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View Full Version : What would you do? Vortech or Closed Loop

plutoniumJoe
05-02-2009, 05:35 PM
I am still in the planning stages but I will be upgrading to a 180. In looking at the different flow options I am having trouble deciding between a Vortech MP40 or a Closed Loop with a Oceans Motions Super Squirt. Is either of these clearly better than the other or is it a matter of preference?

Joe.
mark
05-02-2009, 06:02 PM
The large power heads are more efficient (watts vs gph) and adjustable just need to balanced off do you want them in your tank.

Take a look on OM site WaterPix forum (http://www.oceansmotions.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=10&sid=fe6cbc14e3c2b9cb5cb2a11522c3a436)for clean CL layouts.

btw I'm running a OM 4-way with a Dart on my 145g. Also a SS is different than a 4way
plutoniumJoe
05-02-2009, 10:37 PM
Thanks Mark, would you say that the Vortech would move as much water as a closed loop with a QuietOne 9000. I realize that they draw less power but if I only had one would it provide enough flow?

My understanding is that the Super Squirt has the same functionality of the 4-Way just less volume, is this correct?
mark
05-02-2009, 11:14 PM
A Vortex MP40 (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/11/review2) draws 28w at 3200gph. The Quiet one 9000 (http://www.lifegardaquatics.com/pdfs/q1aquariumDS.pdf) is 145w for 2328gph then you'll still have friction losses. Would it be enough for a 180g, seems on the low end if planning SPS. See this thread (http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48372) for an idea of what other people have.
Myka
05-02-2009, 11:18 PM
People are suggesting I get two MP40s for my 90 instead of just one, so I would think you'd need two for sure in a 180.
xtreme
05-02-2009, 11:25 PM
People are suggesting I get two MP40s for my 90 instead of just one, so I would think you'd need two for sure in a 180.

You would need at least 2 in a 180. I have 2 in my 6' 125G and wouldn't mind another.
Funky_Fish14
05-03-2009, 03:31 AM
Thanks Mark, would you say that the Vortech would move as much water as a closed loop with a QuietOne 9000. I realize that they draw less power but if I only had one would it provide enough flow?

My understanding is that the Super Squirt has the same functionality of the 4-Way just less volume, is this correct?

From everything I understand, that is the case. The 4 way has a capacity of 7500gph while the super squirt is 2500, but 2500 is still high for that kind of plumbing?

PS. If you decide to go with a super squirt, I have one for sale, Brand New In Box.
Skimmerking
05-03-2009, 04:07 AM
I have 2 mp40w in my 60x24x24 150 gal sps tank. and i dont have them turned full bore yet.. and i have alot of flow in there.
fishytime
05-03-2009, 04:42 AM
Do both:surprise:
JDigital
05-03-2009, 05:06 AM
Do both:surprise:

Yup, I agree! That's what I'm doing.. Dart Closed Loop and a MP40w in a 187G..
fkshiu
05-03-2009, 05:09 AM
Tunze :bounce:
banditpowdercoat
05-03-2009, 05:32 AM
Tunze :bounce:


Oh sure, trying to bring a knife to a gunfight??
Ron99
05-03-2009, 05:33 AM
The nice thing about the MP40 is all the different modes you can program. Fast waves, slow waves, two variable modes to simulate either a reef or lagoon, feeding mode and also the night mode which powers it down to 50% at night. And I'm not just saying that because I'm trying to get people into the group buy :lol:

The other thing that looks nice to me is that the Vortechs seem to produce a broader and gentler flow than Tunze or Koralia by using a much larger propeller that spins more slowly. To me it seems like a more realistic and more natural flow than the produced by smaller powerheads etc.
plutoniumJoe
05-03-2009, 03:48 PM
Yup, I agree! That's what I'm doing.. Dart Closed Loop and a MP40w in a 187G..

If doing both, would it be sufficient to skip the the Super Squirt and just have the closed loop producing a constant stream to four outlets, then have the MP40 for creating the wave etc. I think cost wise I would upgrade to the 4Way and a larger pump rather than 2 MP40s.
JDigital
05-03-2009, 03:59 PM
If doing both, would it be sufficient to skip the the Super Squirt and just have the closed loop producing a constant stream to four outlets, then have the MP40 for creating the wave etc. I think cost wise I would upgrade to the 4Way and a larger pump rather than 2 MP40s.

That's my plan.. mp40 for the random flow, and straight shot with the closed loop.
untamed
05-04-2009, 12:35 AM
The way I figured it...you can always add vortechs or tunzes later. You can't add a CL later..certainly not easily anyway. Build the CL, then add pumps later if you really need them.
Canadian
05-04-2009, 03:28 PM
I'd just go with Vortechs. Closed loops are so inefficient . . . but I guess the one up side is that you can route the closed loop outlets up through the bottom of the tank and incorporate them into the rock work.
plutoniumJoe
05-04-2009, 10:00 PM
I am leaning towards a four outlet closed loop, probably all from the bottom with the input center back. Two corner overflows with four returns from the eurobracing. The way I have it calculated I should get about 25 times turnover. I would hope a single MP40 would be enough to get things stirring. I could also add the OM SS or 4Way later. Or maybe plumb the SS now and add the Vortech (but I would like to get in on the group buy now).