appropriate sized vortech for a 36" 30 gallon

[sedorusc]

wondering everyones thoughts. want to buy a vortech pump. debated the mp10 because it's small and mostly in my budget. don't know if a mp20 would be better. I have a mixed reef mostly sps. about 25-35lb LR. I'm currently running two tunze 6045 which is creating a good shift in my sand. I've also bought a pair of controllable koralia 3's not knowing they required the koralia controller to work. I have looked into buying the controller but wondered everyone's thoughts as to what would be better. I like the amount of flow from the tunze, but they aren't controllable. like the idea of two koralias but the controller alone is around the price range of the vortech. last don't know much about the vortechs but everyone seems to love them around here.

[rbnice1]

For a sps tank buy the mp40W you can always turn it down and they sell used for $325-350 all the time.

[sedorusc]

unfortunately money is an issue. how low can you turn them. don't want to blast my euphyllia. they are sitting under a ledge now escaping some of the flow.

[rbnice1]

You ncan turn them down to almost off. I ran 2 of them at about 80% in my 90 gallon with a hammer coral in there.

[waterloomarc]

I've got an MP-10 in my 37 gallon (24" long) and while I love it in my tank. I don't think it would be stout enough in yours given you say "mostly SPS". I do love the controllability of it and even the MP-10 will make a decent wave in my 24" tank.

But I would think the 20 or 40 would be better for you. But the MP10 does make even the Tunze nanos (I have have a 6025 also) seem huge.

[Mike31154]

Since you're on a budget, I would recommend the MP20. That will provide more than adequate flow and should you find some extra cash down the road, it is easily upgraded to MP40W with the purchase of a kit.

[sedorusc]

what is the actual upgrade? hard to do? saw that on a website and was intrigued

[addicted2reefin]

no u need the wireless wave driver and a controller.

it runs around 150

[Reefy.Dave]

+1 on the mp20w

[Mike31154]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15692497#post15692497 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sedorusc
what is the actual upgrade? hard to do? saw that on a website and was intrigued

Not hard to do at all. Just need the cash, he he. The upgrade is plug & play. You get a new driver and power supply. Plug the motor back in, tune your desired mode and you're off.

You end up with a spare driver and power supply, good back up just in case something goes awry in the future.

[sedorusc]

guess I'll have to try and sell the powerheads I have and buy the 20

[epleeds]

mp20

[gary504504]

go with the mp20w and upgrade later if need be

[19red80]

I'd go with the mp20, although I was able to generate a small wave in a 120 gallon with the mp10. Still the 20 is your best bet.

[jhoff]

I asked the same question about a week or so ago Here is the answers i receivied. My Tank has mostly sps a few soft corals. 46g bowfront.

That fish place.. the MP10 will be perfect for your 46g.

Marine depot.. MP10 is rated for tanks up to 50g.

Premium aquatics.. reccomend the MP20.

Ecotech marine.. MP20 for SPS.

Members of RC Community majority said MP20.

Jim

[SkyPapa]

I have an mp20 in my new 36x24x12 sps tank, so, mostly small pieces
It is mounted on the end opposite the returns and I get good flow at max reef crest and the coral seems happy. An mp40 would be overkill for me.

[kc350twin]

MP20. It's the poop. When or if you need more flow the upgrade is easy.