3 or 4k flow choices that are not Ecotech?

[Yevoc]

I am looking for 3 to 4k gph powerheads that are not MP40s.

Yeah I know everyone uses them. Here is why I am not.

1) Not a fan of the huge outer driver. Between kids and me bumping it super keen on it.

2) Running into this, I am looking for a pump for either sidewall of my tank. It is 36" on the ends and without the ability to aim the pump it is smack dab in the middle of a viewing panel. Really need to be able to aim the pump for this application.

3) Cost, easily the most expensive option.

I have 2 Neptune Wav's. Mines are still alive but due to the tank size (240g) they run in the upper end of their output and are noisy in that range. They are currently low in the tank and programed to vary between the sides.

What I am looking at are the:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/octo-pulse-4-wave-pump-reef-octopus.html Probably the lead supect. I am not huge on the shiny plastic. Not sure the directionality of the output as well as these are still kind of new. They would stay up top and run the common reef crest still erratic flow.

or 2 Gyres running vertically in the corners. Moving my existing 2x Neptune Wavs up to "reef crest" duty and lower their speed/noise.

or 2 Nero 5s
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nero-5-powerhead-3000-gph-aqua-illumination.html
Cheapest option. Also lowest flow. I think they might work for the upper level flow.


Goal: Basically I am trying to find a decent pump to add some erratic flow to the top half of the tank. A powerhead with defuse flow of a MP40 that isn't an MP40. Currently my Wavs do a decent job of keeping stuff off the BB but it mostly swirls around my island. I am trying to get more choppy current for the SPS.

Any feedback is welcome.

 

[Jseimo]

I like running my icecap gyres. I have them controlled by the hydros so I can even get rid of an extra power cord

 

[Hincapiej4]

I use two Reef Wave 45s aimed at eachother across the top of the tank.

 

[hart24601]

I have been very impressed with neros. They are my go-to powerhead now, but if you want a jet like effect for covering long distances then a narrow outlet like tunze model are a better bet.

 

[Yevoc]

I have been very impressed with neros. They are my go-to powerhead now, but if you want a jet like effect for covering long distances then a narrow outlet like tunze model are a better bet.

If I use them up top I am actually looking for defuse flow. If I got the Nero's the Wav would stay low on detritus duty.

 

[hart24601]

If I use them up top I am actually looking for defuse flow. If I got the Nero's the Wav would stay low on detritus duty.

Sounds like a perfect complement then!

 

[Lizbeli]

Love my Nero 5’s. But I would take a good look at the Tunze Turbelle Stream 3. Tunze pumps are awesome. This one has a controller and is very strong.

 

[Greybeard]

Not a cheap option, but I'm quite happy with my Tunze stream 6155's. Hooked up to 0-10vdc ports on my Apex, work very well.

 

[Variant]

I am in a similar boat and have been considering using a tunze on a sea sweep. That way that single pump positioned in a back corner can provide flow at a 90 degree spread.

I have two nero 5s on eac end and my return on the back right corner. Thinking the sea sweep will be on the left back corner.

 

[User1]

Top half of the tank then the Gyre's are what I would look at. The XF3xx series introduced some minor changes in the controller but also added the directional cage. If you are after surface / sheet style movement with varying control points it would be worth looking into. You can also position them differently than most power heads and get that same surface movement along the sides, etc. One other neat trick is that you can change the blades and get a forward reverse flow pattern. Lots of options.

 

[92Miata]

I've got a reef breeders rp-m that does 2600 gph - was a little squeally initially - but quieted down after a month or so and is now quiet. They're $129.

I've also got a couple of Jebao OW series pumps (smaller ones) that have been dead silent since day one, and I've had no problems with them. They make both 'tunze-style' and 'nero-style' options. And they're cheap.

 

[User1]

I am in a similar boat and have been considering using a tunze on a sea sweep. That way that single pump positioned in a back corner can provide flow at a 90 degree spread.

I have two nero 5s on eac end and my return on the back right corner. Thinking the sea sweep will be on the left back corner.

I use a pair of 1" Sea Swirls on my returns with random flow nozzles. Sea Sweeps are nice.

 

[nereefpat]

If you don't need it to ramp up and down, you can get a big Tunze for under 200 bucks. You can aim those.

I also like my Icecap Gyre. The flow from those is different from a traditional wavemaker/powerhead. You can direct the flow by rotating the cages.

 

[minus9]

I have two mp40's on the back wall and two xf330's on the sides, all controlled via the wave engine and there's plenty of random chaotic flow. My tank is 36x36x16, so the gyres cover a wide area and when the returns (which have RFG's) and mp40's hit the gyres it moves the water all over. With the gyres, I can easily direct the flow on each side by directing the A or B side up or down.

 

[C. Eymann]

Id go with Tunze if you are able to spend a decent chunk of change.
However, they dont need cleaning often and can last decades. I have one thats 16 years old, still works great.

 

[ajhudson15]

I have 2 ice cap 3k's. One at each end. One pushed water across the top and the other is pointed slightly down to help the circular motion. After a few months ill switch them so everything gets a little bit different flow.ill probably never go to another powered again. Plus you can buy the new ice cap controller for the 3k's and have then confronted via wifi and get rid of the power bricks

 

[Uncle99]

I use Jebao for all my wave makers and gyres and returns.
Everyone told me “junk”
4 years running the junk without problems

So, in Canada, a Red Sea Gyre was $450
A Jebao gyre was $170.

 

[jda]

Tunze 6100. 6155 if you need even more flow.

Best pumps on the market, IMO.

 

[coralbeauties]

My current vote is the nero 5s. Decent price, alot of water movement, very small footprint inside the tank and best of all dead quite. Just got rid of all my ice cap 3k gyre. ugly in the tank and very noisy.
Jeff

 

[Bepis]

Max spect gyres