BowedFloor
Member
So I have a 8ft long tank, and originally flow was provided by 2 of the original gyres (XF130?), 4 MP40's and my returns.
I swapped out the two original gyres for the XF280's. I don't think I have any need for the mp40's anymore.
The XF280's seem to support several modes, from working in tandem, to steady flow, to random flow. They also support configuring ramping up/down times and duration. There is also a mode called 'Ocean Current Gyre?) which I guess mimics something the engineers figure happens in select areas of the ocean.
There is a SD card slot on the controller, allowing you to do stuff?
The controller initially required me to read the manual to figure out how to switch between modes, and how to configure/save things. However the learning curve on this unit is very low and once I figured it out (Short press to configure, long press to switch modes, click wheel to toggle stuff, spin wheel to change values) its really easy to go back in and play with settings.
The quality of the unit was typical cheap china crap. The blades seem to spin freely, and they operate properly. One of my power connectors was obviously damaged (squished, and pins were bent) however with a little bit of finessing I was able to connect the second pump to the controller.
I like how the controller has locking/waterproof connectors for the pump lines, but dislike how the power adapters connect to the controller. I found them to be questionable at best, and they easily fall out if tugged on. However if you were to properly mount the unit, and zip tie up your wires, it wouldn't be an issue.
I am *VERY* impressed with the amount of water these units move. I briefly ran mine at 100% about 6" below the waters surface, and it was splashing nicely. I am currently running the gyres in tandem, at 70%, and am happy with things. Initially when I first ran the unit my tank pretty much fogged out from all the detritus and other crap that got knocked loose. I can see my fish playing in the current now, and my puffer seems to absolutely love the extra flow.
https://youtu.be/Hp83kyJmdxo This is it running at 100% for fun, you can see the amount of garbage being stirred up. Apologies for the potato cam.
I think 2x xf280's might be slightly overkill, and two 230's might be perfect. One xf280 wasn't giving me the desired results and the second one worked out just right.
I would recommend this product to others, And would recommend using the expensive controller maxspect makes. It's stupid easy to swap between modes and change things. I can only imagine the headache programming it in a apex would be.
Finally, one thing that I REALLY dislike, is that these pumps CANNOT be used without a controller. you *MUST* purchase either the maxspect one, or one for the apex if it exists for the 200 series gyres. There is no way to connect the pump directly to the power supply for it to run. I think for a $400 pump, it should be able to function on its own, and not require you to buy the $700 pump/controller combo first.
I swapped out the two original gyres for the XF280's. I don't think I have any need for the mp40's anymore.
The XF280's seem to support several modes, from working in tandem, to steady flow, to random flow. They also support configuring ramping up/down times and duration. There is also a mode called 'Ocean Current Gyre?) which I guess mimics something the engineers figure happens in select areas of the ocean.
There is a SD card slot on the controller, allowing you to do stuff?
The controller initially required me to read the manual to figure out how to switch between modes, and how to configure/save things. However the learning curve on this unit is very low and once I figured it out (Short press to configure, long press to switch modes, click wheel to toggle stuff, spin wheel to change values) its really easy to go back in and play with settings.
The quality of the unit was typical cheap china crap. The blades seem to spin freely, and they operate properly. One of my power connectors was obviously damaged (squished, and pins were bent) however with a little bit of finessing I was able to connect the second pump to the controller.
I like how the controller has locking/waterproof connectors for the pump lines, but dislike how the power adapters connect to the controller. I found them to be questionable at best, and they easily fall out if tugged on. However if you were to properly mount the unit, and zip tie up your wires, it wouldn't be an issue.
I am *VERY* impressed with the amount of water these units move. I briefly ran mine at 100% about 6" below the waters surface, and it was splashing nicely. I am currently running the gyres in tandem, at 70%, and am happy with things. Initially when I first ran the unit my tank pretty much fogged out from all the detritus and other crap that got knocked loose. I can see my fish playing in the current now, and my puffer seems to absolutely love the extra flow.
https://youtu.be/Hp83kyJmdxo This is it running at 100% for fun, you can see the amount of garbage being stirred up. Apologies for the potato cam.
I think 2x xf280's might be slightly overkill, and two 230's might be perfect. One xf280 wasn't giving me the desired results and the second one worked out just right.
I would recommend this product to others, And would recommend using the expensive controller maxspect makes. It's stupid easy to swap between modes and change things. I can only imagine the headache programming it in a apex would be.
Finally, one thing that I REALLY dislike, is that these pumps CANNOT be used without a controller. you *MUST* purchase either the maxspect one, or one for the apex if it exists for the 200 series gyres. There is no way to connect the pump directly to the power supply for it to run. I think for a $400 pump, it should be able to function on its own, and not require you to buy the $700 pump/controller combo first.
