VorTech or Maxspect

[jkostedt]

I have a 60g cube mixed reef tank. I’m looking to upgrade my circulation pumps. I have come to the conclusion I either want a maxspect xf230 or a Echotech MP10 or 40. I’m thinking the MP 10 won’t be enough. Any recommendations on what pump I should get?

 

[HolisticBear]

I own the MP10 and recently purchased a XF230. I've only had the Gyre for two weeks, but I'm a big fan. It was annoying / scary loud the first 24h, quieter after 72h, quiet after two weeks. They can move alot of water and I greatly prefer the linear wide flow. vortech can move a ton of water, but it feels too narrow. Tunze is another option, there are some Tunze vs Vortech vs Gyre threads on R2R. Both the Tunze + Gyre will have a cord in the tank, the Ecotech will not. There are a few YouTube videos comparing them as well.

 

[DSC reef]

I think a gyre would provide better flow and coverage given the dimensions compared to a single vortech.

 

[HippieSmell]

If you want reliability and fewer headaches, get Tunze. I've had both gyres and Vortech. Both were maintenance and reliability nightmares.

 

[skiergd011013]

I have a vortech mp10 on a 30 gallon that has been running nonstop for over 3 years. Still runs like day 1. If you go with vortech, get the mp40 for your size tank. My mp10 is just enough for my 30. You can always dial the mp40 down if its too much.

 

[malacoda]

I've been running an XF130 on my 24g for two years with no problems whatsoever. Have to run it at no more than 20-30% because my tank is small. And first time taking it apart to clean was a little slow as I was being careful with, but now that I'm familiar with it I can disassemble it and reassemble in about 5 minutes, if that.

Tried a used mp10 a while back to compare the two ... but flow was much more narrow (and the bearing were shot so it was loud ... but it was an old used unit) and actually more apt to push sand at the opposite end of my tank.

I like gyre so much I even upgraded to the new controller a few months ago. And if I ever upgrade to a bigger tank I'll be running a gyre (or pair) in it as well.

 

[ReefingwithO]

I have both.

I like the Gyre flow but to me the pump requires more maintenance than an MP40. I have 2 XF230 on a 75 gallon tank and I only run one so I can swap them. I run an MP40 on the other side.

I also think that Ecotechs product support is better. They have supported products that is years out of warranty for me and friends.

Coralvue support has been suspect for me, I purchased a reef octopus Varios 8 and after 2 months it started making a loud noise. It was dead quiet before and then one day it started making this loud sound. Carlos from Coralvue basically said it was my fault for using 3/4 plumbing instead of the 1 1/4 it came with (I'm running the pump at low speeds) and they sent the pump back to me in the same condition.

I would choose Ecotech based on that alone.

I know it's not a thread to rant but that's my experience with both companies.

 

[CindyKz]

We have almost identical corals, LOL.

I have a 75 gal mixed reef, I'm a little heavier on SPS than you are and of course my tank shape is different. I have 2 MP40s usually running in Reef Crest mode at 50% on anti-synch, so when one is running on high power the other is on a lower power. I've had them for about a year and a half with no complaints at all. I started with one and added the second as I moved from softies to more LPS and wanted coverage for a couple of dead spots. In retrospect I could have added an MP10 instead of a second MP40 and been fine. I have more firepower than I need - ready for that upgrade!

ETA - sorry you were looking for recs not just experiences. I think a single MP40 would do nicely. I don't think an MP10 would provide enough flow around your rockwork. Two MP10s would provide the best of both worlds but that is a lot of cash.

 

[sternicus]

I own the MP10 and recently purchased a XF230. I've only had the Gyre for two weeks, but I'm a big fan. It was annoying / scary loud the first 24h, quieter after 72h, quiet after two weeks. They can move alot of water and I greatly prefer the linear wide flow. vortech can move a ton of water, but it feels too narrow. Tunze is another option, there are some Tunze vs Vortech vs Gyre threads on R2R. Both the Tunze + Vortech will have a cord in the tank, the Ecotech will not. There are a few YouTube videos comparing them as well.

Are you high bro? Eco tech is vortech lol

 

[HolisticBear]

Are you high bro? Eco tech is vortech lol

Typo.

 

[GoVols]

I've had the old Gyre 130 for a long time with no problems what so ever.

For maintenance: I never have broke down the Gyre pump. I just soak it in vinegar.

Don't understand how @sternicus 's post is productive or helpful to OP???
We are Reef 2 Reef family and not Reef Central.

Regards, GoVols

 

[75galOCD]

VorTech anything else will leave you wanting. IMHO

 

[GoVols]

VorTech anything else will leave you wanting. IMHO

Thanks for your input.

