Which Powerhead option and placement for a Red Sea Max E-170?

[kevin318]

I'm reaching out to get some opinions on which is the best wavemaker powerhead option for a Red Sea Max E-170. I am planning on keeping softies and some LPS. I looked at the Jebao, the Vortech MP10, and some DC options. I hear that the DC options have a shorter lifespan. A little confusing so I’m looking for some history.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I really liked my MP10's. They're always a great option. If you're looking for more economical check out the Hydor pumps. Great pumps that don't break the bank

 

[mariano]

i have 2 AI nero 5 in our 170, and they are amazing.

 

[kevin318]

I really liked my MP10's. They're always a great option. If you're looking for more economical check out the Hydor pumps. Great pumps that don't break the bank

What size tank to you have two in? I have two Max 600 powerheads, no wave action, plus the return. Its seems like a lot of movement for a small tank.

 

[kevin318]

i have 2 AI nero 5 in our 170, and they are amazing.

Would you mind sharing where you have them placed?

 

[kevin318]

Anyone have any experience with the Jebao rw-4?

 

[HarperFish]

I really liked my MP10's. They're always a great option. If you're looking for more economical check out the Hydor pumps. Great pumps that don't break the bank

I had a hard time with the MP10 on my RedSea e Max 170 - the glass was a little too thick and I had noise issues.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Nero 3

 

[Rubberfrog]

MP10s are nice, or a reefwave 25.

 

[Bossman]

I have one MP 10 on my RS 170. It's on the left side almost in the middle towards the front. I used Locline to make a dual return and then there is also the one in rear sump pump. I put a VCA random flow generator on that. For the corals I have, plenty of flow. The mp10 is dialed in at less then 50% random flow.

I bought mine almost 3 years ago with no in cabinet sump. I then added the in cabinet sump and wish I would have just bought it that way to begin with.

Being a tall cube, not sure how well a wavemaker would work. I have dual gyres on my RS 425 and my 48 gallon Octo T-lux 90 and love them (except you have to clean them every 2 weeks or they die off). I just don't think that would be a good fit for this tank though.

 

[revenant]

I just got a current eflux wave maker kit and like it so far. The control of flow rate and wave profiles is nice to play with to tweak tank flow.

 

[Bossman]

Another option for the budget conscious is the Aqua Gadget Wavelink DC flow pump. I have 3 of the smaller pumps and they're right around $100. I have one in my 10 gallon, turned all the way down. And I have one in the 48 gallon and my RS 260 for additional flow. They work great.

The wavelink is on the upper left side. I have a Reef Octopus Octo pulse 2 on the right side. Another good pump, but probably big for the 170.