Switching to MP10s in a nano mixed reef?

[xXsky96]

Hello!

I've been having great success for the past few months with my tank started in august 2019. I added some SPS 2 months ago and only a birdsnest died ( No idea why, the acros are fine tho..!)

I have sketchy flow, let's be honest here. I used the pumps I had laying around and I want to up my game. I want to add 2 mp10s but I feel like this is too much.

I have a 22 gallon AIO, 16g in the display. It's 17 inches wide, 15.5 high ( at least to the waterline) and 14 inches deep. I currently have 3 powerheads and one return pump. I have approx. 1000 GPH of flow.

I was thinking on placing the mp10s on each side of my aquarium. Is this a good idea? Pic of the tank

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[kevin_e]

I have 2 MP 10s on my 50 cube blowing full blast TONS of flow. Noticed one of my new acro frags was actually stressed today from the flow. Maybe too much for a 16g. I would honestly consider the Icecap, Maxspect or Red Sea gyre style pump.

 

[xXsky96]

Gyre in a 16g? Sounds a bit intense to me... Although I am unfamiliar with this method. Would 1 mp10 suffice? I fear that 1 may not be enough.

 

[kevin_e]

Gyre in a 16g? Sounds a bit intense to me... Although I am unfamiliar with this method. Would 1 mp10 suffice? I fear that 1 may not be enough.

2 MP 10s would be more overkill than a gyre. One Gyre at 100% is 2300 GPH. Two MP10s at 100% are 3000+. One MP10 at 100% would be 1500+. I say split the difference with the Gyre. Run it at 50% and save $300.

I think you will get more even flow with a gyre in that tank. A nicer footprint in that tank too, imo. I don't think you need more than 1000 GPH in that tank, even for SPS.

 

[xXsky96]

I've done a bit of research and yes, the gyre would be an interesting option ( and saves the bank! ) Do you think I could get away with only one gyre vertically and my return pump?

 

[kevin_e]

I've done a bit of research and yes, the gyre would be an interesting option ( and saves the bank! ) Do you think I could get away with only one gyre vertically and my return pump?

Absolutely. I think that would be fine, although I think I have read that horizontal is a little better. I think 55x tank volume for flow in an SPS tank is good. 1 Gyre creates that at 50%.

This is all my opinion of course. Hopefully others will chime in.