I'm sick of these huge Tunzes. What can replace 'em?

[Tom Toro]

I'm sick of looking at these huge Tunzes in my small tank. I have 5 now in an 18"wide x 24"tall x 72"wide tank. 2x6100's, on one side, 1 x 6060 and 6101 on the other. These are controlled (except the 6060) with a 7095. I have a nice 1" wave going. In the back I have 1 6125. They give great flow and no dead spots but they're huge.

I have $1000 to spend. Any ideas on what I can replace these 5 with and still have the same flow and control?

[slapshot]

I don't know Tom I'm still a Tunze guy. I think you should look at a closed loop if you really want small. Otherwise camouflage them.

[binford4000]

Tom,I just lost the same bulky view.I replaced evrything with two MP40's plenty of flow and the look is much cleaner.The two 40's create more then enough flow IMO and they can create a wave big ehough that it comes close to slapping out of the tank. and you'll have some change left over.You could also install a tunze's wave box instead.

[Tom Toro]

Tom,I just lost the same bulky view.I replaced evrything with two MP40's plenty of flow and the look is much cleaner.The two 40's create more then enough flow IMO and they can create a wave big ehough that it comes close to slapping out of the tank. and you'll have some change left over.You could also install a tunze's wave box instead.

Well, I was thinking about two of the 40's, but they'll only put out 3100 each and there's my grand. I'm still going to be short some flow. What do you know about the mp60? It's about $750.00. I know it's around 7500gph, but will one be enough or do I need to supplement it with a 6' tank?

[larryandlaura]

I run 2 mp40's on a 72x24x22. I had 3 but to much flow. The mp60's are insane but you might need one more smaller powerhead for flow.

[Tom Toro]

I don't know Tom I'm still a Tunze guy. I think you should look at a closed loop if you really want small. Otherwise camouflage them.

Lol. I have a closed loop, but the Dart just doesn't do much with those four spouts. I thought about upgrading to a barracuda, but the darn wattage is killing me.

---------- Post added at 08:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:05 PM ----------


I run 2 mp40's on a 72x24x22. I had 3 but to much flow. The mp60's are insane but you might need one more smaller powerhead for flow.
What kind of corals do you have with the two 40s? Maybe I'm thinking overkill and it will be enough.

[binford4000]

I thought the same thing before I took the plung.The wide spread is much stronger then the tunze's/God it hurts to say this.I have been anti vortech for a long time.Truth be told I was wrong on my presumtions.They have done an excelant job with the eco smart wireless controlers and they have several excalent choices of water flow from tideal to just surge waves to calm lagoon flow.I was going to go with a 60 and a 40,but after talking to a rep I was convinced the dual 40's would do the job and I still can't run them at 100 %.They will literly blow the tissue off my sps.I can honestly say you won't regreet it.I was so impressed I switched the wifes tunze's out also. :blackeye:

[CalmSeasQuest]

The MP40s move water differently than the Tunzes. I run a few of both in various tanks - The best analogy I can provide is the Tunzes move a stream of water....whereas the Vortechs seem to move virtually the whole water column.

The only downside I see with the MP-40s is that they can be a bit louder when run near full power.

That said, I think you'll be amazed at what 2 40's will do in your tank.

[Tom Toro]

The MP40s move water differently than the Tunzes. I run a few of both in various tanks - The best analogy I can provide is the Tunzes move a stream of water....whereas the Vortechs seem to move virtually the whole water column.

The only downside I see with the MP-40s is that they can be a bit louder when run near full power.

That said, I think you'll be amazed at what 2 40's will do in your tank.

I'm getting the picture about the Vortech pw's. Just coming to terms with the $1000. I like the idea of a wall of water as opposed to streams that I need to direct. Not worried about noise. I've got the guts in a fishroom. Sounds like a jet engine in there anyway. Good insulation.

Do you think I could get away with the one MP60 in my 6' tank? 750vs1000. Plus, not sure how two controllers would work to make the wave. Can you daisy chain them so they work in tandem?

