Gyre or directional flow for large rock structures?

[wsoldier]

Both my Neptune WAV pumps died so I'm looking for something new for my Reefer 350. I have large rock structures surrounded by water, and I found the 2 WAVs to mostly be overpowering (even at the lower settings). Not to mention I had to aim them just right to create turbulence with my return nozzle to have some semblance of random motion across the tank.

Would a gyre (or two) pump be better for such a situation? MP40s? Or a combination?

Pics below (there's about 3-6 inches behind the rocks so plenty of volume surrounding the rocks and the edges of the tank). Slightly old but I have some SPS on the top along with LPS/softies and nems. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[dwest]

I think the flow from gyres would work great. But I went back to mp40’s on my tank for several reasons. They would be great in your tank as well.

 

[wsoldier]

I think the flow from gyres would work great. But I went back to mp40’s on my tank for several reasons. They would be great in your tank as well.

Thanks. What were your reasons for going back?

 

[dwest]

Thanks. What were your reasons for going back?

i had 2 gyres. The latest was the 250 series. Both of mine were excessively noisy. I always heard a whine as the controller ramped up and down. I hear they are quieter now. I had to do more frequent maintenance with them vs mp40. Plus I would rather not have the cord inside the tank. This is more for ease of maintenance vs aesthetics.

 

[R.Weller]

We just installed two IceCap 4k gyre's on our 300gal. Our rock work is similar to yours only wider & longer with two structures on either side of the display with a gap in the center. Our display is 72" x 36" x 24". There isn't a space in the tank that doesn't see good flow with these pumps & we've set the max at 80%. They are also whisper quiet. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of detritus that was stirred when we first turned them on & we regularly stir the sandbed. After seeing these in action on our display, I won't go back to a cone shaped flow.