. Just experiment with position and intensity.

Just to experiment, pick up a couple cheap jebaos, and play with their placement and intensities. If you find your corals like the extra flow, then pony up for the extra 40's. I find it's always better to run more pumps on lower settings, then less pumps at higher intensities. The pumps will last longer as your not constantly pushing them to their max.

 

[ca1ore]

I’m in the ‘hard to have too much flow’ camp - particularly if you don’t have sand to get kicked up. Will two more MP40 make a huge difference .... probably not. As the frags grow more points of flow are better IME.

 

[hatfielj]

That's more then enough flow in that tank if you ask me. Also, something to think about, having the extra pumps on the side glass will making cleaning your glass A LOT more of a pain. At some point in the future, when/if the corals grow in, you might need to add more flow, but for now, you're covered IMO.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I would move the MP40s to the sides and if you still need more flow add 2 MP10s to the back wall. I have 2 PP-8 pumps in my 75g sps dominated tank, they are linked in C mode at 100%. Flow is pretty good, I want to run them in random mode but it blows my sand around even on the lowest setting.