Here's my initial thoughts after a quick look at the CP-40:
Look what came in the post this morning...
Well, two of them actually! These are the non-wifi's controller version. The idea is to control them through the Apex Jebao controllers which are currently running my RW wavemakers and DC return pump. There's a wifi version and a separate wifi controller unit which seems to have a iOS/Android app for full programability, including sync and scheduling.
Here's a really light review so far.
Open box, so far so good. UK plug and very solid feeling.
The controller is very similar to the RW control unit and is a little plasticy, however I'm unlikely to use it if I can connect to my apex via the Jebao/Apex controllers already in place running the RW-8's
There are 4 modes, I'll go into more detail in a moment now it's in the tank.
The pump itself feels solid. I stripped it down (taking the end caps off was a little tricky first time) it feels very well put together. The blades are quite small, I couldn't figure out how to take them out of their cages to fully examine them (mainly as I wanted to get it in the tank). Each side is independently adjustable for directing flow.
A word on magnets...
They are not kidding. Once off, don't put within 6" of each other in any direction. My thumb got caught. Ouch. Don't try making this shot at home kids...
The magnets themselves have an interesting foam like coating on them which seems to reduce noise and I dare say damage to glass. Clean the glass before putting these on the tank!
The magnet mounting is attached to the pump via a floating mount. It seems they have put some effort into reducing vibration. The instructions do state that the bushings are wearable and will need replacing in time.
Initial positioning on the tank, at one end. I was considering putting them on the back wall, however this may be way too much given the power.
Each birdcage rotor comes in its own cage. Apparently these do come out, however I haven't been able to do so yet. Everything is very sturdy. The blades don't look too flimsy, although I haven't been able to have a close look as they are still in the cages. Ceramic bushings with rubber dampeners feature throughout the unit. The drive coupling between the motor and each cage rotor is also dampened by a rubber connector.
A few words on flow. This shifts a lot of water. You don't appreciate how much until you see the corals moving! As hinted at earlier, there are four modes, each adjustable in power, frequency and direction of flow:
H: Continuous flow, speed is preset by pressing the "speed" button. P&N controls the direction of flow. The flow is strong and broad. The euphyllia on the sand bed doesn't know what's hit it with the backflip coming back towards the pump from the other end of the tank.
W1: Classic wave. And yes, this really is a full on wave. Mounted near the top of a 4 ft tank, I'm getting a 3-5cm wave height without tweaking the power and frequency.
W2: Full gyre, power controlled from the controller, it automatically reverses every 4-10mins, adjusted using the dial. Again, very good flow throughout the whole tank.
W3: Big Waves! Haven't played with this as didn't want to leave it over night.
On noise, it's a new pump, so have left it to bed in over night. It is louder than my RWs are now, but quieter than when they started and more of a DC whistle than a power head noise.
First impressions are that I am very impressed. At $140 each, they are even more impressive.