Water Movers: What powerheads are you using and are you happy with them?

[MaXberN]

I use one Vortech MP10 on my 20 gallon Max Nano and its perfect. Tried the Neptune Systems WAV prior but it was way too powerful for my tank.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

For people who post using mp40s can you reply with what mode using and % of power with your tank size please

 

[Jcascioli]

I’m using one Nero 5 in my 30 gal SPS cube! Plenty of flow for my corals.. it’s become my favorite powerhead. It’s 3000 gal per hour max @ 200 bucks is hard to beat! Plus the phone app and different modes make it very easy for people to use and set up

 

[Thunderrap]

Water movement in a saltwater reef aquarium is so important on many levels so using the right ones in the right configuration for your tank is a pretty big deal! But with so many choices out there it's sometimes hard to choose! Today let's talk about which powerhead(s) or water mover(s) you use and why!

1. What pumps or powerheads are you using to provide water flow in your aquarium and are you happy with them?

2. If you could choose any powerhead or pump on the market what would you choose?

Right now I'm using x2 eFlux 1050gph and I have an eFlux 2100gph on the way. I love the flow they create but needed to add just a little bit more.

 

[Sleepydoc]

Started out using Koralias. As @Crustaceon said, they are inexpensive but don't have great flow and don't have the longest lifespan. Several months ago I switched to WAVs - expensive but I like the controllability and they freed up an outlet on my EB832. They also move a ton of water!

 

[William Norman]

2 Icecap 1k Gyres on a 120 mixed reef - I need to upgrade these. I moved them from my 55. Most likely I will go to the new icecaps as I add more corals.
2 Jebao OW-50 on a 6ft Fowlr. - They move a ton of water, would like to be able to control them a bit more.

 

[Roolin_W]

I have a Nuvo 20. And for my flow I use the IM maxi jet 538 gph pump with VCA RFG’s along with an MP10 that is set to NTM. Really liking the results so far.

 

[Mikeelec]

Water movement in a saltwater reef aquarium is so important on many levels so using the right ones in the right configuration for your tank is a pretty big deal! But with so many choices out there it's sometimes hard to choose! Today let's talk about which powerhead(s) or water mover(s) you use and why!

1. What pumps or powerheads are you using to provide water flow in your aquarium and are you happy with them?

2. If you could choose any powerhead or pump on the market what would you choose?



i have 2 Red Sea reef waves 45 100G tank been running for 5 weeks now only got them running at 30 %
at the moment but even that is moving the sand about a bit.

 

[-XENOMORPH-]

Well I started with 2 Tunze nano streams. (Should of kept them) switched to a vortec , on 60 gallon cube. Currently at icecap gyre 3k. Now I will say this. Tunze---super quiet... Vortec --moves water . meh... Overrated. And icecap gyre.. moves a ton h20 BUT the whirring whine is annoying as hell.... Hahahahhaha. Might go back to Tunze.....

 

[Javamahn]

Currently using WAV and Tunze 6105 in a 150 Gallon controlled by APEX

 

[neoGeorge]

I run one Current USA eFlux at 60%, surge mode, in my JBJ 65. Been running great for a year so far and produces a nice gyre motion for the LPS corals. I purchased a second unit, but so far, one is performing well and the Chromis enjoy swimming into and out of the current, and for those fish that don't seem to like a lot of current, like the PJ Cardinal and Midas Blenny, there are lower flow areas of the tank with the one wavemaker setup.

 

[spectreknight]

2 MP40 in 75, 1 MP10 in innovative marine nano drop off, 2 maxspect Gyre 200 series in frag tank.

Love how easy it is to maintain the ecotech pumps. The gyres are great for the frag tank as they don't get too dirty and can go longer between cleanings.

For next pump would like to try the new reef octopus pumps when the gyres finally quit. For my ecotech pumps I would replace with the same pumps

 

[See Gee Sea]

I just turned on my Vortec MP40 in my Reefer 350. Even with all the water changes it kicked up a ton of detritus. It's quiet and well built but with just softies in the tank at the moment, I have it on Lagoon Mode but what I still can't figure out is how fast should I have it set to. I wish they gave better instructions for this and their Vectra pumps. Great equipment but little guidance.

 

[Donald P. Blasky]

Wavs

 

[rknott]

I tried several including MP, Icecap, Sicce that were all too noisy for my liking so I went with jebao for both for my main pump and wavemaker. Totally 100% silent by any standard. TBD how long they will last. Just 8 months old. I have heard running at less than max adds significant life. Given they are so inexpensive I have a significantly over engineered wavemaker at speed 2 of 10 and my main pump at 8 of 10. At the price I can replace once every year or 2 and have new technology and quieter. I have learned all pumps break down over time. Easy choice.

 

[mickeysreef <*))))<]

I have some cheapo jebao pumps. I paid like an extra $40 for a two year warranty with squaretrade so I'm extremely happy.

Tank is 210 w 40 sump

I'm running scp150 and sow 20 in dt.
Dcp 15000 on return. Dcp 2500 on my uv.

Got a few maxi jet900s blowing behind the rocks cause it's a bare bottom.

 

[BullyBee]

Aqamai KPM on right side of 50g FOWLR that’s being set up. I have a KPS as well just in case I need a little more flow

 

[MaXberN]

For people who post using mp40s can you reply with what mode using and % of power with your tank size please

I use a scheme I found on Apex Fusion. Various percentages and modes throughout the day. I modified the percentages a bit to fit my tank size.

 

[Biglurr54]

The one thing I will say is that the recommended maintenance on them is horrible. I did it for the first 4 month I owned them and had nothing but struggles. They were noisy and took forever.
I’m doing my normal cleaning now.

Unplug the controller, line the shipping container with a plastic bag filled with vinegar. Soak for 2 hours. Done for a month. I've only taken 1 of the 4 apart in over a year and a half, and that was to get a snail out of the cage.

I highly recommend you take the time to solder in connectors and then get a bucket of acid or vinegar. Its so nice not needing to set up next to the tank, rinsing off in the sink, and then capping the bucket to use again the next month!

 

[2Wheelsonly]

I have 2 gyre xf 350, 4 mp40s, and 2 wav pumps. The gyres are best for surface but all around I find nothing beats the vortechs.