Flow options what would you choose

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kirky88

New member
Hi all, after over 2 years out of the hobby I'm currently at day 5 of my cycle. I've got most things nailed done but for the life of me I can not decide on my flow options and I need this great communities help.

I'm of the thinking and understanding that I'm likely going to want to pumps to achieve the goal of correct flow purely because when I've snorkelled the currents seem to go both way, (although I'm happy to be told otherwise as it will save $$$).

I'm pretty confident I've narrowed it down to the big 2 being vortech and maxspect gyre 200 series but I just can't seem to get any further in my decision. The tank will be more euphyllia dominant mixed reef (wife's condition of the restart) however for me a must have is a scrolling/plating monticap. Although money is a bit of an issue I'm more than happy to save for a couple of months if it means I get it right.

My tank dimensions are 36x18x18 or for Aussies like me 90x45x45 I've also put photos of my current scape to help with this decision. Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated thanks for taking the time to read.
 

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I don't have either but from all the reading here this is my opinion.
Vortex seems to need repairs more often than not.
Gyres look great but too many complain about being difficult to clean & reassemble.
I can say I bought a pair of Tunze used and they have not missed a beat in 8 years
 
Vinny Kreyling said:
I don't have either but from all the reading here this is my opinion.
Vortex seems to need repairs more often than not.
Gyres look great but too many complain about being difficult to clean & reassemble.
I can say I bought a pair of Tunze used and they have not missed a beat in 8 years
Click to expand...

Do you control your Tunze and if so are you able to achieve the patterns similar to the vortex like reef crest etc.?
 
No experience with the Gyre, but I've seen them in person at the LFS and they move some serious water. If your not sure, you could save a lot of cash and pick up a couple of Jebao RW/PP-8s from Amazon until you know what you really want. I've owned several Tunzes, and none of them lasted anywhere near 8 years. More like 4-6; however, they never need repairing. Vortechs are expensive and expensive to repair. I run 2 RW15s in my 120g. They've been running for a little over a year.
 
I am also a fan of the jebaos. I have a rw4 in my 20L and 1 pp8 in my 90 soon to be 2 just have yet to add the 2nd one.

the new Italian made rossmounts looks interesting you get the PH then if you want control-ability get the controller. I really dont know nothing about them just saw them on BRS. worth looking into tho.
 
I have two MP10's but on a tank with those dimensions I would probably put a gyre on the top of a side wall. If it was more like 24" deep (front to back) I'd be more inclined to use two MP10's and offset them for more of a toilet bowl effect.
 
FirstContact said:
No experience with the Gyre, but I've seen them in person at the LFS and they move some serious water. If your not sure, you could save a lot of cash and pick up a couple of Jebao RW/PP-8s from Amazon until you know what you really want. I've owned several Tunzes, and none of them lasted anywhere near 8 years. More like 4-6; however, they never need repairing. Vortechs are expensive and expensive to repair. I run 2 RW15s in my 120g. They've been running for a little over a year.
Click to expand...

I did Jebaos on my previous tank a few years back and didn't make 6 months. I believe they were the wp25 or 40's. Have they improved since then?
 
They are still hit or miss as people report. The PP and SW are their latest models. The SW coming with a cable for your controller and the PP variant being the stand alone. Way better than the WPs. Just get them from someplace that has a 1 year warranty. The RWs are the older version of the PP/SWs. I run mine through my Cerebra controller and run them alternating between 35% and 100% with the Jebao Apex interface. With the RWs working for over a year at such a low cost, I don't see myself needing a Tunze or Vortech. When it comes time for more flow in a couple of years with coral growth, I'll upgrade flow by adding a Gyre.
 
I have been using Tunze pumps for 15 years. Most were bought used. I have only had one failure during that time and Tunze took care of it. I have worn a few impeller in that time, which were readily available from Tunze. I tried one Jabeo pump, when the controller failed early on steandy 6 months later it completly failed. I am currently running 7 Tunze pumps. In the long run I think they are the best flow pumps you can buy for the money. I have also used their return pumps with equally good results. I just wish they made more return pumps.
 
Over the years I've used pretty much all of the major players for flow.

