Favorite, CHEAPER, lower priced powerheads for flow?

[HBtank]

Sorry for your loss. They do have the mesh or sponge covers for them if that helps. For that just in case moment.

I don’t think that will help with a reversed pump.

 

[immaman2011]

I don’t think that will help with a reversed pump.

I mean for future reference not on a broken pump. To save his fish as a just in case.

 

[Spare time]

Sorry for your loss. They do have the mesh or sponge covers for them if that helps. For that just in case moment.

I don't think those covers would protect the area where the water flows out. That is where the puffer got sliced

 

[immaman2011]

I don't think those covers would protect the area where the water flows out. That is where the puffer got sliced

There are some designed to cover the front as well. The fine mesh ones. There are also foam and sponge ones too that only do the sides.

 

[doubleshot00]

Hard to beat the Jebao WM. They are loud and have some corky controls. I wouldn’t use them in a large tank but for a nano they work great.

 

[Dakota_reef]

I have a hydor in my return area under my dosing pumps. The rest are not-so-inexpensive Vortechs, and a CORE 20

 

[vlangel]

I only have 1 power head and it's a tunze 6045, which goes for around $88 at BRS. Although it is not a programmable variable flow, the flow can be adjusted manually. It is quiet and reliable and has been in use for years.

 

[badonkadonk]

Used to run Tunzes years ago, switched to Jebao (various series of the biggest 5k+ GPH models) maybe 8 years ago and have found the reliability/price to be good. I've also started running some Sunsun powerheads over the past year or two and they've been very reliable so far. Only $8-$15 at PA, and only a few watts. I use them in constant on applications and turn off the higher flow pumps at night (I also keep on a gyre - also Jebao, also good).

 

[PeterErc]

Maxi-jet mods were fun Went through a bunch brands but Tunze are the best for longevity, performance and customer service is fantastic. The 6025 are good to mod if you like to tinker. I had a pile of the Jenao wp40 and giving them another shot With the ow-40. Time will tell but I can guarantee they won’t outlast the Tunze power heads that have been going for years.

 

[Falreef]

Can’t go wrong with jebaos. When they stop, just soak them a few days in pump cleaner powder in RODI water. Then rinse thoroughly and they will be as good as new. I think BRS sells that pump cleaner from fauna Marin.

Jebao are best bang for the buck.
They even have wifi controlled versions now. 1/4 the price of MP10 to 40s. With as much or more control.

 

[Hooz]

It's hard in nano tanks. Most of the "big names" have too much flow for tiny tanks with LPS and softies.

I've use Jebao SLW/MLW, MOW, the Hygger Mini, Nero 3 and 5, MP10. They all have benefits and drawbacks, but I'd say the Jebao stuff has been the best bang for the buck, and they come in a wider range of flow options (i.e. MLW-5, 10, 20, 30) to fit more tank sizes.

The Hygger mini was a nice, TINY wavemaker, but the controler sucks. If they had that updated with more control over patterns and timing, I'd own SEVERAL of them. As it is, I think the MLW-5 is probably the best nano, controllable wavemaker out there right now.