Icecap gyre 1k vs 3k

[Silly clownfish]

I am looking at getting an icecap gyre for my 75g to improve the flow pattern that has deteriorated as my corals have grown a lot in the last few years (some SPS frags to over a foot in diameter and breaking or near to breaking the surface).

My question is - obviously the 3k is the appropriate size, but it seems to get consistently lower ratings than the 1k. I am trying to pinpoint why. I have a couple of theories:
1) the 3k has been on the market longer, so more chance for folks to have had one fail
2) they have different controllers. I have seen some comments about icecap using an older version Maxspect controller that was a problem for whichever maxspect model. I am not sure which controller this is or which icecap uses this version.

Anyone out there with experience with both models to provide insight?

The 1k might not be a terrible choice for my 75 g, I would just need to keep both of my existing powerheads instead of just one. My plan is to mount the gyre vertically for flow around the perimeter of the tank and keep a regular powerheads blowing through the opening between my 2 islands of rock/coral. I would just rather go with the 3k if they are comparable quality and have the higher flow rate, even if I run it at a lower %.

Of course a 1k could go in my 30g nicely, but that's not my goal at the moment.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Kim

 

[Tripod1404]

I use 3k. I am happy about it so far. Didn't have any problems with the pump or the controller. But the pump requires regular cleaning.

 

[Silly clownfish]

Thanks Tripod. Obviously I would rather get one of the size I want than 2 smaller. Especially since there is not much price difference between the 1k and 3k. I also don’t want to ne d to run at 100%.

Now just waiting for the BRS group buy/July 4th sales!

 

[shaginwagon13]

I am looking at getting an icecap gyre

Do you have or plan on buying a controller?

I have two the Maxspect Gyre XF280 pumps. I can honestly say they are dead silent, and by far exceeded my expectations for what I would be getting in terms of water flow and power. I can only run the pump on around 40-50% which is how much water flow you can actually get if you crank these suckers up to max power.

I honestly can say I really don't know if I would buy them again and here is why..... the XF280 is NOT able to be connected to or be controlled by my Neptune controller. Even with the adapter they sell, my model (which is the newest model) can't connect. Its actually the only negative I have on the pumps, but its a large enough dislike to have me purchase another pump in the future.

Something to consider.

 

[Silly clownfish]

I will control the icecap via the controller that comes with it. I added an apex about a year ago, but really more for the ability to monitor remotely and control my dosing. After 20years in the hobby I just am not in the habit of depending on the controller to control everything. My lights are return pump do not even go through my controller since I would not use that for them and it just creates one more possible failure point.

So while I understand that is a major concern for many users, it is not much a retraction for me.

 

[shaginwagon13]

You might change your mind when you try and program custom flow patterns and time on the controller.

I have the new advanced controller for them, and it’s not as easy as one may think.