Vortech MP20

[Reefdad]

Has anyone used this or currently using it. I am thinking about putting one (mp20) on my 75 gallon. How powerful is it and will it be the only power head I would need. I really like the idea of a wave like motion in my tank over just streaming jets of water.

 

[Gomer]

As your only flow in a 75, I'd highly recommend the MP40 (I'm using a 40 on my 40g right now)

 

[Reefdad]

[quote author=Gomer link=topic=6459.msg82930#msg82930 date=1235113118]
As your only flow in a 75, I'd highly recommend the MP40 (I'm using a 40 on my 40g right now)
[/quote]
Would that be enough for a 75 long? Of course I still have the return pump so it wouldn't be my only flow in the tank just the primary flow.

 

[Gomer]

If your tank isn't flow hungry (which is the case of an SPS tank), then you may be ok. Personally, I would want two MP40s

 

[Reefdad]

I do have sps in my tank but I wouldnt call it an sps tank. Could I use other power heads as well or will they screw up the wave pattern?

 

[Gomer]

They will alter the flow pattern, but that isn't necessarily bad If you are looking to generate a standing wave, it will make it harder.

 

[Reefdad]

I guess the real question is, is the vortec system enough flow with just a wave pattern to sustain LPS or any other corals with high flow needs?

 

[Otakuthugster]

[quote author=Reefdad link=topic=6459.msg83059#msg83059 date=1235162964]
I guess the real question is, is the vortec system enough flow with just a wave pattern to sustain LPS or any other corals with high flow needs?
[/quote]

If you went with the MP40, then probably yes. However, I wouldn't rely on the Wave mode. I started off using the Wave mode when I first put the MP20 in my 28g tank. Although it looks pretty cool, my LPS's didn't seem to enjoy it much. It wasn't until I put it on Reef Crest mode that I got better polyp extension.

If you're considering the MP20 versus the MP40 based on price, then I would get the MP20, and just try it out on your tank. If you need more flow, I've read that you can upgrade the MP20 to a MP40 by purchasing the wave driver.

 

[iani]

[quote author=Reefdad link=topic=6459.msg83059#msg83059 date=1235162964]
I guess the real question is, is the vortec system enough flow with just a wave pattern to sustain LPS or any other corals with high flow needs?
[/quote]

On a wave (pulse) mode no. On reefcrest mode yes. Typically wave action is used as additional flow. You will still need other powerheads if you want to use a vortech to create a wave in your tank.

 

[Reefdad]

But for the price there are other options like wave boxes that control powerheads. Is it really worth the money or would I be just as good with 3 or 4 good powerheads?

 

[seminolecpa]

I decided to go with a couple of Vortechs for several reasons.

1) they are very energy efficient
2) they are easier to clean vs. a std powerhead
3) the motor is not submersed in water
4) the have a nice battery backup you can buy with it
5) Everything I have heard about the pumps and or the customet service has been stellar
6) they move a crap load of water for their size
7) they are designed to be controlled and can be synced with other vortechs (master/slave)

 

[zambavi]

Bryan... how many vortechs did you go with? 20's or 40's? other than your circulation return are you using a closed loop or other ph's for flow also?

 

[seminolecpa]

I went with 2 40's along with my closed loop (Sequence Dart) and my return a mag 18. the flow from the Mag 18 is at a minimum as I don't want to turn my tank over a ton to get optimum efficiency from my skimmer.

 

[sfsuphysics]

While I love my vortechs in my 180, they're hardly "needed". I very easily could have gone with a lot cheaper of a route like modded maxijets or K4 pumps, however I do kind of like not having any wires in the tank, plus the long pulse I have it on makes me happy about what it does.

 

[zambavi]

Thanks... I'm considering the 2 40's with battery back up to replace the 4 koralias in my 120. I would like to have the wires disappear and a lesser presence of hardware in the DT.

 

[iani]

2 mp40w's would be plenty of pump for your tank. I'm very happy with my vortechs, unlike Mike I feel they are "needed".

 

[zambavi]

I know I can get this setup OTD price of 1K flat via MD.... does anyone know where I could find it for less?

 

[Gomer]

group buy through StanD at nanoreef