comparing cheap vs high end powerhead

[Jr'sReef]

It’s not the markup which makes it better, I just don’t get the 500$ price tag on a water mover. Heck my pool pump wasn’t even 500$

All I’m trying to state here is that I find it pretty ridiculous that they are priced that high. It’s my opinion.

If I buy a Nike shoe for 50$ vs an offbrand shoe that was 30$ I don’t see the comparison versus 50$ or 500$ pump..... I think this went over your head but that’s ok

 

[chefjpaul]

It’s not the markup which makes it better, I just don’t get the 500$ price tag on a water mover. Heck my pool pump wasn’t even 500$

All I’m trying to state here is that I find it pretty ridiculous that they are priced that high. It’s my opinion.

If I buy a Nike shoe for 50$ vs an offbrand shoe that was 30$ I don’t see the comparison versus 50$ or 500$ pump..... I think this went over your head but that’s ok

patents

 

[ca1ore]

Simple: BUY THE B E S T YOU CAN AFFORD. I live buy the principle of buy the best so you've bought it once ( not 2-3 times a year due to failure)

While I agree, the reality is that most people don't last in the hobby. If the median time is, say, two years; the fact that a Jebao pump may only last 2 1/2 (versus my iwaki that went for 20) becomes moot.

 

[ca1ore]

All I’m trying to state here is that I find it pretty ridiculous that they are priced that high.

Many will agree with you; including companies like Jebao that have made a business out of it. For me, I'm actually OK with what I get for my vortech dollar; versus all the absurdly price extruded skimmers on the market. I guess we all have our individual peeves.

 

[Legal Reefer]

I like the cross flow...Jecod/Jebao cp-40 $85. Just my choice,

on my budget.

 

[Solis Reef]

I did use the 20 and 30 double pump from eBay. If the power got cut out one will star forward and the other one will star on revers. I try the he jebao and they keep braking before the year mark. In my new 220 build I’m using all vortech.

 

[Jeff Cahill]

has anyone ever try the cheap powerhead or wavemaker from ebay? i do own an ecotech mp10wqd and i know it a great one that really quiet and ability to control the flow, but recently i got some weird questions from my cousin that he going to setup a new tank and ask me why spending amost 300$ on just one powerhead while you can get one for 20$ on ebay that provide same amount of flow.

I'll stick with the jebao RW pumps + the cross flow pumps had a maxspect gyre didn't last 1yr

 

[rtparty]

It’s not the markup which makes it better, I just don’t get the 500$ price tag on a water mover. Heck my pool pump wasn’t even 500$

All I’m trying to state here is that I find it pretty ridiculous that they are priced that high. It’s my opinion.

If I buy a Nike shoe for 50$ vs an offbrand shoe that was 30$ I don’t see the comparison versus 50$ or 500$ pump..... I think this went over your head but that’s ok

Nothing went over my head.

You clearly stated that all a Vortech does is move water and the ridiculous markup is like 1000%. Of which you have zero knowledge or evidence to back that up.

I remember a few years back where someone actually broke down some costs that could be easily found and the magnets in a Vortech were close to like $50-60 just in raw material. Even if they're only half that at $25, your 1000% isn't even close.

But nothing you said explains why it matters what the mark up is. If it costs them $10 to build and they sell it for $350, so what? The market seems just fine with the price and in the end, that is all that matters. Market dictates the price on anything in this hobby.

As for the Nike shoes comparison, it makes prefect sense. If you knew the cost to make those $50 shoes, you would be upset at their markup when using your reasoning above.

Or how about an iPhone? They are roughly $150 to produce and yet sell for $800+. Is that ridiculous as well?

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Im in the same situation. Setting up a new reef tank, on a bugdet but perfer quality. The PP pumps have nice features and the price point is very appealing. On the flip side Tunze NanoStream pumps are higher quality but cost more, a lot more. MP40WQD is crazy money for moving water.
$700 MP40 x2
$460 6095 x2
$135 PP-8 x2
Very large price difference there.

 

[Cary Hover]

I see these kinds of comments all the time. My standard response is that you know this how? If you are privy to their balance sheet, do share. It's certainly fair to question, for you, the value in a $300 powerhead, but don't make ridiculous assertions on things you know nothing about. If you happen to be a former ETM employee with knowledge into their balance sheet ..... then I retract my comments.

Well said! I totally agree with you. I happen to love VorTech pumps. Yes they only carry a 1 year warranty but I believe if you go to the Ferrari dealership they wont even give you a one year without purchasing extra coverage. VorTech has great customer support. They are a call away and always answer. I currently an running 5 MP60's on my 500 gallon tank with a Reeflink controlling the lot. The software is easy to use and I am happy with the results. At a maximin of 7500 gallons a hour each it is hard to beat and they do have a nice footprint. Just my 2 cents.

