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

[pirate2876]

In two years time I have replaced 2 wet sides and 2 dry side on my MP-10's. So far the Gyro seems like a tasty option.

 

[3Twinklets]

Very interesting

 

[Mark426]

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.

Well...not my biggest disappointment ever...but I am/was disappointed in the quality. Sold mine after 2 days at a give away price just so it wouldnt take up space in my junk box. Went straight back to my Vortechs which have run for 3 years with out a hitch. I did just upgrade them to QD.

I run two run 2 Vortechs in a way to create a gyre type flow, my tank water circulates like a toilet bowl. My corals love it. I started it after reading an article in Advanced Aquarist way back in 2007, long before maxspect was rumored. Its so simple and my corals love it. Best to have your rockscape set up to take advantage, the old pile of rocks against the back is not conducive to any pump that creates a gyre type flow.

Link: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/1/aafeature

p.s. Looks like maxspect is trying to make some quality improvements with their latest upgrade. Hats off to you...maxspect for doing the right thing.

 

[saltyphish]

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.

I think everyone is entitled to their own opinions and welcome their input. Not everyone has money to throw around for their aquariums such as myself. As a result when I purchase something for my aquarium I read review after review and make my own decision based on that. I don't need to know the potential for a product in the future that I will have to spend another few hundred for. I need something that works for me now when I buy it. Good or bad post your reviews about equipment. Sure I will continue to follow for improvements but that does no good for me now. Hope this didn't come off too strong but honest reviews for a piece of equipment is essential to me.

 

[Triggerjay]

Here's my opinion.. I'm out of spare parts at this point, and have to now run it at 100% to get any kind of flow. It was great for the first couple weeks.

 

[jedimasterben]

Here's my opinion.. I'm out of spare parts at this point, and have to now run it at 100% to get any kind of flow. It was great for the first couple weeks.

Man, you got that paddle good. What kind of snails do you have in your tank? I've been curious ever since Adam from Battlecorals had his beta Gyre paddles go from a snail. I've got loads of small FL cerith, dwarf ceriths, and breeding populations of keyhole limpets, chitons, and Euplica snails and have seen all of them get up inside both my 150 ad 130 Gyres without damage to the paddles. I'm starting to wonder if Coralvue swapped my paddles out with ones made of titanium or something

 

[reeffirstaid]

One thing that has been mentioned, in addition to other issues with the Gyre is the build quality. I agree with those who have been less than impressed by build quality. I am not some Ecotech fanboy and don't have any agenda. I couldn't care less what brand of product is revered by aquarists, as I have no dog in any of those fights. I do however realize that there is a lot of product released into the hobby, at premium price tags and sorting through to find the really innovative, good stuff can be tough. I have been less than impressed with many of Maxspect's products, even though they command a premium price and are loved by some. I don't think Maxspect has done anything to revolutionize reef keeping, and I personally believe that most of the Gyre was nothing but hype. From my point of view, it simply isn't a very good circulation pump.

Ecotech's long pulse (along with other modes) created (IMHO) better water movement for captive aquariums, long before the Gyre was even on the radar. If you set Gyre mode up properly on a Vortech, you get equally useful Gyres (again IMHO) than you do with Maxspect's pump. Ecotech's greatest innovation has been Ecosmart Live and the ability to wirelessly link lights and pumps. Another innovator of late has been Neptune Systems, who has released their new online controller software, which so far has been pretty impressive. Dropcam, who doesn't even make reef specific gear, has been a major asset, simply because they are stable and easily set-up. Nothing Maxspect has released, that I'm aware of, has been groundbreaking - and an Ecotech pump isn't that much more than a Gyre.

As for needed two Vortechs, an mp40w should serve most people with aquariums under 100 gallons. Above 100 gallons, you may need an mp60w (a large price increase) or two mp40w. I will say the Gyre seems to perform well on systems in excess of 100 gallons - but for me, that's it's only strong point.

 

[jedimasterben]

Just talked to Chris from Coralvue. He said that they expect to receive the new quad blade paddles for the 130 in 2-3 weeks, and the 150's new paddles in about 6 weeks.

 

[Triggerjay]

Just talked to Chris from Coralvue. He said that they expect to receive the new quad blade paddles for the 130 in 2-3 weeks, and the 150's new paddles in about 6 weeks.

IMO, they also need to create a cage with smaller grate spacing as well. These pumps are NOT Cerith snail friendly. I have not decided if I'm going to continue to nurse this pump, or replace it with a Vortech or two.

