Pump Help

I am trying to decide on what vortech pumps to get for my custom tank being built. 32''wide x 32'' long x 18'' high. The tank also has an island overflow in the dead center of the tank that spans 8''x8''. I am thinking of trying two vortech mp10's one on one corner and the other kitty-corner to it, so that each side would have flow. What do you guys think? Will 2 MP10's give me enough flow? I would like to keep the cost below $450. Any info is helpful!

 

I would use at least 2 MP20s and one one either end of the 32" span. I don't think the MP10s will give you enough flow. You don't want to invest that much money, then realize they don't work well in your situation.

 

Why not just go closed loop?

I'd rather use 4 loc-line returns (1 on each side of the overflow) with a large return pump. You could add an OM 2 or 4-way if you wanted to simulate wave action. If could also add some Y's to the loc-line to add more nozzles.

 

I did think about using four loc line tubes as I do have a fairly large return pump that I have had to choke back quite a bit in my 72 gallon bow front..I just was not sure how to get the wave action with a closed loop. I really would like to simulate the waves that the vortechs produce.

 

I'm not sure what you are looking to do with or house in this tank, but I just ran through some quick numbers.

Your tank volume is 70.9 Gallons - 4.4 Gallons for the overflow = 66.5 gallons total DT volume.

There are several options from Ocean Motions.

Their squirt,could handle up to 1000gph, and 4 outlets. 1000gph/66.5G = 15.04 times tank turnover per hour maximum, for $150. They also offer a bypass kit for an additional $17.50 that lets you operate a pump over 1000gph by adding another static (always on) return line for the additional GPH over 1000.

Their Super Squirt can handle 2500 gph, and uses 4 outlets. 2500 gph/66.5 = 37.5 times turnover per hour maximum. Costs $260. Nice thing about this one is that it has 2 different drums that can be easily replaced, an opposed drum and an increasing drum.

 

I've got just a little more to add now that I have more time.

I'm a big fan of the OM Squirt. Their original 4-way unit was WAY over-size and expensive for the typical sized tank. The Squirt is about the same price as a single MP20, and when coupled with the over-sized return pump on your current 72, should save you quite a bit of cash as long as your replacement return pump for the 72 isn't $250 over your previous budget.

Considering that the loc-line outlets would be aimed towards each face of the tank, I'd personally use the Opposed fire drum, so that opposite sides of the tank fire at the same time (back and front, then left and right). It'll provide a nice surging back and forth action. It seems like the increasing drum would almost make the tank water swirl since the output in the tank would be rotating (left, back, right, front).