MP40wES recommendation for 200DD

[returnofsid]

I have a Marineland 200 Deep Dimension, 48"X36"X27" tall. It's been set up for about 6 years. On each end I've had a modded Maxijet (1200gph each) and a Koralia 3 (850 gph each), again, one of each on each end of the tank for a total of 2 Modded Maxijets and 2 Koralia 3s. I also have a Mag18 return pump, returning through 2X3/4 SeaSwirls that do not rotate (The SeaSwirls are used for returns but the motors are unplugged).

This tank is predominately SPS, with some LPS and Zoanthids and a couple clams in lower flow areas. I do have a shallow sand bed.

I just purchased 1 MP40wES and mounted it on the left side, almost centered. Eventually I'd like to purchase a second MP40wES but it'll be awhile before I can afford it. Here comes my questions...

I assume that I can now remove the modded Maxijet and Koralia 3, from the left hand side (same side as the MP40wES). What about the modded Maxijet and Koralia 3 on the other end of the tank?

Should I leave those for now, until I can purchase the second MP40wES?

Will the single MP40wES be adequate for this tank, IF I were to remove ALL other power heads?

For a predominately SPS tank, which mode and speed would most be recommended?

The water level is almost touching the center brace so I'm concerned about creating a wave. I'm not sure if it's possible to lower the water level, in the display or not.

Thanks so much for the advice, in advance!!

[JT3069]

i have two mp40's on my 90 gallon, i couldn't imagine 2 being enough on a 200g
2 mp40's + the mjmodded may work
i use reefcrest most of the time, it will not make a standing wave.
but with only two you may have to play with it to find the right mode for you

[returnofsid]

That's what I was beginning to think. I think I'll put the 2 modded Maxijets on the opposite side of the MP40wES and remove both Koralia3s. Maybe I'll place one of the Koralia3s on the back, facing forward.

[MammothReefer]

Seems like rather low flow for an SPS tank of that size. I'm not sure you could even get away with 2 mp40s. On my 5x3x2 tank I had to run 4 large tunzes back in the days.

[JT3069]

can't really comment
you will just have to play around

[Bigcefa]

I'm curious to why you don't have the sea swirls operating?

[returnofsid]

Seems like rather low flow for an SPS tank of that size. I'm not sure you could even get away with 2 mp40s. On my 5x3x2 tank I had to run 4 large tunzes back in the days.

OOOPS!! My original post is incorrect. The 2 Modded Maxijets are each running the 2200 GPH props, for a total of about 7300 GPH, including the 2XKoralia3s and the Mag 18, with about a 300 GPH loss to head pressure. I'm happy to be able to not only increase that, with the MP40, but also create "better flow."

[Breakbeats2334]

If i was in your position i would get another mp40 and keep all the pumps you currently have in your tank.Depending on your rock formation if there is alot of space your older pumps on the back wall flowing tords the front glass. I have 2 mp40's in my 120 along with 2 tunze's in a sps dominated reef and i still want more flow :) For a 200 youll prob want alot more flow then that over time.

PS Reef crest is my fav mode for sps

[returnofsid]

I'm curious to why you don't have the sea swirls operating?

I need to have both rebuilt.

[JT3069]

If i was in your position i would get another mp40 and keep all the pumps you currently have in your tank.Depending on your rock formation if there is alot of space your older pumps on the back wall flowing tords the front glass. I have 2 mp40's in my 120 along with 2 tunze's in a sps dominated reef and i still want more flow For a 200 youll prob want alot more flow then that over time.

PS Reef crest is my fav mode for sps

+1 two mp40s on my 90 don't seem like enough
i'll be going to two mp60's next year once the corals get bigger

[MammothReefer]

If your tight on funds just buy them used. All my Vortechs have been used except for 1 that I bought during a black friday sale.

[jnc914]

I have the exact same tank and run 2-MP40w. I recently switched them from the sides of the tank to the back wall and am getting better flow. I also run reefcrest mode a majority of the time. I also run Tunze 6105 on each side, dialed back quite a bit.

[jrpdriver]

Obviously it will always vary form tank to tank depending on rockwork and the size of the sps colonies but if it is indeed a full blown sps tank I would run all the pumps you currently have and the MP40. For a full sps tank I would think you need every bit of all those pump for a tank that size, I had 6 MP40's on my 300g and I had a couple spots that could have used more flow.

[Mock]

I run 2 MP40s and 2 koralia mag 6's and 2 4's in my 250 along with my blueline 100 return and I still dont think I have any where near the flow I want.

I can make the tank rock with them though..... just takes some tuning in. Nothing like a Tunze Wavebox would though... I have been debating adding one.

[blakers82]

I would leave those pumps in the tank. I have 3 MP40Ws in my 150gal skinny. 2 on the ends and 1 centerd on the back glass. Its not enough flow for me and I need to sneak my Tunze back in there somewhere.

You can always try to hide some of those pumps behind OR IN your rock work. ;)

[returnofsid]

In the near future I'm going to be doing a bit of re-aquascaping...major re-aquascaping actually. Once that's done, I'll mess with the locations of all of the power heads. As has been suggested, by many of you, I now think I'll leave all of the other power heads in the tank, at least until I purchase a second MP40wES. At that point, I'd like to either remove both Koralia3s or place them behind the rock and low, out of view, to gain flow in the back of the tank.