SPS in my Reefer 170

[Dan Kyle]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum but have been cruising threads of all kinds for some time. I haven’t really had a reason to register and post until now. I need some advice which would be greatly received. I’d just like to say I’m not new to the hobby, I’ve had several reef ranks previously but my current one is the Red Sea Reefer 170 with the Hydra 26HD LED unit. I mainly have SPS frags in my reef with a few LPS colonies (acans, torch and a long tentacle plate). I’m having a difficult time with flow in my tank. I am using 1x Vortech MP10WQD and currently it’s positioned on the left hand side near to the front. I have moved it several times hoping to achieve decent flow. It’s been on the back wall. Left side near the back, right side at the front, right side at the back and it’s driving me insane! I have great flow specifically on the bottom right of the aquarium and this is where some of my SPS frags are housed. I believe they are doing great. I’m seeing full polyp extension. However, I also have SPS frags near to the top of tank and it seems to be a bit of a dead spot where flow is concerned.

Should I ideally be running 2x MP10’s and if so where is best in this aquarium to place them? Directly opposite each other? Both of them on the back wall (left and right)? I would like to add that I’m currently running my MP10 on reef crest mode and it’s set to 50%. If I go higher and I have tried the flow is too strong in my opinion and it seems to pee off the corals more than anything. I’m looking for suitable flow for an SPS dominated tank as this is what I have more of.

I look forward to getting some advice.

 

[Dsnakes]

Welcome to R2R :)

I think you would benefit from 2 flow sources to help with coverage and potentially more random flow. There are definitely plenty of members here with SPS dominated tanks that will be able to help with placement.

#WelcomeToR2R

 

[GoVols]

Dan,
Thanks for signing up and hope you feel at home.

The smallest Gyre could be a good move too.

I loath adjusting flow. It takes a lot of patience, but you will find the sweet spot.

I used to be a flow monster, but since I tuned it down, my acro's have way better polyp extension, and their glowing out more evenly too.

But... I run bare bottom so the flow just glides along.

Freddie

 

[Dan Kyle]

Thanks both for your input. Am I right in thinking that the smallest gyre would be the XF230 model? I have been looking at these but the price is way out of budget right now. If I could get one because my MP10 is on the left hand side glass would it be wise to place the gyre on the right hand side? So they are opposite each other.

It is an absolute nightmare with flow. When I adjust it on my MP10 my SPS will be alright but my LPS don’t like it at all so it’s really difficult to get the balance right. Why did I want a mixed reef?!

 

[NY_Caveman]

Welcome to R2R! I think opposing would be the position I would try with two MP10s. One low and one high on opposite sides.

I like the gyre movement as well. Very gentle, but full. My 30 gallon display (on a 45 gallon AIO) has dual returns at 300 GPH each with a VCA Random Flow Generator on the nozzle. The only other pump is a 1k gyre positioned vertically. It is pretty small at about 1,000 GPH. The length is 8.8”, but it can also be run as a single propeller at 6.7”. Everything mostly stays suspended off of the bare bottom. I have considered adding a second gyre to the other side just to see what kind of pattern I can create, but I am not certain it is necessary.

 

[Dan Kyle]

Hi Caveman,

I am definitely looking at getting another MP10 because I already own one and I know how good these are. I’m a little concerned if I was to place it low down that it could move the sand bed? It’s certainly worth a try though.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Hi Caveman,

I am definitely looking at getting another MP10 because I already own one and I know how good these are. I’m a little concerned if I was to place it low down that it could move the sand bed? It’s certainly worth a try though.

Yeah. I would agree. I meant as low as you could. It may work with both in the back as well considering the width in that tank. Definitely will be fun playing around with it. The optimum set up will depend a lot on your rock work.

 

[Dan Kyle]

I appreciate your advice. I will definitely check it out and see how it works for me. You are right about the optimum set being dependant on my rock scape. My rock scape is central and quite near to the surface about 10” away.

 

[bar|none]

What ended up working out. I have the same tank as you and want to a similar flow setup. I currently have one mp10 with another arriving next week.

 

[Dan Kyle]

What ended up working out. I have the same tank as you and want to a similar flow setup. I currently have one mp10 with another arriving next week.

Hi Bar,

I have 2 mp10s in my reefer 170. Both are on the side walls. Right one towards the front and the left one towards the back just in front of the chamber. Provides great flow all round. Both are running on 60% constant with it lowering down to just 40% at night.