Flow pumps for a 72x30x25 225g?

[Zero_Cool]

I had asked this previously for a shallower tank but have some questions for a deeper. Tank is 72x30x25 225g and will eventually be 80/20 SPS/other. I have the following regarding powerheads (all still new in box so I could make changes if needed):
(2) Maxspect XF350
(2) Ecotech MP40MQD

Original plan did not include the MP40MQDs

Questions:
1) Do I keep what I have? (I like the theory of the gyres but have read some very challenging reviews)

2) Should I return the XF350s and go with (4) MP40MQD?

3) Should I return all and go with (2) MP60s?

Which of the above options provides the most customizable, controllable and consistent flow for the tank inhabitants?

How would you recommend setting these up in the tank (meaning location - sides and/or back)?

 

[ReefSakes]

I have a 84x30x24 display. I run 5 mp40 and a nero5 in it. 4 mp40 along the top back and one on the side towards bottom. The nero5 is between the 4 mp40s. Plans is also 80/20 sps dominant

 

[xabo]

Running 4 MP60s on my 225 w/a RD3 150W return pump.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Running 4 MP60s on my 225 w/a RD3 150W return pump.

Wow! That is a ton of potential flow in the tank. Sounds like about 170x turnover.

Are you running the 60s at a reduced %?

Where do you locate them in the tank?

 

[Zero_Cool]

I have a 84x30x24 display. I run 5 mp40 and a nero5 in it. 4 mp40 along the top back and one on the side towards bottom. The nero5 is between the 4 mp40s. Plans is also 80/20 sps dominant

Thank you. Are you running bare bottom?

I was thinking about the gyre pumps on the back wall but worry that all my sand will be pushed to the back of the tank.

 

[xabo]

Wow! That is a ton of potential flow in the tank. Sounds like about 170x turnover.

Are you running the 60s at a reduced %?

Where do you locate them in the tank?

2 ea. mounted on the sidewalks facing each other with a offset. 100% Reefcrest.

 

[ReefSakes]

Thank you. Are you running bare bottom?

I was thinking about the gyre pumps on the back wall but worry that all my sand will be pushed to the back of the tank.

Yes I'm bare bottom

 

[Sabellafella]

I had asked this previously for a shallower tank but have some questions for a deeper. Tank is 72x30x25 225g and will eventually be 80/20 SPS/other. I have the following regarding powerheads (all still new in box so I could make changes if needed):
(2) Maxspect XF350
(2) Ecotech MP40MQD

Original plan did not include the MP40MQDs

Questions:
1) Do I keep what I have? (I like the theory of the gyres but have read some very challenging reviews)

2) Should I return the XF350s and go with (4) MP40MQD?

3) Should I return all and go with (2) MP60s?

Which of the above options provides the most customizable, controllable and consistent flow for the tank inhabitants?

How would you recommend setting these up in the tank (meaning location - sides and/or back)?

Setting up a 300 gallon reef savvy right now.

The problem with with 350s, they get dirty and power dies extremely extremely quickly. I've had every single generation and size of the maxspect gyre and the 350s have to be the worst of the worst.

Get a 280, titanium inners, they get dirty no problem. No flow shortage, the impeller blades will break into pieces before that impeller slows down.

I'm going to do 2 280s and 2 mp40s.

Just 1 280 is enuff, have the one controller so why not get both. Definitely enuff flow for the beginning years before things grow out.

The gyres move alot of water around the tank. Definitely a great option over just the mp. Mp provide alot if randomized, localized areas of flow.

Otherwise the gyres fit nice on the sides, along with the mps on the back walls. Just depends on how you aquascape your tank.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Setting up a 300 gallon reef savvy right now.

The problem with with 350s, they get dirty and power dies extremely extremely quickly. I've had every single generation and size of the maxspect gyre and the 350s have to be the worst of the worst.

Get a 280, titanium inners, they get dirty no problem. No flow shortage, the impeller blades will break into pieces before that impeller slows down.

I'm going to do 2 280s and 2 mp40s.

