Maxspect/Icecap Gyre vs. Vortech MP40

[HawaiianReef]

I'm setting up a 125g tank (6') and was planning to use couple gyres.
But I've been seeing a lot of people looking to trade their gyres for MP40s.
Am I missing something here?

David

 

[iTzJu]

Its just preference, both can move water. I prefer MP40s since I can control them with my Apex. however, I like the idea of mixing in a few gyres on my back wall.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I've used both and have no complaints about either. The Gyres move a lot of water and cost slightly less, while the MP40s are easier to clean. Gyres can be controlled via Apex as well with a module. It's really a preference. If I had to pick I'd stick with my Gyre's.

 

[User1]

I've used both and have no complaints about either. The Gyres move a lot of water and cost slightly less, while the MP40s are easier to clean. Gyres can be controlled via Apex as well with a module. It's really a preference. If I had to pick I'd stick with my Gyre's.

XF230 and XF250's can be controlled by the modules. Also it is a one to one relationship which means each XF needs a module sadly. I cannot speak how the Icecaps integrate or the new 300 model line.

 

[Tyler Bullock]

The only reason why I went with 2 x mp40's is because I have a corner overflow in the tank and I would only be able to use one side of the gyre. I think the new Gyre's look really nice. From what I have read about them they are quite silent as well.

 

[MnFish1]

I have the new F350's (maxspect) - You can get an icecap module to control it from your apex as well. I will never go back to another pump (I like high flow) - and you can control them from an app on your phone (which works quite well) - and much better than what you could do with apex (IMHO).

 

[User1]

Am I missing something here?

No - probably not. There may be a few reasons for seeing a lot for sale. Main reason could be that the new models being released a few months back. The are not backward compatible so those upgrading are probably selling their older models.

They work. They move a lot of water. They are the only pump on the market that allows you to switch a configuration and move water in a different direction. They offer decent manual programming to generate some good flow patterns. However, they are also a bit tricky to clean, are not 100% silent, more parts to clean and reassemble, and when used in a tank that is relatively new or does not have mature coral growth, well, adjusting the proper flow rate and patterns is dang near impossibly. This also includes placement both in tank and unit itself. They are large.

That being said I owned a pair of XF250's and found them to work well. However, the recent upgrade, lack of backward compatibility with the new controller, lack of decent and affordable integration with Apex, and most importantly not being able to create a nutrient transport wave patterns I've since taken them off line. I'm a lot happier without them now and I never really paid attention to the size of the units until after removing them. They are really large...

I may reintroduce them in a year after some corals grow in size but in the meantime I've removed them. Believe it or not I found that I had better control of wave patterns throughout the day with a pair of Jabeao pumps and my reef angel controller. Tidal swell, reef crest, nutrient transport, etc. Similar to what the vortech's offer with regards to wave patterns. Gyre is ok but I missed the other patterns and ease of applying power, etc.

Your mileage may vary of course.

 

[MnFish1]

No - probably not. There may be a few reasons for seeing a lot for sale. Main reason could be that the new models being released a few months back. The are not backward compatible so those upgrading are probably selling their older models.

They work. They move a lot of water. They are the only pump on the market that allows you to switch a configuration and move water in a different direction. They offer decent manual programming to generate some good flow patterns. However, they are also a bit tricky to clean, are not 100% silent, more parts to clean and reassemble, and when used in a tank that is relatively new or does not have mature coral growth, well, adjusting the proper flow rate and patterns is dang near impossibly. This also includes placement both in tank and unit itself. They are large.

That being said I owned a pair of XF250's and found them to work well. However, the recent upgrade, lack of backward compatibility with the new controller, lack of decent and affordable integration with Apex, and most importantly not being able to create a nutrient transport wave patterns I've since taken them off line. I'm a lot happier without them now and I never really paid attention to the size of the units until after removing them. They are really large...

