IceCap 1k

[BellaCoop]

I am thinking of adding a IceCap 1k to my 25 gallon tank because I think i need just a little more flow and my current power head is getting old. Does anyone have one that could give a little review on it? I have read some stuff about it but would rather talk to someone who currently uses it or knows about them.
#reefsquad

 

[ReefinItReal88]

I have it. I run it in reverse mode, I love it. I haven't had any cons

 

[ajhudson15]

I have it on my 75 seahorse tank on 40% so for A 25 gallon it would be good. It is small but powerful and cheap. Cheap being the key word lol

 

[BellaCoop]

Very true haha, Do either of you have a place you recommend buying it from? Or just really anywhere?

 

[SJ Blane]

I own 2 of the Icecap 3k and my only issue has been the large amount of micro bubbles that they produce. I'm not sure if this an issue with the 1k, maybe someone else can chime in. Other than that, I have been pleased with the amount of flow.

 

[BellaCoop]

@SJ Blane I have heard the 3k make a good amount of Mirco Bubbles. @ajhudson15 @ReefinItReal88 Have either of you noticed this issue with the 1k?

 

[Crabs McJones]

I'm running a 3K on my tank now and plan to run two on my 75 once it's set up. I like them, alot of flow and my SPS love the spread out flow as opposed to the cone shapped flow most powerheads give off.

 

[Busy]

I run the 1K mounted vertically providing flow across the back wall in pulse mode and a 3K in gyre mode mounted horizontally about 1.5" below the surface opposite side as the 1K in a 24x16x16 mixed reef. They both work great. If this will be your only pump the 3K will be a better fit for SPS, but for anything else the 1K will be sufficient IMO. Nice pumps for the price. I suggest cleaning them every other month or so, depending on how much buildup you get, as they do slow down significantly when they're dirty.

 

[ReefinItReal88]

@SJ Blane I have heard the 3k make a good amount of Mirco Bubbles. @ajhudson15 @ReefinItReal88 Have either of you noticed this issue with the 1k?

No

 

[BellaCoop]

I run the 1K mounted vertically providing flow across the back wall in pulse mode and a 3K in gyre mode mounted horizontally about 1.5" below the surface opposite side as the 1K in a 24x16x16 mixed reef. They both work great. If this will be your only pump the 3K will be a better fit for SPS, but for anything else the 1K will be sufficient IMO. Nice pumps for the price. I suggest cleaning them every other month or so, depending on how much buildup you get, as they do slow down significantly when they're dirty.

For my reef i only run a 25 gallon. Would a 3k be to much flow? I also am not a SPS guy, I LOVE my LPS. My tank is Mainly different Torches Acans and Zoa's. I always have acans on the mind though haha for some reason they do the best in my tank.

 

[Busy]

Neither produces bubbles if they are sufficiently below the surface. I find ~1" is the minimum for the 3K at 100%. If you mount vertically either pump will expel the air trapped in the upper cage until it's gone. Takes a couple minutes.

 

[Busy]

IMO the 1K will be great for all LPS.

 

[reefwiser]

The bubbles is just the position of the pump to the top of the water. The biggest issue with the gyre's that I had was that they are hard to clean and maintain in the long term.

 

[ajhudson15]

@SJ Blane I have heard the 3k make a good amount of Mirco Bubbles. @ajhudson15 @ReefinItReal88 Have either of you noticed this issue with the 1k?

I have not noticed any bubbles in my 1k or in my 3k's in my other 75

 

[ajhudson15]

I take mine out once a month to soak in vinegar and clean. its super easy and ive never had any issues whatsoever with them

 

[ReefinItReal88]

For my reef i only run a 25 gallon. Would a 3k be to much flow? I also am not a SPS guy, I LOVE my LPS. My tank is Mainly different Torches Acans and Zoa's. I always have acans on the mind though haha for some reason they do the best in my tank.

I keep my gyre horizontal 4" below the surface

 

[ccurnick]

I have an icecap 1k and 2 mp40s in my 36x24x24 90g and it’s great. I have it at a constant 100%

 

[BellaCoop]

Well... Decision made haha i must order one! But before I do does anyone have a power head they recommend over it? Around the same price of course, I see some awesome looking ones out there but I am saving a nice big price tagged power head for me 175g when i get it set up haha. The 25g has no real reason for a super expensive power head imo.

 

[dbjonesjr]

I would argue for you to get the larger pump and put it on a lower setting. That way you will be able to use it when you get the itch to upgrade.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I had one on my IM Fusion 20, it was a bit too strong even at the lowest settings IMO. It peeled off the tissue on one of my Stylocoeniella corals on the other side of the tank for instance. Also would cause significant dust storms and pile sand into low flow areas. I even switched the paddle wheels around on the unit to produce less flow with one sided configuration and it still looked like too much at 10% (which is the lowest it goes).