MP10QD vs Icecap 1k

[ReeferReefer]

I am looking for a powerhead for my Nuvo 30l build. Which powerhead would you recommend?

I am considering picking up a used MP10QD. Anything I should look for on a second hand unit?

 

[Johnson556]

I have both and am more fond of the MP10QD.

Being able to just swap the dirty wetside with a clean one during maintenance makes them the best pumps in my eyes.

 

[ReeferReefer]

Thanks for the reply. Do you think a single MP10 would be enough in a Nuvo 30l (3 foot tank)? It's a softie tank with a bare bottom.

 

[cojo8888]

Mp10 requires less attention and maintainence.I if ice cap has detritus build up whirling sounds are crazy. For long term use mp is more reliable.. Only pros about ice cap is strong flow. You have long foot age frag tank in ur garage and need flow ice cap all the way
If your tank is at living room mp10 no more better description for these pumps. You decide!

 

[cojo8888]

No need mp10 or ice cap. Use cheap flow pump like koralia for softies.

 

[ReeferReefer]

No need mp10 or ice cap. Use cheap flow pump like koralia for softies.

I was considering a cheaper pump but I am sick or replacing my jebao pumps every few years. Is Koralia pretty reliable?

I also like the low profile look that the Gyre and MP10 give.

 

[cojo8888]

Buy mp 10 no regret and easy to resell. Its recommendation from person who used lot of different pump. It's simply the best. 1 is enough yes just upgrade your stock pump yo mighty jet mid size or siccie.

 

[Johnson556]

Mp10 for sure, I will only use vortech pumps going forward.

 

[ReeferReefer]

Anything to look out for when buying a used MP10?

 

[Johnson556]

Manufacture date, obviously the newer the better and making sure the ceramic coating the shaft is in good condition.

 

[Jay Z]

Anything to look out for when buying a used MP10?

Spin the blade by hand to see if it’s moves freely. If you feel anything in the wet side, it can be taken apart, cleaned, and lubed in under 3 minutes. Have them test run it for you also, make sure she doesn’t have the click click sound on the dry side.

You can get a new wetside for it. The 10 will produce a stream like flow; you can get the nem gaurd for it which will change the flow to a cone pattern.

 

[ghostman]

Make sure the dry side doesn’t have any salt creep or damage. The dry side can fall easily if the ties aren’t used. Any dents or damage to the dry side is a negative for me.

 

[ReeferReefer]

Make sure the dry side doesn’t have any salt creep or damage. The dry side can fall easily if the ties aren’t used. Any dents or damage to the dry side is a negative for me.

Should I buy a cable tie kit for the dry side then when I get one?

 

[Jay Z]

I would for sure. You can get it at any local hardware store. Just a zip tie and stick on clip.

What’s the glass thickness on that tank? Anything under 1/4” requires a rubber spacer for the dry side.

 

[lbacha]

I would for sure. You can get it at any local hardware store. Just a zip tie and stick on clip.

What’s the glass thickness on that tank? Anything under 1/4” requires a rubber spacer for the dry side.

This is key, you will be able to get it to stay if you keep the pump running but if you turn it off and back on the dry side will fall off. I have 2 and I didn’t have a spacer for one of them since I got it second hand. It fell off almost every time I stopped and started the pump. I bought a spacer (they are pricy and you can only get them from eco tech) and it solved the issue

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Check for any gapping around the wet side and open er up if possible to check the magnet. Make sure not swollen or rusty.

 

[ReeferReefer]

I would for sure. You can get it at any local hardware store. Just a zip tie and stick on clip.

What’s the glass thickness on that tank? Anything under 1/4” requires a rubber spacer for the dry side.

It's 8mm glass.

I'll get the cable ties. Sounds pretty easy to do.

 

[spartanman22]

I’ve always been a huge Vortech fan, and run those in all my tanks big or small. However as far as budget power heads are concerned I’ve heard some good things about the Aqamai KPS. May be worth a look.

 

[ReeferReefer]

Check for any gapping around the wet side and open er up if possible to check the magnet. Make sure not swollen or rusty.

This is super helpful. Thank you.

 

[ReeferReefer]

I’ve always been a huge Vortech fan, and run those in all my tanks big or small. However as far as budget power heads are concerned I’ve heard some good things about the Aqamai KPS. May be worth a look.

I will keep an eye out for Aqami KPS as well. Since I am going used, the MP10QD is only a few bucks more than the Aqami new.