Good powerhead options for 90 gal ?

[Xclusive Reef]

I am trying to decide on which of the many power heads to choose from. Maybe someone can help me decide. I am looking for powerbeads that I can program so for some hours of day it calm then waves then calm again. Do I need a apex controller for this?

Here are some choices I have noticed had good reviews:

Vortech MP40

Hydor Koralia Evolution

Tunze Turbelle Stream Controllable 6105 Pump

 

[Brew12]

I am trying to decide on which of the many power heads to choose from. Maybe someone can help me decide. I am looking for powerbeads that I can program so for some hours of day it calm then waves then calm again. Do I need a apex controller for this?

Here are some choices I have noticed had good reviews:

Vortech MP40

Hydor Koralia Evolution

Tunze Turbelle Stream Controllable 6105 Pump

You can probably get some better advice if you list your tank dimensions. I know I would use different pumps for a longer narrower 90g tank than I would for a shorter wider/higher 90g tank.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Thank is 48x18x24

 

[Brew12]

Thank is 48x18x24

For a shorter tank like this, using 2 MP40's would work well. And they will do most of what you want without an apex. Not sure they are worth the money but they do have some very nice features.

You might also want to consider using one of the Gyre pumps, especially if you want to go with a single powerhead option.

 

[justingraham]

Gyre 150 best bang for the buc

 

[mcarroll]

I think the 6105's would give you the best power and flexibility. Awesome pumps. At $285/ea they are a bargain. I think they offer the most unlimited placement options too, including inside a camouflage rock:

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I run a gyre 150 on my 90. Never looked back. Sleek and efficient.

 

[Brew12]

I think the 6105's would give you the best power and flexibility. Awesome pumps. At $285/ea they are a bargain. I think they offer the most unlimited placement options too, including inside a camouflage rock:

I would add that a single 6105 would perform much better than a single mp40 for your tank. The Tunze pumps have much better reach.

 

[mcarroll]

+1

To give you an idea of how much extra power you'll have, two 6105's will handily run a 180 gallon. As a bonus, they are built like tanks.

Just to throw it out there since I'm a fan of more powerheads vs fewer, you could also consider a combination of smaller Tunzes. Anything from four to six (non-controllable) 6045's ($78/ea), to some Turbelle® nanostream® 6040's ($140/ea), to some Turbelle® nanostream® 6055's ($185/ea) or even one of the new Turbelle® stream 3's ($345, 5 year warranty). What exact combo would depend how you do your rocks and corals and what you want out of it.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Is 1 6105 enough for the 90 gal? Or 2 6055 better one on each side?

 

[mcarroll]

By the numbers, yes. The 6105 is a lot of pump! But...

One pump solutions are challenging, so at least in the long run I'd have to say it's doubtful any one pump would be sufficient – even a 6105.

A 6105 that is eventually complemented with one or more other pumps could definitely be a sensible solution though!

(1)6105 + (up to 4)6045
(1)6105 + (2)6040
(1)6105 + (2)6055

Combining other brands is another obvious avenue.

I'd start with the 6105, if that sounds good, and then pick whatever makes sense to fill in the slow areas that will inevitably develop behind rocks and corals as they get placed and grow in.

Try not to fully discount the multi-pump options I mentioned earlier though! Even a set of AC-powered 6045's on timers (for example) could really rock a 90 gallon! And with more flow outlets comes more setup options for you and less dead zones for the tank!

 

[Brew12]

Is 1 6105 enough for the 90 gal? Or 2 6055 better one on each side?

I think it really depends on your aquascape. If you have a more open tank then a single pump would be a great start. If you have a lot of live rock in your display, you will need more than 1 pump. Those 6105's will move a good amount of water across your tank as long as you don't have a bunch or rocks blocking the flow. And, you can always add more smaller pumps later if you deem it necessary.

 

[jeffrey holloway]

I Have two Tunze 6095s and two 6055s moving water around a 150g 48X32X25. No dead spots with 150lbs of Pukani rock. Got them at an excellent price from BRS last Black Friday sale. If can wait another month you can save some money.