 

[mrpizzaface]

I like the cross flow...Jecod/Jebao cp-40 $85. Just my choice,

on my budget.

Please correct me if I am wrong regarding the cross flow. As I understand it, Part of its low price is due to intellectual property theft. The cross flow uses maxspects design without having had to do any research and development. Patent infringement equals lower cost. If that is the case I wouldn’t feel good about having it on my tank for multiple reasons.

 

[ca1ore]

I think companies like Jebao take a somewhat 'casual' approach to IP. Not having to amortize R&D costs across sold units certainly boosts the profit margin, as does using Chinese labor for assembly. China, and other low cost manufacturing countries, have largely built their manufacturing industry on labor arbitrage. The next 'phase' for them is likely to be more about generating their own IP, at which point China will suddenly start to care a lot more about IP protection LOL.

 

[Tony Thompson]

I've had a pair of jebao rw15's for three years work like a champ . i clean them once a month. I want a pair of Gyres but dont want to spend 700

IME Maintenance is the key. I clean all my pumps once a month and check the shaft for wear.

 

[Kim Andersen]

I bought a Coral box quiet pump QP16 from fish street recently and can only say good things about it. I have a 150x50x50 tank what ran 2x rw8 before i added the qp16 for the extra flow. And the qp16 moves alot of water by itself, sounds is alright. Not super silent, but still not annoying. So far worth the money for sure. Only had it for 3-4 months so i guess it can still fail and make this comment worth nothing

 

[Jr'sReef]

Nothing went over my head.

You clearly stated that all a Vortech does is move water and the ridiculous markup is like 1000%. Of which you have zero knowledge or evidence to back that up.

I remember a few years back where someone actually broke down some costs that could be easily found and the magnets in a Vortech were close to like $50-60 just in raw material. Even if they're only half that at $25, your 1000% isn't even close.

But nothing you said explains why it matters what the mark up is. If it costs them $10 to build and they sell it for $350, so what? The market seems just fine with the price and in the end, that is all that matters. Market dictates the price on anything in this hobby.

As for the Nike shoes comparison, it makes prefect sense. If you knew the cost to make those $50 shoes, you would be upset at their markup when using your reasoning above.

Or how about an iPhone? They are roughly $150 to produce and yet sell for $800+. Is that ridiculous as well?

We get it, you run all Vortechs. Good for you, that’s not what I was trying to get across. Why you write novels on a forum to back up a company is beyond me. Even more so to prove you are right about a subject no one really cares about lol. It’s a water mover dude, relax.

To each their own, for those that can afford vortechs that’s great, for those that buy jebaos or off brands great. Everyone gets the job done one way or another.

 

[rtparty]

We get it, you run all Vortechs. Good for you, that’s not what I was trying to get across. Why you write novels on a forum to back up a company is beyond me. Even more so to prove you are right about a subject no one really cares about lol. It’s a water mover dude, relax.

To each their own, for those that can afford vortechs that’s great, for those that buy jebaos or off brands great. Everyone gets the job done one way or another.

Zero Ecotech products on my tank. Good try

 

[SFKINNC]

I bought a SunSun pump for about $12 to run a sponge filter for a 10 gallon QT. It works just fine for what I wanted. Last week I bought the same pump for $8.80 (Yes! The price went down.) to use in emptying water-change buckets. If I get a year or more out of the pump, I’ll have no complaints. For their intended purpose, I have no need of fancy features, just need water to move fast enough to empty a bucket or to pass through a sponge! Sometimes, cheaper is better.

 

[Fudsey]

Yep, same here. Jbwave controlling mine.

Where did you find the JB Wave? I can't even find them on the web anywhere...

 

[Flippers4pups]

Where did you find the JB Wave? I can't even find them on the web anywhere...

Unfortunately I believe Joe, the guy that made them, no longer sells them.

Somebody should make it their cause to pick up where he left off and make them again! Great product and fills a niche.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

I have 2 Jebao PP8s, 2 SW4s and had one SW2. Out ofnthe PP8s both work, but ine has recently gotten really loud. It mixes my fresh salt mix. The other PP8 is in my display. Out of the SW4s, one needed a minor soldier repair on the power connection to the circuit board, but both work fine. The SW2 was a complete dud within a week. Short in the motor or something. Box would light up until you plugged the motor in, then nothing. Unplugged motor and lights would come back. Switched boxes and same results. I returned it to Amazon for full refund.

Yea, a $300 name brand power head may last longer, but for a budget tank I'll stick with the Jebaos. I've got less than $200 in 4 pumps.