MaxSpect Gyre or Ecotech Vortech

[Rusland07]

I'm starting up a new saltwater 90G tank (eventually w/ SPS & LPS) with a "S" bow front. Clearly I would like to some great water flow to the tank and have been either looking at the Vortech (maybe 2 MP10s will be enough?) or the newly improved MaxSpect XF150, which I had heard recently that the locking issue has been resolved.

I like the various modes that the Ecotech provides - Lagoon, Reef Crest, Gyre, Short Pulse, Tidal Swell, Nutrient Transport, Feed, Night, and Night mode. Those are all impressive - but how often will I use them all? Given that I'm aiming for a reef, I suppose the 3 major ones I'll be using are Gyre, Feed, and Night.

On the Maxspect XF150, they pride themselves on the "No Water Left Unturned". They have the new crossflow technology that apparently creates no dead spots with sheer flow, while evenly distributing the flow rate.

Clearly there's that option to simply buy both and try them out, but that would be an expensive test...I figured since that they are both popular, I would be able to ask my Northern Ohio experts on their experiences.

Which would you recommend?

 

[Nrupaw]

I'd recommend the Vortechs. here's my reasoning

they have been in the market longer and have proven themselves to be good for SPS and LPS tanks. Spare-parts (e.g. wet sides) are easily available, Vortechs integrate well into reef controllers, used vortechs are affordable, various modes (trust me, you'll use all of them till you find a mode that suits your tanks needs)

The MaxSpect Gyre is a good product but my only gripe is that it is still relatively new. I personally wouldn't want to spend top $ on a product that has yet to prove itself on stability and reliability.

 

[SaltieG]

I was having this same debate when I just set up my 125. Should I keep my vortechs (which I love) or go the Gyre route. After reading a good number of mixed reviews for the Gyre I decided to go with the vortechs again. I upgraded to the mp40 quiet drives and love them. All the different modes you can choose from, the lack of a huge powerhead in the tank itself and the random flow they produce is what does it.

 

[codemonkey812]

I have a Gyre FX-150 in my 55, and a Jebao RW-8 on my 75. I agree with the statments above. While I love the water movement I get from the FX-150, I am not sure how long it will last (I have not upgraded to the new blade design which is said to last longer). The more conventional propeller design wave makers like Vortech and Jebao are proven. I would say the Gyre is moving in the right directions buy they need more time to improve the product.

 

[Nrupaw]

i think mostly everyone who is active in the hobby will agree with me when i say - if buying something new the first time, then go with the most proven product. its the safe bet. if upgrading, then go with the newest one.

 

[Raoul5Duke]

I have never used the maxspect, but I am a big fan of the Vortechs and Ecotech products in general. They have recently added a gyre and nutrient transport mode. I used nutrient transport and I get a nice wave action in my tank. I think you will need at least 2x MP40s for that tank if you are keeping SPS. If you add in the Reeflink the control is awesome.

 

[HowdyDoody216]

I have a Gyre 150 in my 75. If it was me I'd get two of the 130s for your 90. Running on Alternating schedules. 12 on 12 off vice versa. Vortechs are great but the Gyre moves mass amounts of water and has pulse and alternating Gyre mode. There's no need for any other modes.

 

[Slumpbusters]

I have a XF130 right now and it hasn't worked in a month. They have tried replacing my controller and motor and the damn thing is still flashing red. Would you believe CoralVue will not send me a new unit?????? they want me to ship the damn thing to them so they can examine it. The warranty they give is a sham. The unit is 4 mo's old.

 

[Slumpbusters]

GO WITH VORTECH!!!! Much better pump quality and much better customer service!!!!!!

 

[Ebone]

Can't comment on the gyre, but I have 2 mp10's and love them to death, and like others have said customer support is awesome.

 

[Rusland07]

Wow! I can't thank you all enough, I started this thread this morning before I left my home. I was honestly expecting a couple replies - I had no idea I would receive so many wonderful inputs from everyone's own experiences and perspectives. I cannot thank you all enough, thank you!

By the looks of it, seems the customer service found with Ecotech is exceptional, which is absolutely important in my book, especially if an issue with the product were ever to arise while maintaining a SW tank.

I went onto their site where you are able to calculate the optimal GPH. My tank is 48" L x 19 W x 24 H with 3/8" thick glass, it seems based on their calculations - that one MP40 or two MP10s would do well and keep it near the optimal range for LPS and SPS...or once again, what would you folks say works best?

 

[HowdyDoody216]

I had a rotting cable in my Gyre and they sent me a new motor that day without an issue. I've had no problems with Coralvues customer service. If I was getting Vortechs I'd get two mp40s. Two Mp10s wouldn't be enough if you ever went mostly SPS in a 90.

 

[bbaz123456]

I agree that 2 mp10s would not be enough. I would go at least 40's maybe even a 60 running at low power because two 40's running anywhere near full power sounds like you are at an air show with jet engines in your tank. Personally, I am a huge fan of Jebao's and don't think you should count them out. Right now I am running 8 wp60's and the only thing you hear on my tank is the one Mp40.

 

[Rusland07]

8 WP60s and a MP40!?! How big is your tank?

 

[Big E]

I think you need both............gyre for laminar flow and a few prop pumps to mix the water up.

If it was me, I wouldn't buy the Maxspect till the new models come out that has some fixes in it.

I know it wasn't mentioned as an option but............

I would buy Tunze over vortech hands down. The tunze customer support is unmatched, even over vortech. Tunze pumps very seldom have issues & they don't fail anywhere near the rate that Vortechs do.

The only thing Vortech has going for them is the motor on the outside over Tunze.

For me it's essential to be able to aim and angle powerheads, especially when corals get big and you have to change the flow.

I like to Jaebos if you want to save some cash. Gotta keep them clean often, but they are a fraction of the price.

You could probably try a mix of brands and make your own evaluation over time. All these brands show up quite often in the used sales section.

You'll probably be happy with any of the options.

 

[stiffljp]

I would second what Ed said. I have the 150, jebao and tunze in my tank.

Jebao are what you expect for the price. They perform relatively well but fail significantly more often than the tunze. (2 out of 6 for Jebao (18 months) versus 1 out of 4 (8 years)) IME, they also require more maintenance to to perform as compared with the tunze.

The Maxspect was a recent addition and thus far its performed well. Moves a ton of water but is laminar so the tunze/Jebao help mix it up.

I've personally never had the eco since I always wanted the ability to point the water movement but overall I think your best bet is a combo of the 2 versus a singular.

 

[stiffljp]

I would second what Ed said. I have the 150, jebao and tunze in my tank.

Jebao are what you expect for the price. They perform relatively well but fail significantly more often than the tunze. (2 out of 6 for Jebao (18 months) versus 1 out of 4 (8 years)) IME, they also require more maintenance to to perform as compared with the tunze.

The Maxspect was a recent addition and thus far its performed well. Moves a ton of water but is laminar so the tunze/Jebao help mix it up.

I've personally never had the eco since I always wanted the ability to point the water movement but overall I think your best bet is a combo of the 2 versus a singular.