Frank Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 Ok... here is the question? I picked up a new tank and I am going to move my old 120 into the new 150 peninsula. I have one Vortex MP 40 and looking at getting another... Should I do a closed loop or just run these two bad boys? Also my returns will be (2) 3/4 sea swirls and (2) 3/4 inlets for return flow....what pump should I use for this? (Being setup in living room so keeping the noise level down is a must). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 2 mp40s plus closed loop and return? man, that tank is gonna be hummin, gonna have to get some pics up for sure frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 In-tank circulation is a lot more power-efficient than a closed loop, FWIW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted January 29, 2010 Author Share Posted January 29, 2010 I thinking of 2 mp40s plus or a closed loop that is my question? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted January 29, 2010 Author Share Posted January 29, 2010 In-tank circulation is a lot more power-efficient than a closed loop' date=' FWIW.[/quote'] This is what I'm thinking... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stylaster Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 I would do the two mp40s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowpunk Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 no closed loop, and run a return pump of at least a Dart(low noise and power consumption) Also may want to upgrade those 3/4" seaswirls with two 1" to help limit the head pressure coming from a return pump like the dart... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pledosophy Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 I would do two MP40's IMO. Especially being in the living room for noise. Closed loops are great because they are so easy to hide, but with some work you can hide powerheads pretty well as well IMO. Having the alternating powers of the Vortechs will be very handy. Congrats on the new tank. Let me know if you need any help moving stuff around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyK Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 I have a 120g 48x24x24. Run a dart closed loop and an mp40. I get more water movement from my mp40 than my dart. I have been thinking about getting another mp40 and shutting down the dart or just using it to "blast" rocks occasionally. My closed loop is an over the top with 3/4" loc-line in each top corner. Just an opionion but I really like my mp40. goodluck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bitricker Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 I say give me the MP40's, and go for the closed loop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowpunk Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 I say give me the MP40's' date=' and go for the closed loop.[/quote'] and I'll take the other one I guess(scratch) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadams7 Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 IME the closed loop 'potential' rewards do not equal the cost and hassle. If you REALLY hate the look of powerheads then sure, but otherwise I would not do one, and have had both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 And besides, the vortech are so much smaller than comparable powerheads, and they take up such a minute amount of space compared to say a K8, thats its worth it to just use the 2 mp40s and forget about the closed looop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy-S Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 another problem with closed loops is no matter how hard you plan the closed loop and rockscape the coral growth will eventually be in the way. In tank flow you just move it closed look your s-o-l Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spectra Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Just stick with the 40s like we were talking about. Remember the 40s can be turned up and down by hand or run on the reef crest mode(rock2) great setting. Plus they look sexy in the tank compared to a pc of lock line or a black hole:D Another advantage they come right out of the tank for a quick dip in the vinegar if they need to be cleaned(clap) Try that with a closed loop oh and good luck cleaning itDOH! I love the vortechs and will be running one or maybe two when my new set up gets going. Good luck with the new tank oh and GET SOME PICS POSTED(whistle) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted January 31, 2010 Author Share Posted January 31, 2010 ok...so it looks like everyone who just set up new tanks and went with a closed loop on it...recommend to go with MP40's instead. WHY? Although I have taken the advise to move forward with the MP40's...yeah! But....want to know why everyone suggested them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy-S Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 i don't sugest mp40 in my case I dont think they are a good fit. I cannot control the direction of the flow enough and for 750 bucks for two of them for my tank I think there are a lot of other flow options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskerduck Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 i don't sugest mp40 in my case I dont think they are a good fit. I cannot control the direction of the flow enough and for 750 bucks for two of them for my tank I think there are a lot of other flow options.They flow everywhere, unlike directionals that shoot a skinnier stream. In my 155gal I cant see a single place that doesnt have current and realistic current at that. I had listed last week people could have got 2 MP40s for $660, still alot of money but what else has the width/power/flexibility/nite mode/feed mode/reef crest/lagoon/pulses (waves) and looks great in the tank for that price? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy-S Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 i have two ss from my last tank and two directional prop style flow pumps and like you have no dead spots random flowfor a lot less jack in my 200 gal. I know you guys like your mp's but there are plenty of options to look at. I would still not choose a mp for my cube because i will only mount these flow devises on the back wall the other three sides are viewable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwcoralfarm Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 I too would like to hear more about why everyone is so against a closed loop. I have never had one myself but in theory it has always sounded like a great way to go. Secondly are the Mp40's or other comparable powerheads really that reliable? I am asking honestly cause I have never ran them either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 On my closed loop I have 4 lines pushing water straight up the back wall of the tank. Coral placement is not an issue and it would be difficult (maybe impossible) to provide the same flow at the back with just power heads. I also run 2 power heads though as well. If I had to make a choice between them I would choose just the power heads however I still prefer having both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R-3 Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Hey Frank I just purchased two Tunze 6101's w/ a multicontroller and I cant believe I waited this long without it!! They are absolutely amazing. My fish and corals are loving life now. It makes my poor MJ mods look like there was never any flow Get a set of Tunzes or Vortechs and you will be very happy. One selling point for the Tunzes is their customer service and that fact you can get a used set of 6101's (over 3000gph each) and a multicontroller all day for the cost of 1 new Vortech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 yeah R-3 that's why I am going with the MP40 since it gives 3000gph. Dont know any other pump that will give me that. And...they are moveable. Being able to run multiple programs is a big plus as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R-3 Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 yeah R-3 that's why I am going with the MP40 since it gives 3000gph. Dont know any other pump that will give me that. And...they are moveable. Being able to run multiple programs is a big plus as well. The Tunze 6101's are rated up to 3170GPH, each Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskerduck Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 i have two ss from my last tank and two directional prop style flow pumps and like you have no dead spots random flowfor a lot less jack in my 200 gal. I know you guys like your mp's but there are plenty of options to look at. I would still not choose a mp for my cube because i will only mount these flow devises on the back wall the other three sides are viewable.I think thats where vortechs shine the most, as long as you have 2-1/4" behind the tank and Im suprised no one has shot a video of when they first install these, the crap that comes out of every crevice is amazing and its one of the times you get to witness the powerful Undertow these produce as it pulls things at high speeds across the bottom of the tank without blowing any sand. This video is kinda crappy but if you watch the bottom it sort of demonstrates it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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