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Unread 08/09/2016, 02:45 PM   #1
malx
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Flow for SPS/Zoa

Hi, All.

About to stock my tank with SPS/Zoa. I have a minimal aquascape and two MP40 pumps on ONE side of my tank (it's Peninsula style) and the returns on the other. My tank is small. 55 gallons and 36" x 20" x 20." The pumps are in Reef Crest / Tidal mode both Sync and Anti-sync at different times throughout the day. I had them max out at 45% but it's creating some really nasty bare spots. I know SPS requires a lot of flow. Do you think I can get away with 25% max flow on these pumps? That would work well with my sand bed.

Let me know what everyone's thoughts are.
Joey


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Unread 08/09/2016, 02:53 PM   #2
malx
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Here's a pic




Can't move the pumps up due to overflow in the way.


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Unread 08/09/2016, 07:45 PM   #3
thegrun
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I would still try to move them up almost tight to the overflow box. With two MP-40s at 25% you would have 40 turn overs not counting your return pump, so your flow is fine. You would really be better off with MP-10's in your tank so you could get a wider fluctuation in flow, MP pumps will only turn down to 20% minimum, even if you were to program in say 10%, the pumps will still run at 20%.


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Unread 08/09/2016, 08:20 PM   #4
malx
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thegrun View Post
I would still try to move them up almost tight to the overflow box. With two MP-40s at 25% you would have 40 turn overs not counting your return pump, so your flow is fine. You would really be better off with MP-10's in your tank so you could get a wider fluctuation in flow, MP pumps will only turn down to 20% minimum, even if you were to program in say 10%, the pumps will still run at 20%.
Thanks for the tip. I;ve changed my mode to be 30% in Lagoon mode most of the time. I think my SPS will like that because Lagoon mode is less variable and more on the higher flow side opposed to Reef Crest. If I was able to run them 70-80% with out stirring up the sand bed I'd do RC mode.

I've moved them up as far as I can. Let's see how that makes out.

How did you measure turn overs? BTW my Return Pump is a Vectra M1 DC pump that runs at 30%. My tank is 55 gallons.


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Unread 08/09/2016, 09:14 PM   #5
thegrun
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I figured that your MP-40 at 25% would provide 1125 GPH (4500 x .25). That's a ballpark figure, but your MP-40s deliver 4500 GPH at 100%, the flow rates are not completely linear, but for our purposes linear equations get you close enough.


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Unread 08/09/2016, 09:30 PM   #6
malx
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thegrun View Post
I figured that your MP-40 at 25% would provide 1125 GPH (4500 x .25). That's a ballpark figure, but your MP-40s deliver 4500 GPH at 100%, the flow rates are not completely linear, but for our purposes linear equations get you close enough.


Hrm yeah that's a lot of flow. Lol. These things are powerful.


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Unread 08/09/2016, 10:24 PM   #7
keiferd
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IMO Nutrients and lighting is more important for Zoa's. I am a Noob though. I have no Idea about SPS.


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Unread 08/09/2016, 10:27 PM   #8
malx
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Originally Posted by keiferd View Post
IMO Nutrients and lighting is more important for Zoa's. I am a Noob though. I have no Idea about SPS.


SPS don't like high nutrients but all corals love to eat so I'll have to target fees them.


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Unread 08/11/2016, 10:09 AM   #9
malx
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So here's what ended up to be my final pump setting. There are two MP40s total. They are on the same side so I have them synced except for one RC mode which isn't synced. It's indicated by the red arrow: http://screencast.com/t/1q8qo3jsXz8V

I am picking up some test Zoas and SPS this weekend. Let's see how they like that.

Cheers,
Joey


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Unread 08/11/2016, 11:32 AM   #10
thegrun
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That program looks pretty good, you might want to add one more hour long 50% peak midday to stir things up.


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Unread 08/11/2016, 12:16 PM   #11
malx
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Originally Posted by thegrun View Post
That program looks pretty good, you might want to add one more hour long 50% peak midday to stir things up.
On what mode? 50% peak on RC / Lagoon will rape my sandbed.


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