Cali Kid Corals

Flow Question for MP40/MP60 folks - Peninsula tank

derek_SR

Supporting Member
Hello - I am planning flow for a 72x30x24 peninsula (225g) with Eurobracing, and want to try and use Vortech pumps exclusively for the sake of wire management, but don't have a lot of experience with mobius or programming multiple Vortech pumps. Top down view below - I plan on 2x MP40s (or maybe 1 MP60) on each side of the overflow. I'd like for one side to run just long enough to get a good gyre going around the tank, while the others are very low or off. Then I'd like the others to kick on (with a few seconds of overlap where all 4 pumps are on) and turn the gyre the other direction for a minute or two.

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then

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Is it possible to program 2 pairs of MP40s this way with Mobius (I will not be using Apex) with such short time intervals and keep them properly synced? Including the short period of overlap with all 4 on full?

I'm aware I will probably have to add another pump or gyre on the far side, but am focused first on just getting a good, alternating gyre going after listening to the Reef Beef episode on flow.

@Beanju since I know he is considering flow for his peninsula too.

Thanks for any thoughts!
 
I believe you can do a sync and anti sync that will work that way
4 mp 40 I’ve 2 mp60 is my choice. Mp60 are not as quiet ime due to the cooling fan built in
 
Can you set up "antisync" to do like an inverse in flow power? So if the right pumps are at 100% the antisync pumps are at zero? And vice-versa?

My attempt at reading up on the antisync online was moreso that it was for pulse modes to alternate the pulses (i think to create a standing wave) rather than longer duration blasts, but there are so many modes on these vortechs deciphering it all has been difficult!
 
Can you set up "antisync" to do like an inverse in flow power? So if the right pumps are at 100% the antisync pumps are at zero? And vice-versa?

My attempt at reading up on the antisync online was moreso that it was for pulse modes to alternate the pulses (i think to create a standing wave) rather than longer duration blasts, but there are so many modes on these vortechs deciphering it all has been difficult!
I think in reef crest mode anti sync will do the opposite of the parent pump as it speeds up and slows down, so basically what you want. Not sure if you can control the timing of the speeding up and slowing down much tho
 
I *think* this can be accomplished with One pump assigned as Master, one pump assigned as slave in sync mode (the one on the same side as the master). Then the 2 pumps on the other side of the overflow in slave mode and set to anti-sync.

Running all of the pumps in "Gyre" mode would create the effect I'm looking for - albeit without the few seconds of overlap.
 
I’d probably finish the aquascape first then see how the current moves around the rocks for adjustments. When two currents in opposite directions meet with rocks in the middle it creates all kinds of back in forth motion naturally not to mention vertical adjustments so crap on the bottom gets blown up into the overflows. Sounds like a fun adventure!!
 
the Red Sea gyre pumps would work great on each side of the back wall on that peninsula. There is a great video jake did showcasing one of the peninsulas at the reef builders studio. I highly recommend checking out both those videos on the two different peninsulas there. YouTube search Reef Builders, I’ll try to post the link for you
 
I’m not debating effectiveness, but I will vote for no cords and ease/lack of maintenance for the mp40s for sure.
Then again, I’m a bucket boy so…
 
Thanks kenny, man that 2nd tank especially is incredible - so simple and effortless, RIP Jake, you were a wizard. Strange to see the fin rot on the zebrasomas in both tanks though.

He manages an alternating gyre in that tank with 2 Mp60s, I might go that route. My issue with the gyres is they seem to require such frequent cleanings and have reliability problems.

None of them are really that noticeable if kept on the overflow end. I will have sand in my tank though…
 
My issue with the gyres is they seem to require such frequent cleanings and have reliability problems.
In my experience, Maxspect gyres do require frequent cleaning, but the red sea gyres are really robust and I haven't cleaned them in over a year with no issues.
 
I'm looking to try to do the same thing with my forthcoming 48 x 24 x 24 acrylic peninsula tank. Will 2 x MP40s likely be enough for that (LPS/mixed + fish)? For the same reasons as above, I'd prefer the VorTech powerheads over a gyre style. Not having to remove the cords to clean is a definite plus. Though I think I did see somewhere that the RedSea ReefWave can have most of the parts removed while leaving the main body still in the tank. Not sure if that is really enough for regular maintenance though.
 
I think you can make it work. It’s harder with sand sometimes to get enough flow without it being blown about. Worst case you double up and go 4x mp40
 
I have 1 Nero 5 on my 150 peninsula and it does great! Had to tone it back to 70%, it moves the whole tank which is crazy, been thinking of adding another 5 or maybe just a 3, since the 5 cranks so hard.
 
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