 

[jedimasterben]

IMO, they also need to create a cage with smaller grate spacing as well. These pumps are NOT Cerith snail friendly. I have not decided if I'm going to continue to nurse this pump, or replace it with a Vortech or two.

Isn't that kind of an oxymoron? You want a pump with a smaller opening but want to replace it with one that has a larger opening?

 

[Triggerjay]

No, larger impeller spacing allowing thicker, not so brittle blades.. Then the surrounding cage smaller grate spacing to protect the impeller

 

[hart24601]

Dang, it's too bad you (the OP) and others have had such disappointment from the gyre. It's never fun to put out big money (for me) like that and not be happy with it. FWIW not that anyone asked or cares, but I run a gyre 150 at 100% constant and 2 mp40QDs 100% reef crest on my 120 and I feel the gyre is the more important pump on there. I would give up one of the mp40s way before the gyre. Perhaps mp60 vs gyre is a better comparison at least for me. Now if I had LPS dominate or a lower flow tank vortech would win, but for SPS dominate gyre is hard to beat in my book.

 

[Akida17th]

Every tank and aquarium application is different. Lets be honest both pumps are great and have their advantages. Like most things in life it often boils down to preference. I prefer the gyre on tanks 4 feet plus and prefer vortech on cube tanks however I'd be happy running either one. Don't worry be reef happy

 

[Akida17th]

I just noticed how spoiled we reefers are now and days. I can imagine an old school reefer reading this thread and laughing hysterically. The technology & diversity of all the equipment we have at our disposal is a luxury and I know I'm ecstatic & grateful to have the opportunity to utilize them. Just keep on keepin' reefas

 

[BigJim]

I loved the water flow of my Gyre 130, but I have stopped using it for two reasons.
1. I can clean an MP10 in about a minute and it takes about 10 minutes to clean the Gyre properly.
2. I went through five impellers since February. They keep wearing out where the post goes into the impeller. I’m done buying replacements.
My theory on the impellers is asterina starfish getting in and slowly causing the impeller to wear out. I would occasionally (once every couple weeks) hear a quick grinding noise and then see micro bubbles coming from the pump for a few seconds. It would then work like normal until eventually I could hear the vibration from the impeller wearing out. I haven’t heard a lot about this being a common problem so maybe my situation in unique.

 

[Triggerjay]

I just noticed how spoiled we reefers are now and days. I can imagine an old school reefer reading this thread and laughing hysterically. The technology & diversity of all the equipment we have at our disposal is a luxury and I know I'm ecstatic & grateful to have the opportunity to utilize them. Just keep on keepin' reefas

Lol.. I am an old school reefer.. 20+ years in the hobby.

 

[Triggerjay]

I loved the water flow of my Gyre 130, but I have stopped using it for two reasons.
1. I can clean an MP10 in about a minute and it takes about 10 minutes to clean the Gyre properly.
2. I went through five impellers since February. They keep wearing out where the post goes into the impeller. I’m done buying replacements.
My theory on the impellers is asterina starfish getting in and slowly causing the impeller to wear out. I would occasionally (once every couple weeks) hear a quick grinding noise and then see micro bubbles coming from the pump for a few seconds. It would then work like normal until eventually I could hear the vibration from the impeller wearing out. I haven’t heard a lot about this being a common problem so maybe my situation in unique.

I have had the same issue with the motor end of the impellers stripping out. The plastic insert and rubber would just spin in the end of the impeller.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

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.

Surprising that this was your experience. I love my Gyre 150. I have used Vortechs, and I definitely won't complain about their quality, but when the Gyre gives me better flow with no dead spots (and without the constant noise of my Vortechs), I'll stick with it. I'm also a fan of not needing more than 1 pump on a 180g system... 2 vortechs are the minimum for the same tank. In the end, my evaluation is that Vortech's are very nice, but the Gyre seems like a better buy to me.

 

[hig789]

I think they are a very interesting design for sure. I bought a MP10 a few weeks ago and I love it but if they came out with a nano gyre I definitely love to try it out.

 

[jedimasterben]

I think they are a very interesting design for sure. I bought a MP10 a few weeks ago and I love it but if they came out with a nano gyre I definitely love to try it out.

That's actually the XF130. You can remove one of the paddles and run a single one. Making them physically smaller with the same design would probably not work out well, as the paddles would have to be even smaller and thinner than on the 130.