Powerheads & Wave Makers

[SilverCityReef]

I am working on setting up a 40B and have been slowly replacing all my old, non-working equipment. I have most equipment either here or in my cart ready to be ordered but I need to pick my powerhead/wave maker.

I am setting up to be able to handle SPS so I know I will need more flow, aiming for 50x turnover, but what brands does everyone recommend?

I would like to be able to control them but also don't want to spend a fortune. I was considering the Tunze Nanostream Controllable ones but figured I'd see what R2R members have to say first.

 

[Matt Carden]

I'm in the same place trying to figure out the equipment I will be buying trying not to spend $4000 to set up a 150. I decided to get the Apex for controlling CBB lights and for simple parameter monitoring so I was thinking of using the Neptune wave makers 2 of them:

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/wav-single-pump-neptune-systems.html

 

[SilverCityReef]

I'm almost at a stack into setup and haven't even gotten into powerheads, skimmer, or fuge yet let alone controller.

I have been looking at some of the controller options but not sure if I'm gunna invest into that just yet. Still new to reefing so I want the more hands on experience so I can learn and not rely on a computer/electronic controller.

 

[TheWalkman99]

Trying the Jeabo power heads they’re controllable but pretty inexpensive. I hear they don’t hold up forever. Some have said otherwise though. But it can be a cheap option until you decide if you want to use something in conjunction with a controller or not.
That’s my current plan at least.

 

[ireland425]

Trying the Jeabo power heads they’re controllable but pretty inexpensive. I hear they don’t hold up forever. Some have said otherwise though. But it can be a cheap option until you decide if you want to use something in conjunction with a controller or not.
That’s my current plan at least.

I have the Jeabo mp40 wave makers in all for the money good powerheads but the controllers act up sometimes. I have older models and I usually don't maintain cleaning them like I should and bought used for $20 a year ago and was 3 years old then still works but night time mode freaks out and not able to fine tune at all just 5 or 6 basic speeds which I rate from blasting to water sloshing into floor in my 90 gallon lol But for the money I love them just keep on low setting

 

[Forsaken77]

I'm almost at a stack into setup and haven't even gotten into powerheads, skimmer, or fuge yet let alone controller.

I have been looking at some of the controller options but not sure if I'm gunna invest into that just yet. Still new to reefing so I want the more hands on experience so I can learn and not rely on a computer/electronic controller.

That is the perfect attitude. Learn it yourself, hands-on, in the beginning. The controllers are handy for lots of automation and monitoring, but definitely not a requirement. I don't use a controller but use a digital Ph monitor that costs $90. It just displays the Ph so I don't have to test for it.

As far as a powerhead I would suggest something with a powerful wide spread over a narrow laser beam that some of the Tunze's have, especially on a smaller tank.

I don't know your budget, but the Sicce Xtreme DC pump is awesome. It's probably the smallest pump there is and moves a ton of water. Has 5 speed settings ranging from 800gph to 2250gph. It's a bit pricey though. HERE is the AC version, uncontrollable. Half the price.

Then I would also suggest the Icecap 3K gyre. It will completely circulate your tank, no problem. They just released it with the new controller (the same as the 1K gyre), so if you go that route don't get the older controller.

Then there are some Hydor 3rd gen pumps that work good and are cheaper. The only thing is they don't put out quite as much flow as they say. So oversize if you check those out.

I have all of these pumps I recommended btw. The Sicce's are my favorite of the bunch. I have the AC version, which isn't adjustable, but cheaper. They have those on BRS as well.

Then there's the higher end with the Vortech pumps, which have no cords in the tank and the motor is outside the glass. These pumps are almost $300 new though.

 

[ireland425]

That is the perfect attitude. Learn it yourself, hands-on, in the beginning. The controllers are handy for lots of automation and monitoring, but definitely not a requirement. I don't use a controller but use a digital Ph monitor that costs $90. It just displays the Ph so I don't have to test for it.

As far as a powerhead I would suggest something with a powerful wide spread over a narrow laser beam that some of the Tunze's have, especially on a smaller tank.

I don't know your budget, but the Sicce Xtreme DC pump is awesome. It's probably the smallest pump there is and moves a ton of water. Has 5 speed settings ranging from 800gph to 2250gph. It's a mid price range pump, but works great.

Then I would also suggest the Icecap 3K gyre. It will completely circulate your tank, no problem. They just released it with the new controller (the same as the 1K gyre), so if you go that route don't get the older controller.

Then there are some Hydor 3rd gen pumps that work good and are cheaper. The only thing is they don't put out quite as much flow as they say. So oversize if you check those out.

I have all of these pumps I recommended btw. The Sicce's are my favorite of the bunch. I have the AC version, which isn't adjustable, but cheaper. They have those on BRS as well.

Then there's the higher end with the Vortech pumps, which have no cords in the tank and the motor is outside the glass. These pumps are almost $300 new though.

Iv been looking into the ice cap gyros on my 90 just worried since I can't direct flow away from my carpet nem he may go crazy as he is moving a bit last few days but staying on sand bed after I barely moved one powerhead

 

[Forsaken77]

Iv been looking into the ice cap gyros on my 90 just worried since I can't direct flow away from my carpet nem he may go crazy as he is moving a bit last few days but staying on sand bed after I barely moved one powerhead

You can direct flow with the gyres. Each side rotates. You can face each side different directions if you wanted to.

 

[ireland425]

Ok good