Powerhead upgrades?

[HuskerBioProf]

I have a 40 breeder that is going to be an SPS tank. I only have about a half dozen frags so far. Currently, I have ~75x turnover with 2 Hydor powerheads. I have been thinking of upgrading to something smaller with more wave maker/turbulence capacity, but I want to make sure the benefits are more than just cosmetic.

I was thinking of adding a Vortech MP10 and keeping one Koralia temporarily. Alternatively, I may just get 2 MP10s now. I like the idea of the reef crest setting for opposing Vortech MP10s, but it is a good amount of money.

I know this is just opinion, but... Based on your experiences, is it worth the money? Are there other options/configurations I should consider?

 

[mcgyvr]

I don't believe there is any real proof that wavemakers, etc.. have any real effect other than to the users "cool" factor (aka its all cosmetic)..
Just like storm modes with LEDs,etc..

 

[C.Eymann]

I don't believe there is any real proof that wavemakers, etc.. have any real effect other than to the users "cool" factor (aka its all cosmetic)..
Just like storm modes with LEDs,etc..

I might have to respectfully disagree with you there, especially with some of the more challenging SPS like Acropora esp tight branched tabling species that really need that surging flow action. They really benefit from the changing intensities in flow dynamics. The "wave" mode or ones that creates a standing wave in the tank does actually help with freeing up detritus from nooks and crannies but certainly not the main benefit, I only run it a few hours before a water change, other than that I just run reef crest mode on anti synch.
I have kept SPS with two opposing non controllable pumps that fight each other and have had decent success but sooooo much easier and better success to be had with pumps able to run ramping up and down settings/programs.
Heck, the introduction of Tunzes controllable (able to run pulse mode) pumps revolutionized the widespread success of keeping SPS coral.

OP- IMO, yes there is a big benefit, its not wholly cosmetic at all.

 

[mcgyvr]

Show the proof..
We all have opinions.. But if the OP "wants to make sure" then facts are needed

 

[Potatohead]

Show the proof..
We all have opinions.. But if the OP "wants to make sure" then facts are needed

Look in the ocean?

OP - I went from a pair of Tunzes to a pair of MP10's in my 40g and have never looked back, they are great.

 

[mcgyvr]

Look in the ocean?

Don't get me wrong.. I'd be glad to know for sure that a wavemaker is proven over a continuous pump.. More true information is always better IMO..

But no one can prove that the OP spending over $400 is a worthwhile investment. A 40 gallon tank isn't the ocean either...

I simply stated there isn't any proof.. We can all have opinions and thats fine.. Mine is that what the OP already has is sufficient and I can't tell him that spending $200 or $400 will make him happy..

 

[Kies1]

Have to agree that more random flow ie wave makers, controllable pumps are mimicking what the corals are experiencing in their natural habitat. Since adding two mp40 to create this my sps are doing better, proof I guess or my opinion.

 

[C.Eymann]

Show the proof..
We all have opinions.. But if the OP "wants to make sure" then facts are needed

While I am not a scientist and I am not aware of any scientific studies comparing the two (controllable vs constant/laminar) I do consider myself to be fairly well educated when it comes to SPS coral and their care needs though, what we can go off of experience and the collective experience of other reefers, also a methodology in this hobby is to mimic the animals natural surroundings, not sure if you are a diver of not but if you were you would be very familiar with getting tossed back and forth on dives, similar to the action that can be produced by "wave" or pumps running a pulse/ramp mode.
So, again recreating that type of flow dynamic they experience in nature is solid husbandry. There is a reason why the most successful SPS tanks you see are running controllable/ pulse pumps vs basic non controllable prop style powerheads.
With this hobby, its about recreating mother nature as close as you can and controllable/ ramping pumps were a huge breakthrough in doing so, I would dare to say revolutionary in their role of widespread successfully keeping SPS coral.
If this was moved to the SPS forum I am fairly certain most of the SPS fanatics would agree with me on the the points I brought up.
However, I can only speak for myself.
good read:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/8/aafeature

OP- See what other successful SPS keepers are running pump/ flow wise, majority will be using controllable wave pumps or a CL that uses an switching type of device like oceans motions of some type. Changing is always better than laminar with SPS.


Again, just my opinion/ 2 pennies, not trying to start an argument or anything, friendly debates are always welcome though. :beer:

 

[Potatohead]

Don't get me wrong.. I'd be glad to know for sure that a wavemaker is proven over a continuous pump.. More true information is always better IMO..

But no one can prove that the OP spending over $400 is a worthwhile investment. A 40 gallon tank isn't the ocean either...

