mp10 -> mp20 -> mp40: Gradual power increase, or exponential?

[Nerdy Nudi]

Hello again,

Ive decided on the vortech mp20's due to our recent conversation. However, Im am undecided whether or not I should upgrade to the mp40 or get a pair of mp10s for supplemental flow.

I would like to know what kind of power increase there is from going from one mp up the line to the other. I have 2 assumptions and would like you to correct me.

1. the mp10 is not too far off what an mp20 can do due to its updated design from 3 years of engineering. instead, the main difference is application; where the mp10 will be far more comfortable in a smaller enviornment than its chunkier sibling, the mp20.

2. the mp40 is a much greater upgrade from the mp20 than the mp20 is from an mp10. the former produces a far more visible increase in flow than the latter.

I base this on the specs and from visual observations. The "throw" of the mp20's seems very similar to that of the mp10, and the documented flow rate is only 25% greater. The mp40 has an increase of 60% over the mp20.

I had planned on using a combination of pairs, tunze and vortechs, but have since fallen in love with the idea of less cords and heat in the tank. I plan on having all vortechs on the rear glass pane to maximize the aquarium aesthetic.

In this orientation, would it be beneficial to have two mp20s and 2 mp10s or just 2 mp40's?

thanks again for all the help.

[unbreakable]

how big is your tank where the vortechs will go in?

[Nerdy Nudi]

sorry about that,

75g, with just an island or two of rock. no rock wall, aim is for open, lagoon effect.

though about centering the mp20's on the rear, so they would be responsible each for an 18x24" area. now Im debating getting the 40's or a pair of 10s to pick up on dead spots. unless just another 20 would do.

I would like the best combo that give me the widest and largest amount of flow.

[unbreakable]

if its a standard 75g i would think youd have problems with flow.. like the flow would hit the front glass and just push all the sand towards the back. if its a peninsula tank, put them on the pane where the overflow box is

i have 2 mp40w on my standard 75g, one on each side, but one is closer to the front while the other is closer to the back. it kind of creates a gyre effect since all my rock is in the middle and not stacked up against the back

i think if you can afford it, 2 mp40w would be the best, if not mp20s would work but they wont communicate to each other

[Nerdy Nudi]

The pumps will all be on the back glass.

Ill wait to see what Tim says before making the final decision, as the difference in power between the pumps will dictate which combination I will use.

[EcoTech Marine]

1) the width of the flow on the MP10 is smaller than on the MP20. This is more important in large tanks than nanos. I think the flow produced by the MP20 is more appropriate for your 75gallon than an MP10 would be, but if you just need circulation in specific areas then the MP10 may work well.

2) Purely in terms of specifications, this assumption is correct. The MP40w upgrade gives you over 50% more flow than on an MP20. MP40w's definitely pack a punch.