Maxspect Gyre Leaking Electricity into Reef Tank and Causing Conductivity Reading Errors

samba_dad · Apr 20, 2015

I purchased both the Neptune Systems PM2 and conductivity probe and a Maxspect Gyre 150 for my 65G reef tank. I have recently discovered the Maxspect Gyre is causing rather dramatic fluctuations in my conductivity readings. I have attached a plot from ApexFusion showing my conductivity readings while I was tracking down the source of my problems. This all started when I was getting very significant swings (almost like noise) in salinity and I was blaming Neptune Systems. They recommended putting the probe in a glass of water, and when I did my salinity readings became very consistent and quite accurate. So slowly but surely, I started tracking down the source of the electrical device causing this issue. One-by-one I disconnected components in my sump but could not seem to locate the problem. Next, I went to the DT disconnected the XR15w Pro pair of lights and the Gyre. It was the Gyre causing this problem. I noticed a swing of more the 2 ppt between when I have the Gyre on or off. According to my hydrometer, I should have a salinity of just a bit higher than 32ppt. When my Gyre is turned off, I am reading 32.5 salinity. When the Maxspect Gyre is on, I receive an oscillating value around 29 ppt. I don't know if this really surprised me or not, because I have had a lot of problems with the Maxspect Gyre since I purchased it a few months ago. Already only 1 of the 2 rotors are turning. Buyer beware - that is $300 down the toilet. Looks like I am switching to VorTechs afterall.

hart24601 · Apr 20, 2015

With only 1 rotor working I suppose it's not too shocking (no pun intended) that there were other issues. Coralvue has not been willing to work with you for a replacement? When I had an issue the customer service was fantastic.

Anyway, thank you for sharing this information, I hope the vortech works out better for you.

tigerdragon · Apr 20, 2015

Hmm i have had my xf150 since nov and not had a speck of trouble. Have run it in constant and pulse thing performs flawlessly and silent

samba_dad · Apr 22, 2015

I have had real problems with CoralVue Tech Support. They are attempting to blame anything else but their equipment. Does anyone else have problems with CoralVue Tech Support?

NanaReefer · Apr 22, 2015

6yrs reefing and have never had an issue with CoralVue Customer Support.

hart24601 · Apr 22, 2015

Had just the opposite experience with their support. I had an issue that I opened a ticket for and within a few hours I had a reply, they wanted some pictures of the unit and after sending those they said they would ship me a new motor unit. I opened the ticket in the morning and by the end of the day (9pm) they were sending me a replacement unit. Sometimes with customer service it takes a long time to get anything, but I had a ship notice the next morning and two days later the new motor unit was here. I was really impressed.

Akida17th · Apr 22, 2015

Vortechs are the way to go for your tank anyways. Gyre pumps are more effective utilized in longer tanks IMO. You have the radions so you are better off. Get yourself a battery backup, reeflink and some vortechs and you're good to go! Good luck

dodgerblew · Apr 22, 2015

Just dealt with Coralvue CS yesterday for my gyre 130. Couldn't have been better. They were emailing me possible solutions within 30 min and were right on. Gyre working great now

Paul C. · Apr 22, 2015

Had taken my 150 out for a cleaning and noticed the wire cover was pulled away from the motor housing. Checked for stray voltage and had none. Put back in the tank, filed a report with Maxspect. New motor sent out and in tank the following day. I couldn't be happier with the product and the service.

mandarin417 · Apr 22, 2015

I purchased a couple of the 150's when the first big batch was released to the market late last year. I had one on a test tank for a few months and when taking it out to clean it, noticed that the wire insulation near the motor was degraded like Paul C. mentioned above and I could see exposed but sheathed wires. It looked to me like the outer jacket insulation was degrading in the salt water. Contacted CoralVue and they sent out new motors. The wire to the motor looks like it is made with a different material than the original line. Hopefully more durable too! Coralvue was very responsive.

hybridazn · Apr 22, 2015

Akida17th said:
Vortechs are the way to go for your tank anyways. Gyre pumps are more effective utilized in longer tanks IMO. You have the radions so you are better off. Get yourself a battery backup, reeflink and some vortechs and you're good to go! Good luck

No need for reeflink, he has an apex so he can just get the wxm module and be set!

