180 gallon reef tank

[chriz2]

I was hoping I can get some advice on a 180 gallon reef build. I just recently purchased a 180 gallon RR tank with corner overflows and also came w/ a 75 gallon sump and a Iwaki md 70 pump. Drains are 1' and returns 3/4'. My question is do I split the line in the middle and run both returns on one pump, or do I use a mag12 I have and have 2 separate pumps returning to separate returns.

[shifty51008]

you can split the line from one pump to run both returns.

[welcome]

[chriz2]

Thanks
Do you think that's going to be enough flow

[maddmaxx]

Thanks
Do you think that's going to be enough flow

more then enough flow. a return pump on a sump is supposed to be slow flow. you don't want most of your flow in your main tank coming from your return pump. you want the water to be slower goin thru your sump so it has more time to be properly cleaned (the whole reason for the sump)... so one pump, split the line and your onto your next project for the tank....

[chriz2]

Great. how many power heads would you use and at what gph

[msderganc]

I'm building something similar and planning on two mp40s and one mp10, but I've seen people use mp60s as well. The jebao wp40s are a good deal with similar flow.

It really depends on what you plan on keeping.

[maddmaxx]

atleast 2. one on each end. and gph depends on what you wanna keep in the tank, and how much you wanna spend. you could spend like $50-$60 on ehhh ok ones, orrr $200 on really decent ones (better option) orrr spend $1000 on the best pumps in the hobby (not really needed if your goin wit a simpe tank)....

[maddmaxx]

I'm building something similar and planning on two mp40s and one mp10, but I've seen people use mp60s as well. The jebao wp40s are a good deal with similar flow.

It really depends on what you plan on keeping.

those are the pumps I just posted about. the vortech MP40s are serious, not sure an MP10 will work on the 180 glass thinkness. and stay away from a MP60. you want two pumps in a 6 foot long tank, not just one....and the wp40s is what I was referring to on the $200 decent pumps. I will be purchasing 2 of these for my 220g mixed reef myself...

[chriz2]

I was thinking 2 900 gph on the bottom back side of the tank and 2 1200 gph on the top front side of tank pointing at each other. Also thinking of keeping all my lps and softies that I will be transferring from my 100 gallon reef

[Joe0813]

I have two MP40s that work really well.. never had a problem with them at all

[chriz2]

Thanks for all the help

[AkaSlyGuy]

I have a 180 reef ready tank and started off with 2 mp40's. I later sold them and now have 2 tunze 6105's and I am very happy I have them. I know everyone has an opinion but you should at least check them out. For me, they are quieter than the mp40's were.

Joe