Help, I can't decide on flow!

Aquaman6410 · Apr 28, 2019

Okay, I'm officially the worst at making this decision. The pros and cons of all the powerheads out there make this hard. The last piece of my equipment for my new tank I need are powerheads. It's a Nuvo INT 75 (3ft long x 2ft deep). I was thinking XF330 gyre since it wont cost as much to add a second one later to the existing controller but I can't bite the bullet for some reason (well because I'm indecisive). I also worry about the maintenance on it since so many seem to make it seem like a huge pain. So this is it, final decision. MP40, Gyre XF330, Aqamai KPM, Octopulse 2?

I'd ideally like to budget this at $400 max but of course I can add more flow in a couple months after saving more money up in the equipment fund. Looking for best value, flow pattern/amount, reliability, etc. Plus, with a new tank with no corals yet, I don't think I need a ton of flow right away. I'm going for an LPS heavy tank.

Added a poll. This is it. I'm going to see what the current 2019 favorite amongst Reef2Reef is and go for it. No going back!

Mical · Apr 28, 2019

You could get by with a pair of vortech MP10s (they're always on sale used ine marketplace forums) - here's Ecotechs calculator - https://ecotechmarine.com/vortech-flow-calculator

Firemanreefkeeper · Apr 28, 2019

I love my gyre pumps. I have the 200 series and the 300 series. 300 are much easier to clean than previous models. Gyres make a ton of flow since you are basically buying 2 powerheads in one.

christopher wainright · Apr 28, 2019

I like my gyres I had 2 230s in a 4 ft 75 gallon and they are awesome. They are a pain to pull all the way apart though if you want to tear it completely down. But i liked them enough that they are now in my 210.

cracker · Apr 28, 2019

@Firemanreefkeeper , I'm happy to hear the new models have been improved . I really like the flow not too pricey however mine give me problems with wearing out bushings & such. Always having to mess with them.
Fireman, Your choices are goodDon't be shy about getting bigger ones. Most you can control the speed/power .

LilElroyJetson · Apr 28, 2019

I voted for the MP40. Powerful, reliable and they're minimally intrusive in the display. The Gyre's are good powerheads but imo don't look good in a display tank.

Water Dog · Apr 28, 2019

While I like the flow of the Gyres, maintenance and longevity are definitely a concern. I’m running a pair of MP40QDs on my 36x8x20 tank. I do like the ease of maintenance, however wetside longevity is also a concern with these... I just replaced a wetside due to a cracked case and swelled magnet, granted the wetside is original with the pump which has a build date of around the summer of 2015.

WVNed · Apr 28, 2019

I don't think 1 of any pump you listed will be enough
I am running 2 gyres and a Jebao pp-8 in my 75 at 70, 70 and 100%.

Aquaman6410 · Apr 28, 2019

Yeah, I can always add another one of these pumps down the road but looking to get started with one of these for now.

Aquaman6410 · May 2, 2019

It seems more people prefer the vortech. Do you think one MP40 shuld be enough to start for now or do I need two?

Also, anyone use the Aqamai KPM pumps and like those?

LilElroyJetson · May 2, 2019

I would suggest two MP40's so you're not running the single one high and it will allow you to vary your flow, if budget allows. You can run the two MP40's at 50% max, and have a ton of flow with it not just constantly coming from a single direction, without stressing the powerheads over the long run.

infinite0180 · May 2, 2019

Vortechs are soo worth it, even if you have to buy one now and one later when you save up some more money. The best thing ever is vortechs with an apex and a wxm module. I control them from my phone!

dansreef · May 2, 2019

I have two MP40's at either end of my 180 DT. My tank already gets good flow... I like to run the MP40's off of a reeflink and program different settings throughout the course of the day and night. I have a lot of flow... and at times.... NUTS flow to stir up detritus and get it down to the sump for filtration.

I had an original Gyre when I first set up this tank... I hated it. Every little snail or piece of sand seemed to mess and jam things up. I replaced paddles and bushings...and even the main motor as after about 12 months it began to deteriorate at the cord connection...who knows what was leached into my system. They sent replacement parts and were really responsive. I think I have enough parts at this point for three complete gyres.... of course that all sits in a bucket in my fish room unused. I gave up after about 18 months. I installed 2 MP40's I had for an earlier tank.... and haven't looked back.

Jon Fishman · May 2, 2019

I have none of those pumps...... but I would say MP40's I LOVE the magnet aspect with the small wet-side in the tank and nothing else. I plan to buy a pair or 3, hopefully in a package deal used on here.