a Vortech question or two...

Hello to All,

I am very intrigued with the Vortechs. I want very much to get at least one for my up and coming 50 breeder. I understand the concept of the variable flows and awesome controls etc. I LOVE the fact that there are NO cords in the water. I am trying very hard this time around to eliminate cords and clutter from the new tank.

That said....

Question for those who use them: Might it be better for me to purchase 2 of the 10s and place them at each end?
Is it better to have flow coming from opposite ends?

If I went with a single 20, even though I can vary the flow, won't it still wind up being basically unidirectional?

The tank is 36 X 18 X 18. I certainly do not want to spend money unnecessarily, nor do i want to blow my corals and livestock out of the tank with the flow, only to peel them off my livingroom walls and ceiling, but I have definitely learned with my current 29g and 2 Koralias the extreme importance of flow everywhere to help keep the tank healthy.

Any thoughts?

Looks to me like they are one control box per pump. Am i correct in my understanding that you cant just get one box and control more than one pump with it? what about Tunze pumps?

As usual I get overwhelmed by all this recent technology.

Thanks for your help and patience with my lack of understanding.

elizabeth

 

I would advise for the two mp10's. This way you can run them at a lower speed to conserve energy and the life of the pump.

IMO, the more flow coming from different angles, the better.

Yes, but the undertow on the vortechs is tremendous. I used to run only one mp40 in the 80g and it was moving all of the water just fine. I did end up buying a second mp40 but that was so I could run the pumps at lower speeds.

This is another reason why I would suggest you go with two mp10's. In order to get the pump to reach across your tank, you'll need to turn it up a bit. Anything near the pump will certainly get a lot of flow, maybe too much.

Correct, each vortech pump must have the controller box along with it. This is a nice feature. You can set each pump's speed depending on what corals/livestock is near the pump. If they all were controlled solely by one box, you would have to have all the pumps at the same speed.

I've never heard a bad thing about Tunzes but they will have cords in your water.

 

I would go with a pair of 10s as well. See above for reasons.

I ran a MP40 in my 45 gal 36x12x18 Was way too much flow. A 20 would have been enough.

 

Thank you for the prompt and comprehensive response. You bring up a lot of good points I had not considered since I have no practical experience with these.

They are obvious an excellent product as so many of you out there have them or are getting them soon.

This helps me plan budget-wise as well.

Say I go the double 10 route - I assume both would want to be put on the same type flow cycle? At feeding time I use each remote to turn switch its dedicated pump to feed mode?

It would be nice if you could slave one to the other or whatever. Again, if i sound silly, its the ignorance talking out loud right now

Hopefully this helps someone else trying to make the same decision as I am.

 

They make a wireless version now for 10s. This would allow linking of the units. Would automatically match modes, speeds, night modes, etc.

You can run both pumps on the same style of flow, I do. This does not mean you have to. You can switch it up. Reef Crest on one, and a pulse on the other, or something different. The possibilities are a lot of fun to play with.

 

cool beans...sounds like all i will need is a disco ball and some lasers!

In all seriousness, I am glad I asked this question out loud on here. Just want to be sure before i invest the money.

My reefcleaners rock shipped out yesterday (Yay!) and i will have those to play with (forget Legos, just gimme some rocks!)...this go-round, I will hopefully be creating rock structures that are definitely "flow friendly".

Time to add (2) 10s to my shopping list then!

 

if your planning on keeping mostly SPS, I would go for the double mp-10 option, but if softies and LPS are more your thing a single MP-10 should be fine.

~Will.

 

Mp 20

For your size tank I think (As I have a 59gal 36x24x16) that one MP 20 would do fine In your tank. The great thing about Vortechs Is the flow goes to every corner of your tank and leaves no dead spots like other powerheads, Believe me I have Tunze's and the MP 20 really suprised me.
If your not happy you can easily upgrade the 20 to a MP 40 very easy and cheaply FYI. And you do need a controller for each pump, But they each come with one! JMHO
Bill;D

 

another good reason to get 2 10s would be to take advvantage of the new eco smart modes, tidal swell and nutrient export. i just put one mp40w ES on my 90, and now want to put another one on the other end and turn them both down to around 60%.

but for now the one 40 does not leave any dead spots.

 

everyone's input has been awesome....i look forward to joining your ranks!

thanks all!

elizabeth