Ecotech or Gyre Pump?

Bootie08 · Jan 31, 2018

I have the Red Sea Reefer 170 and my old pump went out. Trying to figure out what pump I want to go with now. Any suggestions on which I should go with? Also if I went with Ecotech do I go with the MP10 or MP40? Or if I go with a gyre style pump which brand should I go with since they're very similar in price.

Thanks!

hijinks7 · Jan 31, 2018

maxspect licensed the gyre design so that's why they are all basically the same in price. The only real difference really is the controller. I have a two gyre 250s on my 120g and love the flow. They are slightly louder then a normal style pump so if you go with one buy bigger and run it under 50%

Best Fish-Jake · Jan 31, 2018

While i love both my Gyre 130 and Mp40W, i would have to recommend the Mp40 over the Gyre. Maintenance is a million times simpler with the Mp40, and the gyre seems to need a whole lot more attention. You'd likely need to go with the Mp40 instead of the Mp10 due to the glass thickness on your tank. I'd recommend getting two for optimal flow.

reefndude · Jan 31, 2018

I have both in my tank. I would choose ecotech over the gyre

DSC reef · Jan 31, 2018

Can't go wrong with either, both pumps are great. The gyre IMO can cover more water movement with a broader area with one pump. I do have to clean mine once a month but I don't mind.

reefndude · Jan 31, 2018

DSC reef said:
Can't go wrong with either, both pumps are great. The gyre IMO can cover more water movement with a broader area with one pump. I do have to clean mine once a month but I don't mind.

I agree if going with only one then I would pick gyre.

DSC reef · Jan 31, 2018

reefndude said:
I agree if going with only one then I would pick gyre.

I wouldn't mind having both

reefndude · Jan 31, 2018

DSC reef said:
I wouldn't mind having both

I got lucky with my purchases. All three 2nd hand for 160 bucks. Works well on my tank

Bootie08 · Jan 31, 2018

Well now that that's settled would I be able to get away with just 1 MP40 in my tank? The tank isn't that large total volume of water in the tank is roughly about 34 gallons. Do I really even need to get the MP40 or can I get the MP10?

DSC reef · Jan 31, 2018

If you go ecotech then I'd choose MP40 and you won't have to run full power and a wider flow pattern. You can look at the 3k gyre for an alternative to maxspect, it's less powerful but plenty to where you won't run full power and easy to clean.

Vaughn17 · Jan 31, 2018

Bootie08 said:
Well now that that's settled would I be able to get away with just 1 MP40 in my tank? The tank isn't that large total volume of water in the tank is roughly about 34 gallons. Do I really even need to get the MP40 or can I get the MP10?

If your tank is only 38 gal, the MP 10 will provide enough flow.

Oberst Oswald · Jan 31, 2018

I have both...the maxspect gyre wins.

David S · Feb 1, 2018

Bootie08 said:
I have the Red Sea Reefer 170 and my old pump went out. Trying to figure out what pump I want to go with now. Any suggestions on which I should go with? Also if I went with Ecotech do I go with the MP10 or MP40? Or if I go with a gyre style pump which brand should I go with since they're very similar in price.

Thanks!

I have a 38 Gallon tank and use 2 MP 10's at opposite ends on alternating sides, running at a max of about 75% each. Corals seem to like it.
While I don't have a Maxspect/Icecap Gyre, I just read about the new Icecap 1K gyre. I may consider adding it in a vertical orientation in a back corner of my tank for flow supplementation, as well as evaluation.
In your system, two Icecap 1K's may be adequate (and they'd be cheaper than an MP10). If you wanted to go whole hog, you could buy 4 of them (2 placed horizontally and two placed vertically) which would give you great flow, as well as options and even 4 of them wouldn't cost much more than an MP40 (although things could get crazy with 4 different controllers).
However, placing myself in your shoes - I assume you have no experience with Vortech's or Gyres - I might consider starting with one MP 10 and 1 Icecap 1K. You might find this combo adequate, but if you eventually find you prefer one over the other, you can add accordingly, and at the very least the less preferred one can supplement your flow or serve as a backup.

nvert · Feb 1, 2018

I've had both and although I liked the Maxpect gyre flow the maintenance was a pain...they even send you spare parts when you purchase a new pump. I replaced two Maxspects in under a year. My QD Vortechs, aside from periodically soaking them in vinegar when they freeze up, have been extremely solid and dependable now for over a year...knock on wood!

David S · Feb 1, 2018

nvert said:
I've had both and although I liked the Maxpect gyre flow the maintenance was a pain...they even send you spare parts when you purchase a new pump. I replaced two Maxspects in under a year. My QD Vortechs, aside from periodically soaking them in vinegar when they freeze up, have been extremely solid and dependable now for over a year...knock on wood!

Yes, this has been my experience with my Vortechs.
And your experience with the gyre pumps reflects a common complaint. That's the reason I haven't pulled the trigger on one.
But this new one is relatively inexpensive so I might get one to supplement or serve as a backup

nvert · Feb 1, 2018

Price is def a thing to consider. But also consider the frequency in which you might have to repair or replace a pump that already has this reputation vs a more expensive one that you may not need to repair as often. One aspect I haven’t heard others mention yet, in my experience, the vortechs also run cooler and don’t have a cord in the tank. The vortechs also have a few more programming capabilities than the Max gyre.

I’ve run many vortechs over the years and experimented with the Maxspect gyre for about a year when it came out. I came full circle back to the Vortechs. EM customer service has a great track record with me too.

nvert · Feb 1, 2018

Price is def a thing to consider. But also consider the frequency in which you might have to repair or replace a pump that already has this reputation vs a more expensive one that you may not need to repair as often. One aspect I haven’t heard others mention yet, in my experience, the vortechs also run cooler and don’t have a cord in the tank. The vortechs also have a few more programming capabilities than the Max gyre.

I’ve run many vortechs over the years and experimented with the Maxspect gyre for about a year when it came out. I came full circle back to the Vortechs. EM customer service has a great track record with me too.

Velcro · Feb 1, 2018

nvert said:
Price is def a thing to consider. But also consider the frequency in which you might have to repair or replace a pump that already has this reputation vs a more expensive one that you may not need to repair as often. One aspect I haven’t heard others mention yet, in my experience, the vortechs also run cooler and don’t have a cord in the tank. The vortechs also have a few more programming capabilities than the Max gyre.

I’ve run many vortechs over the years and experimented with the Maxspect gyre for about a year when it came out. I came full circle back to the Vortechs. EM customer service has a great track record with me too.

You must be referring to the original gyre controller. The new controller has FAR more options than vortechs.

Mark Gray · Feb 1, 2018

After I bought a Gyre and used it I will not go back love the flow no having to mess with it circulates the whole tank

nvert · Feb 1, 2018

More controllable than before, yes, but like I said, I had two for over a year when they first came out so I'm writing based on that. They're a great pump just not as reliable nor configurable as the Vortechs IME.