Powerhead Recommendations

[astiesi]

Hi All. I am looking for a powerhead recommendation for a RedSea Reefer 170 (24" x 20" x 20"). I know there are loads of these types of threads and I think I've read through most of them and still cannot decide which way to go. In the past I've had an MP40 and really liked it however I question if that will work as well in such a short cube (it was on a 36" tank). I'm intrigued by the new gyre based pumps but I read they are more difficult to keep clean.

The plan for the tank is as follows.
- Mixed reef, so maybe some SPS up top, but will definitely focus a bit on Euphyllia.
- Return flow will be as recommended (530-ish GPH)
- Am open to either 1 or 2 devices

I want something somewhat configurable more akin to the MP40 I used 7 years ago. I'd also like something I can provide a battery backup with in the future to deal with power outages.

 

[PeterC99]

I had RSR 170 and used an MP10. Big fan of these pumps and one pump worked very well.

 

[Quietman]

I've had a variety of power heads on my RSR170. Bigger write up in build thread. Quick summary:

MP 10 - I like the design but not the practicality - non-directional, snail catcher, to protect against nems need a huge screen. Plenty of flow for 170 though for mixed reef, two for SPS.

Sicce Voyage 2 - nice pumps but a bit large. Have a pic somewhere on build I think. Good even flow and I used the Sicce controller designed for them. One of few AC power heads that can be turned off/on without damage long term. Just ran it as experiment for a short time.

Tunze 6045 - AC Use for bottom flow across sand. Replaced MP-10. Much happier even though not variable (don't need it for that) but the adjusting direction is important.

Tunze 6055 - DC controllable. My go to now. Adjustable flow rate (I only use independently. They're not synched up so get a truly random flow pattern with them on slightly different timing). Flow can be directed if needed, does exactly what I want.

 

[Quietman]

I should add my set up has two Tunze 6055 on either side of top and a Tunze 6045 on the bottom right (again, pics in build). That bottom flow was/is important to blow behind, under rocks for detritus removal. Have to watch sand grain size though (can't use the finer grades but a nice med grade is fine). Also nice when stirring sand bed to have both pumps on top off and just the bottom up to overflow.