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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
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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? 



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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.

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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.

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180G Mixed Reef Tank

170G Dart Frog Tank


Posted By: H200
Date Posted: April 26 2013 at 7:18am
Thanks everyone, this helps!

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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

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65g Reef



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