The gyre ... the little pump that wasn't

[reeffirstaid]

I read a lot about the Maxspect Gyre, and even quite a bit after its initial roll-out, some aquarists still seemed hyped over it. I'm not sure where the hype for the Gyre generated, perhaps simply because it was so different than current circulation pumps. For me, the Gyre was one of the biggest disappointments in aquarium equipment to come down the pike.

Of course, they are often compared to the Ecotech Vortech, for which they are no comparison. I couldn't find a suitable flow pattern with the Gyre, and the multi-mode settings either caused the pump to lock up, or didn't produce good results. As for general flow, the Gyre was acceptable, but it's price tag should have been much lower considering the archaic controller. It may out perform something like a Tunze Wavebox, but even that would depend largely on application.

I would advise any aquarist looking at a Gyre, to spend the extra money and get a Vortech, especially since Ecotech has added the Gyre function to the Vortech software, which IMHO, works even better at creating powerful gyres, then the gyre pump.

 

[Rhino]

I spent so long on the fence about the two. When I set my last tank up I went ahead and just bought koralias because they were cheap and they gyre was a month from launch. I work in cellular sales so i tend to never by a new product until the two month mark. I hate being a guinea pig. I was so excited for the Gyre, but I have read a lot of stories similar to yours, great hype, but people went back to their vortechs. I will be purchasing my vortechs by the end of summer.

 

[Fattytuna]

I didnt know the vortecs had a gyre function. Is that only in the quiet drives?

 

[jedimasterben]

especially since Ecotech has added the Gyre function to the Vortech software, which IMHO, works even better at creating powerful gyres, then the gyre pump.

Oh really? Please explain, because Ecotech simply renamed Long Pulse Mode to Gyre Mode, how did that suddenly make it better at 'creating power gyres'?

 

[Shep]

Just to point out that while the vortechs and gyre are similar in price you would need at a minimum 2 vortechs for most tanks, making the vortechs much more expensive.

 

[Rhino]

Just to point out that while the vortechs and gyre are similar in price you would need at a minimum 2 vortechs for most tanks, making the vortechs much more expensive.

Very true. But in my mind worth it.

 

[jedimasterben]

Just to point out that while the vortechs and gyre are similar in price you would need at a minimum 2 vortechs for most tanks, making the vortechs much more expensive.

Eh, kind of a moot point, for me at least. I know many people that have replaced large quantities of pumps with a couple of Gyres, but I still use a pair of Gyres on my 80 because their reverse flow is really weak. That's the one bad thing about the Gyres.

 

[dnov99]

To the OP., Sounds like your just another one of Ecotech's Fanboys with an obvious agenda. You could have been just a bit more discreet. There have been thousands and thousands of Gyre's sold with very few people stating the same sentiment as you. I have the gyre running on 3 separate tanks and couldn't be happier with them. I don't regret selling my Vortechs one bit. The amount of flow they produce blows away any Vortech, that's all I care about.

 

[Fishon]

I noticed with the Gyre has great flow around the tank but in the middle of my 48x24x24 has a slow spot (not dead) but I can tell my sps are struggling in the middle of the tank. I'm contemplating going back to vortechs.

 

[Paranoiattack91]

My one gyre does more than one vortech and it's still cheaper. Yea 2 vortechs is probably ideal but you can't really compare the two products, apples and oranges.

 

[d2mini]

you can't really compare the two products, apples and oranges.

This.
The vortech is obviously the higher quality product, but the wide flow from the Gyre is unique to the industry.

 

[Baldguy]

Love my Gyre. I do wish there was a better controller so two Gyres could work together.

 

[hatfielj]

I read a lot about the Maxspect Gyre, and even quite a bit after its initial roll-out, some aquarists still seemed hyped over it. I'm not sure where the hype for the Gyre generated, perhaps simply because it was so different than current circulation pumps. For me, the Gyre was one of the biggest disappointments in aquarium equipment to come down the pike.

Of course, they are often compared to the Ecotech Vortech, for which they are no comparison. I couldn't find a suitable flow pattern with the Gyre, and the multi-mode settings either caused the pump to lock up, or didn't produce good results. As for general flow, the Gyre was acceptable, but it's price tag should have been much lower considering the archaic controller. It may out perform something like a Tunze Wavebox, but even that would depend largely on application.

