About to buy some powerheads, and I would like some advice for a 55g.

[fishytime]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Keep in mind, either of these pump brands can be turned down to near nothing flow, so either is good for almost any tank setup, but ....

The tunze that the op is considering are the non-adjustable ones.....


there are pros and cons for both brands......

the vortechs move massive amounts of water and not just the flow moving out of the pump, the create a substantial undertow as well........the programming is also far better than the tunzes...the low in tank profile is sweet too......the downsides to them are, you are limited to where you can place them in the tank as they are not point-able and the the "dryside" will limit you as well....the "wetsides" are the weak point and will likely at some point need replacing.....

tunzes move decent amounts of water, can be placed anywhere in the tank and the flow directed where you need it......when compared to the vortech, they are bulletproof.....the only downside to them is the in tank profile and the cord being in the tank.....

[Coralgurl]

I have an mp10 and 2 koralias on my 55 gl. I have not been successful with sps in this tank likely due to lighting more tank flow, but lps and softies do extremely well. The tank was started with 1 mp10 but this was not enough flow even when cranked up to full was getting no surface movement.

I can't say anything about the tunzes as I've never used them.

[mike31154]

I ran my 77 gal for almost a year with a single MP40 & added a second when finances allowed. Kept my eyes peeled for used 40s & now I have a third on the back pane of my 77 turned down to low flow. During the time I ran a single 40, I supplemented the flow with a canister filter & a couple of AquaClear powerheads that came with the tank when I purchased it used.

I haven't seen an MP10 in action, but my advice for a tank your size would be to go with a 40 initially instead of two 10s. The single 40 (along with a cheaper powerhead or two) will provide plenty of flow for a new tank & once it matures a little & you have the extra cash, the second MP40 will provide more flexibility & options down the road as far as livestock choices.

No clue about Tunze, never owned one or seen too many in action, but judging by info I've seen on various forums, they are a very good product.

[gregzz4]

I won't disagree with Mike's MP40 suggestion
Just make sure you can stomach the replacement parts costs