Equipment - MP40esw VS Sea Swirl

Print Page | Close Window

MP40esw VS Sea Swirl

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63998
Printed Date: October 20 2025 at 7:13pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: MP40esw VS Sea Swirl

Posted By: H200
Subject: MP40esw VS Sea Swirl
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 8:22am

I think I need to upgrade my water movement.

My tank is a 210 gal, with a 90gal sump in the basement. the return pump is a barracuda, so I am getting enough flow back to the tank. I mostly like fish, and softies, so Sps's are a big deal.

But in the tank all I have is two sea swirls, they are 7 years old and I just don't see much water movement from them. So I am thinking of 2- MP40esw's , its a lot of money so I wanted to get some options from this group.

1. Are they worth it?

2. If I take the plunge, do I just turn off the sea swirls or remove them and cap the end of the plumbing?

3. I only have about a 1/2 inch above the water line in the tank, do I need to do something to lower the water level to allow room for the wave action?

4. Other thoughts, am I missing something?

This group has so much more experience than I do, I just don't want to waste the money if its not worth it.

Thoughts? Opinions?

-------------
210 gallon glass aquarium
90 gal Refuge.
900Gal Pond

Replies:

Posted By: Shane H
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 8:39am

I used a SeaSwirl on my 120 and LOVED it. Coupled with powerheads on alternating on-off times, it was a great way to create random water movement in my tank.

Fast forward 10 years ....

I would still use the SeaSwirls if I had them and if the motors were still working. But, if I had to spend new money on water movement equipment, I would go with MP40s for sure.

I see no reason to turn off the SeaSwirls. I would use them in conjunction with the MP40s and when the motor fails, remove it. Good luck.

Posted By: TriggerHappy
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 9:18am

I agree with Shane. Also, 1/2 an inch is fine for the wave action. The MP40's are completely adjustable. I have 2 on my 90; they are dialed down. You'll love them and get a lot of random flow in conjunction with the sea swirls.

-------------
210 gallon Mixed Reef

Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 9:29am

I went two mag koralias (no where near as sexy as a MP40 but fraction of price) and have them set to alternate and it is giving me great flow. I also have other smaller koralias for constant flow.

If you can swing the MP40's that's great but there are other options for less.

-------------
180G Mixed Reef Tank

170G Dart Frog Tank

Posted By: H200
Date Posted: April 26 2013 at 7:18am

Thanks everyone, this helps!

-------------
210 gallon glass aquarium
90 gal Refuge.
900Gal Pond

Posted By: love2skiutah
Date Posted: April 26 2013 at 10:01am

My MP40's were the single best purchase I have ever made to my 120. In my opinion, they are worth EVERY penny and nothing else compares to it. I have 2 sea swirls as well and they are horrible. I left mine on, but after adding my 40's, my tank was a completely different beast.

Posted By: Bryce
Date Posted: April 26 2013 at 10:05am

I use both sea swirl and vortech love them both, try enductors on your seaswirls they increase it by 2-3 times http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/KT-P-M07.html" rel="nofollow - http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/KT-P-M07.html

-------------
65g Reef