Vortech MP40w to replace existing powerheads

Treebeard · #1 03-17-2010, 07:11 PM

I have a typical 90 gallon tank with some LPS and softies. For flow I have a Koralia 3, a Koralia 2, two Maxijet 1200's with rotating Hydor deflectors and a Maxijet 400. My return pump is also flowing about 250 gph through the tank.
Can I replace all or most of the powerheads with a single MP40W?

blueyota · #2 03-17-2010, 08:10 PM

to reach all areas of the tank i would say 2 mp40s would work better then one so you have flow from both sides to get hidden detritus ...IMO

mike31154 · #3 03-17-2010, 09:19 PM

Agree with yota, two MP40Ws will have no trouble replacing all the hardware you have in there now. The added advantage of being able to synchronize or anti-synchronize the two VorTechs will provide flexibility in flow patterns not achievable by what you're currently using.

Treebeard · #4 03-17-2010, 09:29 PM

The problem is two MP40Ws will pretty much replace the contents of my bank account, and I would likely also be looking for a replacement significant other. I may have to settle for one MP40W and keep a couple of the old powerheads.

Leah · #5 03-17-2010, 09:55 PM

Reid

I have a MP40W on my 95 gal and am still using 3 extra powerheads in there.

mike31154 · #6 03-18-2010, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treebeard

The problem is two MP40Ws will pretty much replace the contents of my bank account, and I would likely also be looking for a replacement significant other. I may have to settle for one MP40W and keep a couple of the old powerheads.

Understood and I'm with you there, price shock for sure. I started with a single MP40W for my 77 gal and added the second about a year later. Purchased the first one retail and then started scouring the buy/sell forums for good deals on used ones. Ended up scoring a NIB on another forum from a member that had a change of plans and was selling a number of extras. Great deal on a new pump.

Even on my 77 (4 foot long tank) I needed to use older powerheads to supplement flow at the other end of the tank. One of your Koralias should do a good job at that, I had to settle for the narrow flow of a couple of AquaClears.

Treebeard · #7 03-18-2010, 11:01 PM

I located a used MP40W, about two years old. Does anyone know what the lifespan is of these pumps?