pepper'scove

I would never make a drain out of anything smaller than 1in. Here is a good article on the pumps and their flow http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/7/aafeature

Oops, I fibbed. The drain is 1in. The returns are 3/4". I don't know why I cut down my dimensions by 1/4"... So, does anybody have any suggestions (just modify them based on the fact that my drain and return are 1/4" bigger than what I quoted). The most desired bit of information is the appropriate VorTech sizing. Keep in mind I'm not made of money - i.e. the MP60 would do the trick but... I'd rather go with a cheaper option in the VorTech line if I can help it.

Two mp10's would probably work better than 1 mp40. Two mp40's would be overkill and you would have to turn them way down.

Less than I week ago I bought 2 mp10's and they work great on my 75. Put one the side and I put on the back of the tank. Flow is great have them set in Eco smart tidal swell mode.

I think an MP40 on one end and a well-placed MP10 on the back wall closer to the opposite end should give you interesting results.

yeah i believe 2 mp10s would work well i have a single mp10 in my 55g, it provides more than enough flow but the flow is not even. i plan on purchasing another mp10 as soon as my wallet says its cool

Thanks for the input guys!

@cruelle - Could you elaborate on the "quality" of your flow? How far does it travel down the tank from one powerhead? How broad is the flow? Does it get behind the rockwork you have? Can you produce a standing wave? Answering any or all of these questions would be great.

@melev - I have considered that option, but I would really like to get a standing wave going. Do you think it would still be possible? I do like the idea of creating very caotic flow though. Which do you think is more important, wave like flow or randomized flow?

Would two MP10s be enough? Yes. But honestly I've got to tell you... the standing wave isn't near as cool as the mp10s reef crest mode for me. I bought an MP10 thinking I'd leave it on wave mode all the time, but I only put it on to show off when others are checking out the tank. I get the same nice flowing motion from my torch coral and stuff that flows around, but my overflow works properly and you barely notice the sound of the pumps changing speed near how you notice the on and off sound.

With mark's suggestion you'll have the ability to make a standing wave if you want with the mp40... and if you chose to run it that way you could... but you'll also have the random flow throughout the tank. SPS is going to love the extra flow, and really this is a win win discussion... it's going to work well either way!

As for 10x turnover through your sump... that's plenty. You want as many gph as your skimmer can handle. More is fine.

You'll never wish you didn't have two drains. You might wish you had two. I'd personally always go for two in case something clogs one up. :-)

id go with a mp40 and an mp10 on Nutrient transport mode!

Thanks for all the input guys! What I got out of this is that, two mp10s will work, but bigger is always better!! I will continue to save up funds for my tank and am probably gonna go the MP40/MP10 route. It'll take a little longer to get up and running, but it's not like I was on an accelerated schedule anyway. I still have to put in my custom overflow cover, plumb the tank and sump together, and purchase the lights, powerheads, rock, sand, fish, and corals! So far I have: built my own stand, built (and rebuilt) my 40 gal. sump, got my: tank, protein skimmer, return pump, and most of my plumbing parts. It's a work in progress and has been for a little over a year... Hey, I'm a college kid, I gotta make my money stretch! Thanks again guys and if any of you have anymore input I recheck all my old posts from time to time so don't hesitate!