Flow and Controller Questions (1 Viewer)

[breiter3]

I have 3 Koralias in my 65 G. and have been thinking about getting the vortec MP40 to replace all of them. I hate having all those ph's in my display, plus I could use a little more erratic flow in there. From what I've read, I assume one would be enough for that taking into account the controllable flow and wave simulation. Thoughts on this?

Also, I've never had any type of controller, but after my crash I've been considering getting one. I'd like something basic I guess (read: I don't want to spend a god awful fortune on it...), but also has the ability to be expandable in the future. Suggestions on which one to get? Also which probes are a must have, and which you would recommend?

Sorry for the 20 questions in advance, these are both totally new territory for me.

 

[breiter3]

BTW, here's a link with my tank specs.

http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=50720&highlight=

 

[Llama]

I have zero experience with Ecotech. Just too pricey for me.

Controllers, they are good. What feature are you looking for in it?

 

[RocketSurgeon]

I'm running four K pumps in my 75. My concern when I only had two were dead spots with as much rock I had in my tank.

even with wave action, I couldn't imagine only one pump being enough to eliminate dead spots. I've never had wave action, so I don't really know.

I just bought a used Aquacontroller III and absolutely wonder why I went so long without a controller.

Dennis may have something reasonable that is not brand new.

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

I just got my MP40 yesterday for my 55 gallon and it REALLY moves the water. I had fine sand on the rocks and it kicked everything up and is now clear. I will have to say that one would probably be enough and WELL WORTH the money IMO. You can get 2 and just run them slower as 2 at high power would be like a hurricane in your tank (not kidding). Oh BTW the wave action is AWESOME!

****Just a warning though... make sure to start the thing slowly! If you accidentally start it at full the fish could go a little crazy/scared and run into the rocks because of the flow change. Happened to my humu trigger.****

 

[breiter3]

Yeah it took me a while to figure out, but I have me K 1400's set up so that if there is a dead spot in my tank, then I haven't seen it. I just don't like the way they look, and it's a total pain having to take them out, disassemble to clean, and put them back in the way they were.

After watching some youtube vids of the MP40 I cannot imagine that it WOULDN'T be enough flow. I am a little concerned with some splashing from the wave action though! Probably just have to tinker with it till I get it right, like everything else in this hobby.

For the controller I'm really just thinking about temperature control. Titanium heater with a dial and a little digital temp gauge have me less than confident. I even had to hide the temp control remote since I caught my cat tinkering with it :/ Evil little fella. Probably would like pH probe, and to be honest I'm not sure what else would be recommended? From a gadget standpoint the ability to login online and see a running record is pretty freaking neat to me lol.

What features do you feel like you can't live without now?

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

I honestly dont know. I like the idea of night and day mode... thats pretty awesome. I havent figured it all out yet nor do have have fish that LOVE to swim like a blue tang so I couldnt tell you what I couldnt live with out.

I will say, that I thought about getting an MP10w es for the other side of the tank just to have opposite flow but I def wouldnt do 2 mp40's unless you are thinking upgrade sometime in the future.

I am like you... 3 K's running and it just looks AWFUL! I got the MP40 because my husband wanted a cleaner looking tank in the family room. He indulges me often in my fish hobby and gives me pretty much what ever I want with in reason so I think spending my "allowance" on a pricey power head is a small price to pay for everything else he does for me.

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

I went to go read the directions for the MP40w and it reads....


The generation of waves within your aquarium places additional stress on the aquarium glass and joints. Not all aquarium tanks are designed to withstand this stress, and failure of the glass and/or joints could result.
You are encouraged, before generating waves, to consult with your aquarium tank manufacturer to determine if the tank construction is adequate to withstand the additional stress generated by the wave motion.
You are also encouraged to assure that your aquarium stand or furniture is adequately stable to withstand the additional stress resulting from wave generation.
EcoTech Marine DISCLAIMS AND WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR, damage to aquarium tanks or their surroundings, water damage, or any other consequential damages resulting from wave generation. MAKE WAVES AT YOUR OWN RISK.

 

[DustinB]

I have one on a 90 and it's barely enough flow, I'm considering adding k3 back to the tank. It's good flow for about 3/4 of the tank, but not optimal for a full 4'.

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

I have one on a 90 and it's barely enough flow, I'm considering adding k3 back to the tank. It's good flow for about 3/4 of the tank, but not optimal for a full 4'.

Do you keep it cranked up to full?

 

[DustinB]

Reef crest, max speed of 10/12 LEDs.

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

Huh. Def good to know in case of an upgrade.

 

[breiter3]

Hmm. Ok. So I'm thinking of getting the vortech MP40W. I can get a good deal on one, and correct me if I'm wrong, other than a couple of new 'wave' settings there isn't any difference between it and the MP40W ES.

Now on to controllers! These things aren't cheap, so please humor my many questions... Looking at the ReefKeeper Elite

I'm having a really difficult time grasping some of the concepts I guess. So you just plug your lights into the strip for the ReefKeeper, and program on/off cycles per plug? Or is it for the whole strip?

Do you have to have a special heater or adapter, or is this just another one of the 'plugs' that would be controlled? I guess you'd just turn the dial on the heater all the way up and the ReefKeeper would turn on/off the power?

Can the MP40W be plugged into and controlled by the RK? and if so, is there really any benefit besides one button to press to shut off pumps for feeding?

 

[breiter3]

Hehe I just notice my MARSH Membership went through! Goodbye Guest status lol

 

[RocketSurgeon]

Hehe I just notice my MARSH Membership went through! Goodbye Guest status lol

+1

My controller operates each plug individually.

Use the controller as a safety measure on the heater. Set your heater as you normally would. Control it a couple degrees higher that turns off power, in case heater gets stuck on.

When I feed floating flakes or pellets, I like to turn off my return pump so food does not float over my weir. I was losing quite a bit of food with the coast to coast weir and a mag 9.5 return, sending my skimmer into a fried frenzy!

 

[breiter3]

Eh... Nevermind on the ReefKeeper. They apparently aren't in any way Mac Compatible...

On to the AquaController Apex now. Their's also runs through a web server so I can get power out notifications sent to me and they have an iPhone app lol.

Opinions on the AquaController Apex? And same questions with the Vortech MP40W, is there any point in plugging it into the controller?

 

[soymilk]

Apex.... Is nice. Search the forum for the threads we discussed the APEx. Or feel free to stop by Sunday to check out in person.

And no. I don't plug my Vortech into my apex. Only 8 slots.

 

[robbyandkristie]

I want one! Controller that is, but I also want a PAR meter, and I need to finish up on a home improvement project, and then there's my daughters wedding............

 

[breiter3]

I got the Vortech MP40W! Wow! What a difference! I'd like to rescind my previous comments about dead spots in the tank... That thing stirred up some crud.

Full power on the reef crest seems to be the perfect amount of flow in my tank, corals are responding great, and my fishes even seem to be more active.

NarnytheGreat - I didn't realize just how hideous all those powerheads in my tank were until they were gone. Very Very happy with my decision to get this upgrade.

The Controller will be coming along in the next couple months or so more than likely. Still haven't made a firm decision on it though.