[Tom Toro]

I thought the same thing before I took the plung.The wide spread is much stronger then the tunze's/God it hurts to say this.I have been anti vortech for a long time.Truth be told I was wrong on my presumtions.They have done an excelant job with the eco smart wireless controlers and they have several excalent choices of water flow from tideal to just surge waves to calm lagoon flow.I was going to go with a 60 and a 40,but after talking to a rep I was convinced the dual 40's would do the job and I still can't run them at 100 %.They will literly blow the tissue off my sps.I can honestly say you won't regreet it.I was so impressed I switched the wifes tunze's out also. :blackeye:

I really liked how your's looked, Chuck. Very cool how the wet side was barely taking any room in the tank. While I was there I should've asked for a demo, lol.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Do you think I could get away with the one MP60 in my 6' tank? 750vs1000. Plus, not sure how two controllers would work to make the wave. Can you daisy chain them so they work in tandem?

I think a 60 would be overkill. You wouldn't be able to run it anywhere near full output. MPs communicate via wireless - You can sync (or inti-Sync) the pumps along with numerous other variable power settings from ReefCrest (high energy/max variability) to lagoon or anything in between.

[dentdominator]

I think all you will need is a tunze wave box and then if you want you can slave it with another pump.

You have plenty of pumps. Try to locate a used tunze wave box with a controller without the pump then you will be ahead of the game.

[binford4000]

I really liked how your's looked, Chuck. Very cool how the wet side was barely taking any room in the tank. While I was there I should've asked for a demo, lol.

No prob swing over and I'll give ya full demo and we'll rap fish stuff before you spend the $$$. Honestly,I was thinking the same as you about the 60 but am glad I went with the 40/s, the 60 would have been way to much.yup I said to much power,Mark it down it doesn't happen often.The wireless controlers work by you dedicating a master and a slave ph.You can choose your max power and wave patterns ,it's pretty simple,you can and even have them synch together or not.Also you might want to call ypsi FD they beat all online prices when I got mine, LMK and I'll make time to answer your questions and show what ya need to know.You won't regret this purchase/If you look at the fts in my post you hardley notice the 40's the uniballs took a tom of room and I no longer worrie about stray voltage from PH too

[larryandlaura]

Lol. I have a closed loop, but the Dart just doesn't do much with those four spouts. I thought about upgrading to a barracuda, but the darn wattage is killing me.

---------- Post added at 08:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:05 PM ----------


What kind of corals do you have with the two 40s? Maybe I'm thinking overkill and it will be enough.

I have a mixed reef consisting of everything! I run my pumps on slave reef crest. However im thinking of moving the other mp40 and running it antislave. The vortechs are my best purchase so far. I ran koralias before and will never go back. And the mp's are upgradeable and you can rebuild them!

[AJ :)]

I have a MP60 that you could borrow to get a feel for the pump.

I don't think I would be happy with only one on a 6 footer, I had it setup that way once and I added pumps on the other end. But everyones setups are different as are expectations. :)

AJ :)

[schminksbro]

The MP40s move water differently than the Tunzes. I run a few of both in various tanks - The best analogy I can provide is the Tunzes move a stream of water....whereas the Vortechs seem to move virtually the whole water column.

The only downside I see with the MP-40s is that they can be a bit louder when run near full power.

That said, I think you'll be amazed at what 2 40's will do in your tank.

Agreed. Vortechs are far superior to Tunzes IMHO.

[larryandlaura]

Agreed. Vortechs are far superior to Tunzes IMHO.

Very well put Andy!

[Flynnstone]

i have a 24x24x72 tank. two mp40's work wonders. i have them connected to a Neptune WXM. this gives me the ability to switch the modes that the pumps are on hourly. i also set the pumps to sync and anti-sync throughout the day. my water patterns are always changing. personally i would steer you away from the 60's unless your tank was 30+ deep, too much undertow

[demonclownfish]

i would suggest a line on one wall of 5-6 MP60's. also remove all sand, rock, coral, fish, and any other lifeforms you would like to keep other than saltwater(most of that will have to go to).

[Tom Toro]

I have a MP60 that you could borrow to get a feel for the pump.

