Water Movement on a 45G Cube?

Quartapound · Oct 14, 2015

Good afternoon,

been doing lots of reading lately on powerheads lately... I was wondering if I could get Reef2Reef's collective input!

So... I'm looking for a new powerhead for my tank, 45G cube (24x24x18).

I have a mix of LPS, SPS and softies, currently the flow is provided by a Vortech MP10ES (5 yrs old) which is starting to get noisy, you can hear vibration when its ramping up and down (even after a good cleaning).

I'm considering my options

replace wet side of MP10
2x Jebao RW4
Maxspect Gyre 130

I loved the control my MP10 gave me but I didn't like how I had to blast one side of the tank to get the other side flowing nicely, I never considered adding a second one due to cost. I don't like the idea of placing the powerhead in the middle of a side pane because they both get viewed almost as much as the front.

I was thinking 2x Jebao RW4 like this (birds eye view)

... that way they're still basically out of view at the back of the tank, but provide even flow on both sides and similar ability to control as the mp10, ability to aim, low cost.

but I'm also hearing so many good things about the maxspect gyre... although basically double the cost of the Jebao's... Can't help but wonder if/how much better it would be than the Jebao's or the Vortech.

Opinions anyone?!

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

glweek · Oct 14, 2015

if you already have the mp10 i say just grab a new wetside. If you wanted to try something new 2x Rw-4

DannyB · Oct 14, 2015

I voted for the Gyre because bought one for my 55 a few months ago and it changed my tank for the better in so many ways. However, a new wetside for mp10 would be cheaper for great flow.

glweek · Oct 14, 2015

DannyB said:
I voted for the Gyre because bought one for my 55 a few months ago and it changed my tank for the better in so many ways.

How so? and is it a standard 55 (rectangle) or custom 55?

DannyB · Oct 14, 2015

It is a standard 55g. I had been using 2 jebao wp25s and had issues with cyano and deadspots. With the Gyre, there was a noticeable increase in water movement from the beginning, i am seeing no deadspots (all polyps have motion now), I am getting better PE on my SPS and my zoas with the change and have already started to see better growth and coloration.

gar732 · Oct 14, 2015

I have a 45g cube in the works, I plan on running an mp40 and an rw8. I currently have a 34 solana and run the mp40 in that and find I can use some more flow in spots. Of the three options you have listed I'd go with the gyre since it would give you the best flow. The other two options I think would find you wanting more in the future.

Zoaeasy · Oct 14, 2015

I have two Gyres 130 and 150. One on a Elos 36 (150)and one on a Nuvo 30 (130)I would suggest getting the Icecap controller ( for Apex) the flow is great but I would like to have more control over the intensity and getting more of a wave action going. Will be getting it in the next month. Get the 150 rather than the 130 for your tank and try mounting both vertical and horizontal to see what works best for you. I found vertical works well for cube and horizontal works better for the long Nuvo 30.

Quartapound · Oct 16, 2015

Thanks for all the input everyone! My problem is I really want the Gyre but I haven't convinced myself to spend the money yet lol. I'm about to start a tank thread in Club Cube so I'll update everyone as to what route I eventually take... Thank you for all the opinions! Lots to think about now

TomatoSauceTy · Oct 16, 2015

I have a 50g cube with 2 rw-4 setup exactly how you have your drawing. I have an lps only tank and the flow is great even though I have them on the lowest setting. I keep them near the bottom and angled up a little because those back corners become dead spots.

Quartapound · Oct 25, 2015

Just a quick update, I did end up going with the gyre!!

Very impressed with it so far, I have it on alternating mode vertically in the back corner of the tank. I'll be sure to update again in a few more weeks when I have more time with it and a better formed opinion

Payday · Oct 26, 2015

I have the exact same tank dimensions as you. I purchased a MP40 QD but have not put it in the tank yet. I will let you know how it goes when I do. What skimmer are you running?

Jimbo662 · Oct 26, 2015

I just set up a 175g, 6ft tank and had planned to put a gyre 150 on one end at the top and two existing mp40's on the other end lower in the tank. After running the gyre for a couple of hours I realized the mp40's weren't needed.

Quartapound · Dec 6, 2015

Payday said:
I have the exact same tank dimensions as you. I purchased a MP40 QD but have not put it in the tank yet. I will let you know how it goes when I do. What skimmer are you running?

Sorry I missed this post somehow

Im running an old vertex in100. Not super crazy about it.

Get some pics on your tank thread