I may reintroduce them in a year after some corals grow in size but in the meantime I've removed them. Believe it or not I found that I had better control of wave patterns throughout the day with a pair of Jabeao pumps and my reef angel controller. Tidal swell, reef crest, nutrient transport, etc. Similar to what the vortech's offer with regards to wave patterns. Gyre is ok but I missed the other patterns and ease of applying power, etc.

Your mileage may vary of course.

The F350s are much better than the 250's.... The App also is MUCH MUCH better than the controller they used to use. I am curious though what is a nutrient wave pattern?

PS - the F350s are basically silent - and have shields over the tops - so that the flow is more directed - and it also prevents algae/etc from building up on the device itself (i.e the pumping part is now basically 'in the dark'

 

[User1]

The F350s are much better than the 250's.... The App also is MUCH MUCH better than the controller they used to use. I am curious though what is a nutrient wave pattern?

I used this with my reef angel controller like I mentioned and it is their take on trying to replicate the feature that is standard with the ecotech's. The concept is a pattern to promote max nutrient export I guess by the pattern keeping things suspended to be moved through the overflow to skimmer, socks, whatever. Not sure but that is my take on it. I will say I had it scheduled to run daily, after feeding, and it did seem to do the trick.

I agree the new models are nice and have read a lot about them. I was just not going to invest another 400 or 500 dollars on a new pair of power heads. My XF250's work but with my current tank and the coral maturity it was more frustrating than being content. Hopefully I didn't sound like I was bashing on them, I'm not. Just how they worked for me. I will say though that the lack of backward compatibility frustrated me and drove me away from their product line. But that is my issue and has no impact to me saying how they honestly perform. They do.

I also recommend everyone to read @pelphrey post and video by CJ or both of them, forget who did what actually (sorry!) before they buy the product. I think they do a great job laying out the flow and coral placement which some of us tend to overlook.

Echotech's information:
https://support.ecotechmarine.com/h...h-mode-and-which-one-is-best-for-my-aquarium-

Reef angel pattern / simulation:

 

[HawaiianReef]

I was considering the new Maxspects and was going to get the icecap modules to link to my apex. I think I'll just use the maxspect controller first and see how they are.

David

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I'm using 2 xf250's and they are completely silent. Was a short break in period, but make no sound now. Cleaning also isn't difficult, they come apart quite easily and after being soaked in vinegar and water for 3-4 hours go back together and in the tank.

They also went in my tank when it was brand new, I picked my flow and the corals adapted to it as they tend to do. It's really a matter of preference and budget IMO. They are both great products. I find no need to downplay either.

 

[ca1ore]

I use vortech almost exclusively but if I could fit one I’d definitely go for one of the F350.

 

[MnFish1]

I use vortech almost exclusively but if I could fit one I’d definitely go for one of the F350.

SO - at 40 percent its a tornado lol

 

[Ed Chan]

For those using MP40s for a gyre effect, what settings are you using for Pulse time? I'm running two MP40s across from one another in a 150 gallon tank that's 6' long.

 

[Jon Fishman]

For those using MP40s for a gyre effect, what settings are you using for Pulse time? I'm running two MP40s across from one another in a 150 gallon tank that's 6' long.

I run mine on Reef-Crest, as well as lagoon and 'normal' and position them to reflect on rock/glass for that effect.

I use 6 for my 140-ish gallon though..... so maybe adding one to your back-wall will help disrupt flow?

 

[Ed Chan]

Thanks Jon.

I currently have portions throughout my day when I run reef crest, lagoon, and tidal swell, but wanted to possibly incorporate a period where the tank gets a gyre flow.

Wanted to see if anyone in our R2R community is using the Gyre function for their MP40s and if so, what pulse setting they chose.

I run mine on Reef-Crest, as well as lagoon and 'normal' and position them to reflect on rock/glass for that effect.

I use 6 for my 140-ish gallon though..... so maybe adding one to your back-wall will help disrupt flow?