Best cheap powerheads for large tank?

[squidarcher]

So, just to prove that cheap really is the best for me, I am SEVENTEEN. I for sure need to save money here. That being said, I will spend enough to do it right, I'm just not gonna buy 4 mp40s. I currently have a 75 gallon mixed reef that I've had running for a couple years. Everything in that tank is either DIY or bought used, to variable success rates. For my graduation gift, my parents plan to buy me an Innovative Marine 150 lagoon (48'' x 36 x 20 LWH). I'm going to start looking for deals for pumps so by the time the tank comes, I have everything I need. I currently have 2 koralia 1350 gph pumps, but I figure that's not gonna really cut it for a tank that size. I also plan to have 2 Sicce sycncra silent 2.5s, one for each return rather than one larger pump, to prevent failure. I was looking at some of the cheaper gyres on the market as well for powerheads. Any brand reccomendations for something cheap but reliable, without all the bells and whistles? Also, how would you set up the powerheads in a tank this size?

 

[Dan_P]

So, just to prove that cheap really is the best for me, I am SEVENTEEN. I for sure need to save money here. That being said, I will spend enough to do it right, I'm just not gonna buy 4 mp40s. I currently have a 75 gallon mixed reef that I've had running for a couple years. Everything in that tank is either DIY or bought used, to variable success rates. For my graduation gift, my parents plan to buy me an Innovative Marine 150 lagoon (48'' x 36 x 20 LWH). I'm going to start looking for deals for pumps so by the time the tank comes, I have everything I need. I currently have 2 koralia 1350 gph pumps, but I figure that's not gonna really cut it for a tank that size. I also plan to have 2 Sicce sycncra silent 2.5s, one for each return rather than one larger pump, to prevent failure. I was looking at some of the cheaper gyres on the market as well for pumps. Any brand reccomendations for something cheap but reliable, without all the bells and whistles?

I once used small recirculating pumps with suction cup feet which I stuck to the side glass. Except for the suction cup feet letting loose as they age, the pump itself was reliable.

 

[LeftyReefer]

Jebao have been reliable for me.

 

[Tavero]

Sunsun powerheads. Cheap enough for you? Thing is, what are you going to do about light?

 

[shwareefer]

After my koralia 1050 impellers became cracked and swollen and I couldn't find replacements I got these super cheap ones off amazon and use the koralia magnet bases on them (fits perfect) instead of the lame suction cups that come with. I only use them in my mixing barrels but they have been going strong for 2 years now. Sunsun jvp-102 1300gph.

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[bigc9731]

Ill second the jebao powerheads. I have the sow-15 and am very happy with it for the price

 

[fishface NJ]

Jebao powerheads.

 

[bnord]

Agree with Jebao, this was an easy thread…. Now wait till you ask the same about lights….

 

[JMetaxas]

Jebao. Clean them every 2 months to perform at their best.

 

[Gtinnel]

I agree with Jebao power heads. Their gyres are decent but need more maintenance to keep them working properly, also mine occasionally have a hum noise to them. When I replace them I’m going back to traditional power heads.

Agree with Jebao, this was an easy thread…. Now wait till you ask the same about lights….

I’m just waiting for that question so I can suggest Noopsyche.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I like the Hydor’s as they just keep running and running with my infrequent cleaning with citric acid. I had on that the rotor locked up, for no telling how long. Purchased a new rotor and it’s still going strong a year later.

 

[Tavero]

I like the Hydor’s as they just keep running and running

Well then you got some miracle versions. In my 15 years i have used them, they never worked more than 3 years. In retrospect i was stupid for not changing the manufacturer after the second died. They aren't even THAT cheap. I can buy 4 sunsun for the price of one hydor

 

[afrokobe]

love jebaos like everyone else in this thread. Really worth the money

 

[ninjamyst]

Reef breeders RPM. Or maxspect jump gyre. Cheap with USA warranty.

If you want even cheaper, go for any of the many many Amazon Chinese knockoffs.

This hobby doesn't have to be expensive. Avoid the big names. Especially with lights.

 

[reeftivo]

Jebaos here too.

 

[reeftivo]

Reef breeders RPM. Or maxspect jump gyre. Cheap with USA warranty.

If you want even cheaper, go for any of the many many Amazon Chinese knockoffs.

This hobby doesn't have to be expensive. Avoid the big names. Especially with lights.

have 2 RPMs from reef breeders and did not like them. One was DOA & they did not push as much water as i thought they would. Their customer service is great though and they sent out a replacement for the DOA right away. They also boosted my tank temp from 77 to 80.

Just my experience.

I have had good experiences with Jebaos including their gyres. their controllers are awful though. They work but have very odd programming that takes a little while to figure out

 

[Spare time]

Sicce voyagers are fantastic

 

[squidarcher]

Sunsun powerheads. Cheap enough for you? Thing is, what are you going to do about light?

I managed to get a very nice light setup from one of my friends for real cheap. 4 ft T5 and 2 ai primes, might see if I can get a nice xr15 or hydra 32 for it as well. But rn I’m growing sticks fine enough.

 

[shwareefer]

I managed to get a very nice light setup from one of my friends for real cheap. 4 ft T5 and 2 ai primes

That's perfect for a 75 IMO.

 

[squidarcher]

That's perfect for a 75 IMO.

Yeah and the great part is it fits right over the 150 too! Probably more par around the center of the tank but that’s fine considering I want a mixed reef and not just a full SPS tank