I would advise any aquarist looking at a Gyre, to spend the extra money and get a Vortech, especially since Ecotech has added the Gyre function to the Vortech software, which IMHO, works even better at creating powerful gyres, then the gyre pump.

I pretty much completely disagree with you on this. And this is coming from someone who's been using Vortechs since the very first one was released. The flow I'm getting from my single Gyre 150 far surpasses that which I was getting from my 2 Vortech MP40s. And that's with it dialed down to 70% whereas the Vortechs were both running at 100%. I agree the Gyre needs a better controller, but that is no secret and they are planning on releasing one in the near future. I have had ZERO problems with mine in the 6-8 months I've been using it. I've never heard of it "locking up" as you describe. If the Gyre pump gets a new controller with features similar to that of the Vortech, it will be the best water movement device out there.
Not sure why you feel you're getting sub-par results from yours?
Also the Vortechs are completely incapable of producing true gyre like flow patterns unless they are set up with multiple pumps on one side of the tank or with 2 pumps arraged to give a circular flow pattern from opposite ends, but either way it would require MULTIPLE vortech pumps to get the same kind of flow as the gyre. "The extra money" needed to produce a gyre like flow pattern with Vortechs would be very significant (2-3 times more than a single gyre simply because you'd need at least 2 Vortechs).
But, with all that being said, to each his own

 

[WilRams]

I can't agree with you. I bought both a 130 Gyre and 2 MP40QD upon launch. I love them both for their own reasons. The amount of water one 130 moves in my frag tank is great. I have ceriths and various other snails and no issues yet. For the price I can't complain and it is what I expected. Yes the control sucks but we know there is def a solution coming soon which will make it even better.

With that said I am keeping my MP40's on my display tank. Only because of one picky reason. The cord.

 

[Aquaph8]

While I do think Maxspect had and still has some issues to work out with the pump, overall it's really a great product. I hate the impellers though and can't wait till the new stronger ones come out. Side by side the vortec pump is definitely better built but the flow pattern on the gyre can't be matched by a single vortec IMO.

 

[FoD]

While I do think Maxspect had and still has some issues to work out with the pump, overall it's really a great product. I hate the impellers though and can't wait till the new stronger ones come out. Side by side the vortec pump is definitely better built but the flow pattern on the gyre can't be matched by a single vortec IMO.

Well put. My only complaint with the Gyre is build quality. The Vortech wins hands down in quality testing. The Gyre has a revolutionary flow pattern and once a widespread controller is fully released, I think it will be a monumental success. With that said, time and effort needs to be put into making this product last. My Vortech's have been running strong for 5+ years with only bearings needing attention. All four impellers broke within the first week because of the motor block locking at high speeds. This shouldn't happen. Period. I await a stronger product, to run simultaneously with my Vortech's.

 

[still-life]

Well put. My only complaint with the Gyre is build quality. The Vortech wins hands down in quality testing. The Gyre has a revolutionary flow pattern and once a widespread controller is fully released, I think it will be a monumental success. With that said, time and effort needs to be put into making this product last. My Vortech's have been running strong for 5+ years with only bearings needing attention. All four impellers broke within the first week because of the motor block locking at high speeds. This shouldn't happen. Period. I await a stronger product, to run simultaneously with my Vortech's.

Agreed 1+

 

[FlyinBryan]

This seems like a hit piece. IMO care needs to be taken in opinions and reviews because so many individuals who are trying to invest time and (a lot of) money into this industry and then someone comes along and rips it to shreds. How about something positive, like its size and compact? How about "this could really augment different flow patterns when combined with a vortech mp-40".
My point is go carefully with new products, how can they improve, like a stronger pump, and show an appreciation for the efforts to bring new technology to the industry. or you may find yourself with no new technology to look at.
Im looking forward to putting a gyre in my tank.

 

[JDP]

After Great service from Coralvue addressing me cord issue, I use the Gyre for what it is good at...Tidal Flow

 

[Chris Adams]

Seems like people are attacking other people here for personal opinion and experience. Everyone is allowed their own opinion are they not? So he hates gyre and others love them so what. To each their own. Don't get so defensive because someone else posts bad experiences they have had and want to go back to what they liked.

I love my mp10 and hate my wp-10.