Powerhead Failure Emergency: Need Help in Selecting Another System!

ReefGoddesss · Dec 28, 2019

Hi Everyone,

Well, Today was the "BiG" day where I reserved time to open up my newly received controller: The Profilux 4e, only to discover all 3 of my powerhead inside my system failed this morning. I've been in this hobby long enough to understand things happen and this comes with the territory. Luckily, I'll be refunded on one of them, as it only lasted a few months. I have a Red Sea Reefer 350 where I am successfully growing out several LPS species including many beautiful acans, hammers, frogspawn, some leathers, and a few favias. My circulation/return pump is providing water flow for now and I was able to purchase a powerhead locally to provide additional circulation until I can order and get delivery on a new powerhead/wavemaker system by this upcoming Tuesday. In any case, I really need everyone's help. I am looking to purchase 2 powerheads/wavemakers for my Reefer 350. I do not want to purchase MP-10s or MP-40s as they are not within my planned budget. I really want to spend no more than $300-400.00 total on the two. They do not need to be from the same make or model. I also would like the ability, if possible (but not a deal breaker) to hook up to my new Profilux 4e controller. I've heard Tunze can do this, but I'm not to verse on Tunze regarding their controller-based pumps vs. those without the controllers. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

The Aquatic Arsenal · Dec 28, 2019

I use these and love them:

RPM Accessory Pack - ReefBreeders.com

The RPM Accessory Pack includes a snail guard and usb power adapter for your Reef Power RPM. These are not included as a default with the RPM.

www.reefbreeders.com

leepink23 · Dec 28, 2019

I use mp40 but these look like they would fit your criteria. I have considered them for my back wall on my 120

Octo Pulse 2 Wave Pump (1600 GPH) - Reef Octopus

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

SteveEreef · Dec 28, 2019

On my new reefer 350 I have two Jabao ow-25s. I really like them. They have only been running two months. For backup, just in case I have two tunze 6055s.

ReefGoddesss · Dec 28, 2019

SteveEreef said:
On my new reefer 350 I have two Jabao ow-25s. I really like them. They have only been running two months. For backup, just in case I have two tunze 6055s.

Yes, the Jebaos PP-15 were my favorite!!! Unfortunately this was one of the brands that went out. Mine only lasted a few months but they were very quiet, powerful and affordable. My acans simply loved them. I’m just too scared to get replacements of them as I’ve since read this can be a problem with them across the board. I travel often and I would be stuck if I went out of town and this occurred. Thanks for your suggestion!

ReefGoddesss · Dec 28, 2019

leepink23 said:
I use mp40 but these look like they would fit your criteria. I have considered them for my back wall on my 120

Octo Pulse 2 Wave Pump (1600 GPH) - Reef Octopus

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

Thanks. I will look into these.

ReefGoddesss · Dec 28, 2019

The Aquatic Arsenal said:
I use these and love them:

RPM Accessory Pack - ReefBreeders.com

The RPM Accessory Pack includes a snail guard and usb power adapter for your Reef Power RPM. These are not included as a default with the RPM.

www.reefbreeders.com

Thank you for your input. I haven’t heard of this brand. I’m going to look into this one too! Do you know anything regarding their reliability/warranty?

The Aquatic Arsenal · Dec 28, 2019

ReefGoddesss said:
Thank you for your input. I haven’t heard of this brand. I’m going to look into this one too! Do you know anything regarding their reliability/warranty?

I do actually. I started out with two of them. One of them froze up after about 4 months. I talked to Logan (owner of Reef Breeders) and tried to troubleshoot the problem. We came to the conclusion that the pump was done for, and he sent me out a new one immediately. Probably the best customer service on the equipment side of the hobby!

TheHarold · Dec 28, 2019

ReefGoddesss said:
Thank you for your input. I haven’t heard of this brand. I’m going to look into this one too! Do you know anything regarding their reliability/warranty?

Its the same as Jebao, just remarketed and they give a much better warranty.

mfinn · Dec 28, 2019

If you want something dependable go with Tunze.
I've had Tunze powerheads last decades.
Not many can make that claim, if any.

