Vortech MP40 vs. Maxspect Gyre XF250

[Aaron-A2]

Tank length: 72"
Corals: Mixed reef (LPS/SPS dominate, some softies)

This is my first saltwater build. I've seen such conflicting statements about the success/benefits of both these powerheads, and honestly I'm not sure what to go with. Any suggestions/thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Kmsutows]

I have one of the older xf150 model on my 72" 150gal and it does fine but I want more flow and was debating between another newer model or a sea sweep with tunzes. I got a used mp40 and it's really loud plus cannot point the flow direction.

Also... this debate has come up a lot lately. Search the threads there are pages and pages

 

[andrew james]

Id choose the ecotech just because its so much easier to clean.

 

[iLLwiLL]

Ive had both and I'd go with gyres. There is a bit of a learning curve on how to disassemble and clean, but once you get that down its pretty easy stuff.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Ecotech gets my vote.

 

[MRRBW]

write out a list of pro cons and decide from there. I have had ecotech's, jebao's, and gyre's. In the end I have a hard time picking anything other than the jebao's, but that said, as they died on me, after 5+ years, I have added the other two. The gyre bothers me with how big they are and the cords in the tank. not too easy to clean. the jebao's apparently have lower life spans, but quite frankly, the shortest life span of any powerhead i've had is an ecotech. for that price I can get 3 jebao's. That said, the ecotechs are easier to clean, but can randomly run out of sink and make too much noise. Have to turn them off and on a few times to get it to resink properly. that said, they look the nicest to me and why i have them on my tank is because i have less cords in the tank. In the end, you need to choose the style and positives you like the most.

 

[roberthu526]

I would go with gyres for a few reasons:
1. It’s flow patter is through out the tank and the circulation created is really superb;
2. Although it is large, most people put them close to the surface of the water so it’s actually better hidden than most round pumps. Yes the wires are think but they are hardly in the water due to the location of the pump;
3. It is actually cheaper than the EcoTech pumps...

 

[RandalV]

I have two gyre 280s in my 340 . The circulation in my tank is incredible.

 

[Nickcdll]

I have two gyre 280s in my 340 . The circulation in my tank is incredible.

What do you guys think of the icecap 1k ? My tank is only a 40 gallon and it seemed perfect, but it's not as expensive as the ecotech

 

[Rick Miranda]

I have the Icecap 1k.. I like the gyre pump as it moves in all directions with different mode. Compare this with the vortech model, the directions is just one direction straight which is controlled only by different pulses / strokes of the fan.