I like the Gyre for a wide cross flow.

To myself each pump (brand) is a tool for what your goals are

 

[roberthu526]

I have both.

I like the Gyre flow but to me the pump requires more maintenance than an MP40. I have 2 XF230 on a 75 gallon tank and I only run one so I can swap them. I run an MP40 on the other side.

I also think that Ecotechs product support is better. They have supported products that is years out of warranty for me and friends.

Coralvue support has been suspect for me, I purchased a reef octopus Varios 8 and after 2 months it started making a loud noise. It was dead quiet before and then one day it started making this loud sound. Carlos from Coralvue basically said it was my fault for using 3/4 plumbing instead of the 1 1/4 it came with (I'm running the pump at low speeds) and they sent the pump back to me in the same condition.

I would choose Ecotech based on that alone.

I know it's not a thread to rant but that's my experience with both companies.

I have had similar issue with Coralvue and Carlos to be specific. I had trouble setting up a flow pattern and found out the controller didn’t work as shown in the manual. Carlos basically told me not to use that pattern. I ended up posting a youtube video to finally get them to release a patch for it. But overall the gyre is still my favorite. I just wish the support could be better.

 

[ReefingwithO]

I have had similar issue with Coralvue and Carlos to be specific. I had trouble setting up a flow pattern and found out the controller didn’t work as shown in the manual. Carlos basically told me not to use that pattern. I ended up posting a youtube video to finally get them to release a patch for it. But overall the gyre is still my favorite. I just wish the support could be better.

I'm hearing this story about Coralvue support a lot now.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/q15TiZvX2jCukVlF2

I sent it in to Carlos, looks like they plugged it in and said it wasn't making any noise to them and they sent it right back to me.

I don't think I'll ever purchase another Coralvue distributed/supported product again.

 

[GoVols]

I'm hearing this story about Coralvue support a lot now.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/q15TiZvX2jCukVlF2

I sent it in to Carlos, looks like they plugged it in and said it wasn't making any noise to them and they sent it right back to me.

I don't think I'll ever purchase another Coralvue distributed/supported product again.

I like the Gyre but I don't care for Coralvue's customer service either.

Asked them about the giesemann futura and look how long it took to get a response and... it got bumped.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/giesemann-futura-s-help.303506/

Just think if I went ahead a pulled the trigger on that fixture and it had issues

Must admit that's sub par customer service.

 

[Punchanello]

Tunze

 

[Gil03]

I own both the Gyre and the MP10, there is without a doubt no question that the gyre moves more water and the quality of flow is much better. I will say that cleaning the gyre is more of a task than the Mp10 however if you decide not to pull out the motor assembly to clean then it cuts down the work greatly. I just this past weekend pulled the motor assembly apart to soak in vinegar for the first time in using it for 2 years and it wasn't even worth doing as it was still pretty clean, that is just the motor assembly not the propellers which need cleaning I'd say every 6 months. I've never had an issue with the Maxspect gyre powerhead nor its controller HOWEVER I've had several issues with my mp10 both the controller and the dry side, plus i've come home a few times and the dry side had fallen off the tank due to something on the wet side going wrong. I'm in the process of a new build in which I contemplated going with 2 mp40's but after thinking about it I'm going to stick with the gyre's.

 

[BlueCursor]

I have a 100 gal SPS tank. I had an MP40 and 2 MP10s. MP10s were on the back facing forward and MP40 pushing water the length of the tank. I later switched to a XF250. Then one side of my tank wasn't getting enough flow so I said what the heck and added a second XF250.

1. The Gyres move a wider column of water. My MP40 pushed lots of water but it was in a narrow area that overpowered all the fix who ended up in the direct flow.
2. My MPs were super quiet and super easy to clean. Gyres are noisy and a nightmare to clean.
3. My MPs were a pain in the butt with their sticky holders. No matter how well I cleaned the glass with alcohol, the stickers would come lose in about 6 months. Usually during the humid summer.
4. My Gyres can be placed higher in the water column because they pull water from the underside. The MPs have to be lower in the tank or they start sucking air from the surface and blowing bubbles across the tank.

 

[Zoaeasy]

I have a 60 cube with an first Gen Maxspect 250 on the back. Only LPS and softies but it covers the whole tank with its motion. I am sure that SPS will be fine if I crnak up the flow .The only problems is no substrate stays below it when in reverse mode Its behind the rocks any way so not really a big concern. The MP 10 will not be enough. I have one on my 30L opposite a XF150 and still prefer the Gyre.