ReefRy · Dec 28, 2019

I have a pair of maxspect gyre 330s in my lps tank and could not be happier with them. Theyre set on ocean gyre cycle, 30%. No dead spots and super healthy corals.

ReefGoddesss · Dec 28, 2019

mfinn said:
If you want something dependable go with Tunze.
I've had Tunze powerheads last decades.
Not many can make that claim, if any.

Yes, I’ve heard of Tunze being pretty reliable...I’m just not too sure which model to get. I‘m trying to determine if the models with a controller included are required in order to work along with my new ProfiLux 4e controller. I did view @Ditto’s video on it, but I’m not sure if a Tunze model with a controller is required or I can use the Tunze models without their built-in controller to cordinate with my controller. I’m also trying to determine if the Nanostream models mean the streams of flow are more narrow in comparison to the other Tunze models i.e. (Tunze 6095) or if they’re actually for nano-sized or smaller systems.

mfinn · Dec 28, 2019

For a 4' tank I would look at the Tunze 6095's. They have their own controller.
I have a pair of Tunze 6055's on my 66 gallon tank that is 32" x 24" x 20".

ReefGoddesss · Dec 28, 2019

ReefRy said:
I have a pair of maxspect gyre 330s in my lps tank and could not be happier with them. Theyre set on ocean gyre cycle, 30%. No dead spots and super healthy corals.

How easy are the Gyres to clean and maintain? Do they put out continuous flow over time? Seems like one would work well on my 350‘s back wall as I‘m able to access it easily.

ReefGoddesss · Dec 28, 2019

mfinn said:
For a 4' tank I would look at the Tunze 6095's. They have their own controller.
I have a pair of Tunze 6055's on my 66 gallon tank that is 32" x 24" x 20".

Awesome. Thank you for your suggestion on this.

ReefRy · Dec 28, 2019

They can be finicky to take apart and put back together. Ive done it several times, on average monthly, but am finding it works better to brush them off as part of my weekly maintenance. The difference in flow is pretty noticeable to both me and the fish/corals after theyre clean, so Im still working out the best way to increase stability without totally taking them apart.
Yeah, the flow is great. On ocean gyre current it does a great job of moving water around from all directions, including chaotic flow. I dont have to worry about tissue damage from continual blasting from one side or the other. For $450 youre probably not gonna do better. I think brs might still have them on sale, too.

Kzang · Dec 28, 2019

ReefGoddesss said:
Yes, the Jebaos PP-15 were my favorite!!! Unfortunately this was one of the brands that went out. Mine only lasted a few months but they were very quiet, powerful and affordable. My acans simply loved them. I’m just too scared to get replacements of them as I’ve since read this can be a problem with them across the board. I travel often and I would be stuck if I went out of town and this occurred. Thanks for your suggestion!

They revamped them. They no longer completely turn off when they pulse. OW is the new pumps

ingchr1 · Dec 29, 2019

I would go with Tunze.

What functionality are you looking for by having the pumps controlled by your P4e vice the Tunze controllers?

I have a 6040 and 6095 on my Waterbox 40.2 AIO (24x18x18 display area). I had two 6040 but found the 6040 flow too narrow even with the diffuser.

I also have a P4, but use the Tunze controllers. I don't see what I would gain by having them controlled by my P4. They are plugged into my Powerbars for power on/off control for maintenance and feed modes.

tuesdayd · Dec 29, 2019

You might look into these. It's a pretty good brand, and they'll fit your budget for two of them. Not to mention a five year warranty and WiFi connectivity.

XStream SDC - PROPELLER PUMPS - Products

www.sicce.com

X-37B · Dec 29, 2019

I have both on my 120. 2 6095's on the back wall and 2 ow-25's on each side. 6095 on pulse every 10 seconds
ow-25's pulse every 20 seconds. Both have been running for 6 months as tank is 6 months old. I wanted to see how the jebaos did over time. I clean all powerheads once a month with just salt water and a toothbrush. Time will tell how long they last. Just took these pics. The price difference: $450 for 2 Tunze, $100 for 2 Jebao