Akida17th · Apr 22, 2015

hybridazn said:
No need for reeflink, he has an apex so he can just get the wxm module and be set!

Why do that when the Reeflink is cheaper and from the original manufacturer?

hart24601 · Apr 22, 2015

Vortechs are a nice pump, but there many great water movement options out there now. Jebao, tunze, sicce, the list goes on and on. I like the gyre and vortechs, but you can have a great system with any of those brands. With the gyre out seems like many only focus on vortech or gyre. Sorry to hear of your bad experience though, sucks to get something new (not just this hobby) and have it not work!

samba_dad · Apr 23, 2015

I already have a WXM module for my Radions. I should have just purchased some MP10s to begin with. I just hate I wasted $300 on the Gyre, and was not expecting truly pathetic CoralVue Tech Support. Overall, the comments on the forum are positive towards CoralVue that is why I felt it was a good/safe purchase even though the Gyre is new. However, these kinds of problems and worthless tech support (I purchased the Gyre 10 weeks ago) is something people need to be aware of before spending several hundred dollars. Buyer beware.

Chris@CoralVue · Apr 23, 2015

samba_dad said:
I purchased both the Neptune Systems PM2 and conductivity probe and a Maxspect Gyre 150 for my 65G reef tank. I have recently discovered the Maxspect Gyre is causing rather dramatic fluctuations in my conductivity readings. I have attached a plot from ApexFusion showing my conductivity readings while I was tracking down the source of my problems. This all started when I was getting very significant swings (almost like noise) in salinity and I was blaming Neptune Systems. They recommended putting the probe in a glass of water, and when I did my salinity readings became very consistent and quite accurate. So slowly but surely, I started tracking down the source of the electrical device causing this issue. One-by-one I disconnected components in my sump but could not seem to locate the problem. Next, I went to the DT disconnected the XR15w Pro pair of lights and the Gyre. It was the Gyre causing this problem. I noticed a swing of more the 2 ppt between when I have the Gyre on or off. According to my hydrometer, I should have a salinity of just a bit higher than 32ppt. When my Gyre is turned off, I am reading 32.5 salinity. When the Maxspect Gyre is on, I receive an oscillating value around 29 ppt. I don't know if this really surprised me or not, because I have had a lot of problems with the Maxspect Gyre since I purchased it a few months ago. Already only 1 of the 2 rotors are turning. Buyer beware - that is $300 down the toilet. Looks like I am switching to VorTechs afterall.

Sorry you're having issues with using the Maxspect Gyre. The CoralVue technical staff made everyone aware your support ticket, we researched and reached out to out testing group for feedback. We have been unable to recreate the problem you are experiencing. I have also personally talked to 5 hobbyists that are using Apex conductivity probes with Maxspect Gyres and they are not experiencing the same symptoms that you have.

I have asked a specialist to research this matter, and should have his results early next week.

Chris
CoralVue

samba_dad · Apr 23, 2015

Thank you Chris for not punting on this issue.

Larry L · Apr 23, 2015

I think it's worth mentioning that there are occasional reports in the Apex forums about weird conductivity readings that are due to electrical interference (e.g. power cords crossing over Apex cables, etc) and not due to electrical current actually leaking into the tank. It's possible that moving cables around might fix things.

samba_dad · May 6, 2015

CoralVue Tech Support came through for me. Upon their advice, I put in a grounding probe and it instantly solved the problem. However, I wanted to investigate this further as I was a bit concerned about inducing some small currents through the tank. I pulled the Gyre out and gave it a thorough cleaning as captured in the video...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMG4VYHlM9U. I noticed a crack and several notches in the power cord going to the Gyre motor. Also, I was trying to fix the 2nd rotor not rotating issue as part of the cleaning following some other information Carlos provided. That problem turned out to be a rotor was stripped out - exactly as they suggested. So, Carlos & Chris contacted me today and said they are sending replacement bushings and new motor. I believe this will resolve all of the problems I have been experiencing. This problem was frustrating for all involved, but at the end of the day CoralVue delivered on their warranty. Thanks guys!

ontop27 · May 6, 2015

Read up on ground probes most of the reefing community advises against them. Stray voltage is not a problem really but when you complete the circuit you can have a real problem.