Just 1 280 is enuff, have the one controller so why not get both. Definitely enuff flow for the beginning years before things grow

What are 280s? Nevermind. Found them.

 

[Sabellafella]

What are 280s? Nevermind. Found them.

They have to be the best pump on the market. They also come with spare blades and shields.

The new 350s do not, on a pump that cleaning is vital for consistent flow, they should had. I had to buy spares for them.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Would the recommendation be to swap the 2 350s for 1 280?

Or drop the gyres altogether and go with 4 MP40s

 

[Sabellafella]

For the cost yes. Definitely better to have the 280.

I wouldn't go without atleast one gyre, pushes water from one side to the other ultimate moving waste around efficiently

 

[vetteguy53081]

I had asked this previously for a shallower tank but have some questions for a deeper. Tank is 72x30x25 225g and will eventually be 80/20 SPS/other. I have the following regarding powerheads (all still new in box so I could make changes if needed):
(2) Maxspect XF350
(2) Ecotech MP40MQD

Original plan did not include the MP40MQDs

Questions:
1) Do I keep what I have? (I like the theory of the gyres but have read some very challenging reviews)

2) Should I return the XF350s and go with (4) MP40MQD?

3) Should I return all and go with (2) MP60s?

Which of the above options provides the most customizable, controllable and consistent flow for the tank inhabitants?

How would you recommend setting these up in the tank (meaning location - sides and/or back)?

You can also look at:
Sicce stream pumps
Nero 3 or 5
Koralia
Tunze

 

[Zero_Cool]

You can also look at:
Sicce stream pumps
Nero 3 or 5
Koralia
Tunze

Always liked the Tunze products. That is a good reminder of other options.

 

[Zero_Cool]

For the cost yes. Definitely better to have the 280.

I wouldn't go without atleast one gyre, pushes water from one side to the other ultimate moving waste around efficiently

Are the 280s out of production now?

 

[mrpontiac80]

I have a similar footprint with a 180 gallon build. 72”x 24”x 25”. My plan at the moment is 4 xf330’s because I already have them. Not sure how well they will perform but I was thinking one on each side and two on the back wall.
I currently have two in a 4’ 65 gallon and at 60% random they do fantastic.

 

[Zero_Cool]

I have a similar footprint with a 180 gallon build. 72”x 24”x 25”. My plan at the moment is 4 xf330’s because I already have them.

How long have you had them and have you had any significant issues like rapid loss of power/flow requiring a shorter cleaning schedule?

 

[mrpontiac80]

How long have you had them and have you had any significant issues like rapid loss of power/flow requiring a shorter cleaning schedule?

So I have had 2 of them in use for 2 years and they have been great. Sure they probably require cleaning more often than other style of pumps but it’s really pretty simple and painless. I run them at 60% random in my waterbox 65.4. I know that’s a lot smaller than the tanks we are talking about but these things will definitely move water.
I clean them probably every 3-4 months. I turn them off for 30 min when I feed the tank fish food, coral food, doses and etc. daily. Every few days when I restart them I run them in reverse at 100% for a min or two and this knocks a lot of gunk out. ( they start on their own after the time expires)
Gradually I will notice the flow is not as powerful as I keep them close to the top. At that point I will increase the percentage of flow until I decide to clean them. Cleaning takes less than 30 min. I pop one off and put it in a 5 gallon bucket with citric acid and let it run for a few mins. Then I will pull it apart and using sn old toothbrush, scrub the parts down and reassemble and rinse, then back into the tank to do the next one.

I am building a 180 as an upgrade. I had purchased a complete 180 system that came with a bunch of gear. I replaced the tank with s new one but plan to at least start with the gyres I have and the identical set that came with the setup. Hopefully it’s enough but we will see.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Thank you for this feedback.

 

[mrpontiac80]

Also…. I’m not gonna lie… I’ve never had mp40s or others, and want to some day. Eventually I hope to get some. But I can’t compare them to my gyre’s because I have no experience with them. But I have no complaints with the gyres