I don't think I would be happy with only one on a 6 footer, I had it setup that way once and I added pumps on the other end. But everyones setups are different as are expectations. :)

AJ :)

Very cool of you, AJ. I'm still dealing with the $ part and wondering if I could use the money elsewhere...in the tank of course, lol.

[AJ :)]

Well, LMK if you would like to try it out. hopefully in the next few months it will be in it's intended location. :)

There are lots of great ways to spend $$ in these tanks.

[slapshot]

Very cool of you, AJ. I'm still dealing with the $ part and wondering if I could use the money elsewhere...in the tank of course, lol.

In all honesty Tom, I probably would have done the same thing except for the dollars and the noise. I love the look of those pumps. As you know my, tank is in my family room and do to the inwall construction I really hear nothing. I was afraid of the inducing a buzz into the room. When I first got my wavebox it made a noise, about drove me crazy.

Then there is the money. There are so many corals I would rather buy and having already made the tunze investment, well you know the rest your going through it righ now. If you test it out let me know about the noise. I can't believe it would still be an issue. Your setup is close enough to mine to be a good test.

I have incorporated the pumps into my design. If I switched I would have to leave the wavebox in now as it is completely covered by monties and part of the design. There are ways of doing it. It just takes experimenting with hiding the pumps. Also make sure your not adding flow for flows sake. One can be driven to extremes in this hobby because of hardware marketing fairly easily. Just ask my wife. Either way I look forward to your decision and your results.

[Tom Toro]

Hey Don,
After careful consideration and some experimenting, I removed all the tunzes from both tanks, cleaned them with vinegar and brush, put only 4x6100's opposite each other (in the 135), hooked them up to my 7095 and turned them on. I forgot how much fun this controller can be. I went through quite a few variations and found one that gives me a nice 1" wave. I feel like I'm moving the whole column of water now as opposed to the random flow I had previously. Then I switched from interval 1 to sequential and all the detritus that was jammed into places came out and into the water column. When that settled down I switched it up again and another storm started.

I feel like I have much better control of my flow and I agree with you on the 'too much flow' trap. I was in it. Too many powerheads, aimed poorly, some controlled, some constant on. What a mess. Simple is better. Thanks for the perspective.

I'm going to stay with my tunzes and save up for that glass 240 to replace this acrylic eyesore.

I really like how you have your's incorporated into the live design. It's a non issue in your tank and I don't even notice it. Great Job Don!

With only four in there and against the black background...They're still huge, lol, but I'll get used to it.



In all honesty Tom, I probably would have done the same thing except for the dollars and the noise. I love the look of those pumps. As you know my, tank is in my family room and do to the inwall construction I really hear nothing. I was afraid of the inducing a buzz into the room. When I first got my wavebox it made a noise, about drove me crazy.

Then there is the money. There are so many corals I would rather buy and having already made the tunze investment, well you know the rest your going through it righ now. If you test it out let me know about the noise. I can't believe it would still be an issue. Your setup is close enough to mine to be a good test.

I have incorporated the pumps into my design. If I switched I would have to leave the wavebox in now as it is completely covered by monties and part of the design. There are ways of doing it. It just takes experimenting with hiding the pumps. Also make sure your not adding flow for flows sake. One can be driven to extremes in this hobby because of hardware marketing fairly easily. Just ask my wife. Either way I look forward to your decision and your results.

[AJ :)]

Slapshot, You would most likely not like the noise. Anything from nothing is often too much.
The 60 is louder than a 40, and actually it's a bit different kind of a noise too. Sometimes I can hear it ramp up when I'm upstairs. (tank located in basement bathroom).

Tom, glad to hear you have retooled your pump setup and are happy with the results. :)

[slapshot]

Thank you AJ I am afraid you are right. I am crazy about not hearing anything. I have gone to extremes to be sure I don't. As it is I still hear the wave box at times and it dies make me crazy. I think those are great pumps but I heard the low growl a while ago and I know it would not work for me. You guys without this mental issue are Lucky.

Tom way to go. It's funny but I used to have 5 pumps in my tank and now only run 2 6102s. Corals grow just fine and the flow is even better as I have some spots with low flow and some with high. It allows you to keep different corals. The wave box does help appreciable.