For a tank with those dimensions, I'd go with 2 MP40QD's and be done with it. Yeah, it'll cost you a little more, but for a 36x18 footprint you'll have awesome flow throughout, it'll be super quiet, and you'll have room to grow if you end up going with more SPS or decide to upgrade to a bigger display.
 
laverda said:
I have been using Tunze pumps for 15 years. Most were bought used. I have only had one failure during that time and Tunze took care of it. I have worn a few impeller in that time, which were readily available from Tunze. I tried one Jabeo pump, when the controller failed early on steandy 6 months later it completly failed. I am currently running 7 Tunze pumps. In the long run I think they are the best flow pumps you can buy for the money. I have also used their return pumps with equally good results. I just wish they made more return pumps.
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I simply don't believe you. Just not buying that you came across 7 used Tunzes that have been in your continuous use for 15 years.
 
FirstContact said:
I simply don't believe you. Just not buying that you came across 7 used Tunzes that have been in your continuous use for 15 years.
Click to expand...
I bought all but 1 of the current ones I am using used. I bought them at various times over the years. Have been using Tunze pumps for over 16 years. I did ad more pumps as I added more tanks. When I set up a Cardiff in 2004. I bought a new Tunze 6055 controllable pump for it. The shaft came loose and was warrantied by Tunze. When I moved about 2 years ago I tried a Jewel pump because it was smaller but still capable of pulsing. As I said the controller for it quickly failed the the pump failed. I sold the tank a few months back, but still have the Tunze pump which works great.
When I took down my 240 a few months ago I had 3 larger older style pumps still running in it. The tank had been set up 15 year during which time the Tunze were slowly added as I found good deals used over the first year or so. I still have the pumps which work great. As mentioned I replaced the impeller in one. Two are ready to go as spares or if I set up another tank. The third one is in my 300 gallon rock curing tub.
When I set up my new tank I replaced most of the pumps with the new style Tunze which 3 were used. I also use my old style wave box that has many years of use.
 
I totally believe it. I have a Tunze that I bought in 2005 that has been in "continuous" operation for 3 separate stints. It ran for 5 years, then sat dry for a while, then ran for another 3 years, then sat dry for 14 mos, and now has been running since Jan 2015. Always fires right up, and to me the fact that it sat dry for a while and still works is almost more impressive.

I think I replaced the impeller once, and I bought a new magnet mount...other than that, it just gets a vinegar soak every few years, whether it needs it or not. :D
 
The new Tunze streams haven't been out for 15 years. So, if we're talking powerheads, it would have to be the older first gen model Tunze streams like 6060s and what not.
 
phenom5 said:
I totally believe it. I have a Tunze that I bought in 2005 that has been in "continuous" operation for 3 separate stints. It ran for 5 years, then sat dry for a while, then ran for another 3 years, then sat dry for 14 mos, and now has been running since Jan 2015. Always fires right up, and to me the fact that it sat dry for a while and still works is almost more impressive.

I think I replaced the impeller once, and I bought a new magnet mount...other than that, it just gets a vinegar soak every few years, whether it needs it or not. :D
Click to expand...

By that logic, my Jebao RW15s are about 3 years old and still working great. Two years on my shelf and one year and three months continuous operation in the tank. I DO believe you can have a powerhead last 8 years or so, but I don't think the majority of users are reaching that type of longevity. Additionally, it's been well documented that powerheads lose flow over time. Again, from my point of view I've had several Tunzes and they ranged from 4-6 years in life.
 
FirstContact said:
The new Tunze streams haven't been out for 15 years. So, if we're talking powerheads, it would have to be the older first gen model Tunze streams like 6060s and what not.
Click to expand...

Yes they all were the older Tunzes with black or brown square bodies were in use till last year on my 240 I had for over 15 years. I did not get any of the newer Tunzes until I set up my Cardiff in 2004. Like I have stated my newest tank that I just set up is using all the newer style except for my wave box. I actually thing the older style are more reliable, but bigger and clunky especially the mounting brackets. I made my own mounting brackets that were much smaller and used the magnets off dead Hydor pumps.

I have tried many other pumps through the years including Sieo's. I also worked for an online marine retailer and saw which pumps customers returned and which they were happy with. For me the Tunze pumps are unbeatable in the long run. you asked for advice and I have given you my opinion. You do not have to believe me. Use what ever pumps you like.
 
Vinny Kreyling said:
I don't have either but from all the reading here this is my opinion.
Vortex seems to need repairs more often than not.
Gyres look great but too many complain about being difficult to clean & reassemble.
I can say I bought a pair of Tunze used and they have not missed a beat in 8 years
Click to expand...

Your comment about Vortechs is weird, where in the world did you read that? Undoubtedly Tunze are the most reliable out there but the Vortechs aren't far behind, certainly not even deserving of a distinction between them and Tunze. The Gyres fall under that category though.

The only real downside to Vortechs are their price at this point.
 
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