I simply stated there isn't any proof.. We can all have opinions and thats fine.. Mine is that what the OP already has is sufficient and I can't tell him that spending $200 or $400 will make him happy..

One thing that for sure happens with SPS in fixed flow tanks, is they grow in weird shapes and patterns. I can't say they're not as healthy, but they certainly grow funny.

 

[mcgyvr]

Oh did I mention I like to play Devils Advocate sometimes and just mess around.. ..
BTW.. I have a jebao crossflow knockoff and run it in one of the surge modes (only because I can)..

You mentioned successful SPS tanks having them.. Might that be more because those with successful SPS tanks also have sufficient income to easily afford those controllable pumps? So that could be the reason they have them vs lower cost units..

I've also had continuous powerheads for a long..long time and have noticed no difference in growth with wavemakers which I've had for a few years now (only because I can and not because I believe it matters in an aquarium)..

I know we attempt to duplicate "nature" too but still just can't say for sure that yes.. that $400 is well spent and you will not regret it..

 

[Potatohead]

Let's be honest $400 is not a whole lot in this hobby. I'll spend that to know I have a good product and am doing all that I can to have the best coral health, for the same reason I buy my dog good dog food and not some cheap junk... At the end of the day you are right, it may not matter at all, but I think the majority of the time it does matter and I sleep better because of it.

JMO

 

[mcgyvr]

Let's be honest $400 is not a whole lot in this hobby. I'll spend that to know I have a good product and am doing all that I can to have the best coral health, for the same reason I buy my dog good dog food and not some cheap junk... At the end of the day you are right, it may not matter at all, but I think the majority of the time it does matter and I sleep better because of it.

JMO

$400 is half the money I spent on everything for my previous 120G display/40b sump setup.. I maybe had $800 into the whole thing including tank/lights/pumps/heaters,etc...

oh and sorry HuskerBioProf.. I'm just a goofball today..

 

[HippieSmell]

Different ocean zones have different flow characteristics, from laminar to turbulent. Those zones have different coral with different growth patterns, from staghorn to plates. I'd imagine flow characteristics affect growth patterns in some coral, but I think light has more impact on the overall form even though water flow is more important to coral health.

 

[Lsufan]

If i could afford to spend $600 to $800 on wave makers for my 40 b then I would love to have a couple mp10. Unfortunately I can't so I use the jabeo wave makers & I like them way more then my old Hydors. I'm not comparing jabeo to ecotech because I would definetly rather a couple mp 10 if they were in my budget.
Although I don't think they are necessary I do think they give u a few more options on placement & are easier to set up where u can get back & fourth flow to the corals.

 

[HuskerBioProf]

Thanks for all the thoughts, I figured there would be controversy.

I am thinking about getting opposing/alternating Gyre 130s the way it was shown in a BRS video. I am not 100% sure it will make a difference having the alternate flow patterns/turbulence, but I do think it is kind of cool. Plus, the Gyres are a lot cheaper than the Vortechs per the amount of flow.

I think that with a smaller tank, the presence of a powerhead makes more difference, too. I kind of like the unobtrusive look of the Gyre (and the vortech) compared to my giant Hydors which seem to extend way across my tank.

 

[minus9]

I have a pair of Tunze 6040's in my 22g nano. They replaced two jebao rw4's (which had to be cleaned constantly in order to work properly). They're not the smallest ph's, but work well in a tank full of sps. I control them via my apex, but you can use them with their own controller. They'll be making the trip to my 45g shallow when I set it up. Lots of flow and they make waves if that is what you desire? I thought about vortech's, but I like being able to aim the flow. I often move the ph's ever so slightly throughout the year, which changes the flow and keeps it random.
Good luck!

 

[rocsec1]

I did that and was very happy I did. Btw you can get two mp10's for less then $400.

 

[Kies1]

Thanks for all the thoughts, I figured there would be controversy.

I am thinking about getting opposing/alternating Gyre 130s the way it was shown in a BRS video. I am not 100% sure it will make a difference having the alternate flow patterns/turbulence, but I do think it is kind of cool. Plus, the Gyres are a lot cheaper than the Vortechs per the amount of flow.

I think that with a smaller tank, the presence of a powerhead makes more difference, too. I kind of like the unobtrusive look of the Gyre (and the vortech) compared to my giant Hydors which seem to extend way across my tank.

Tried the whole gyre thing, if you like adding maintenance to make sure they stay clean get them. Also the build quality and reliability of the gyres compared to the vortechs through my experience is night and day in favour of vortechs. Hence the switch to all vortechs in my tank. Oh and no cords in the tank with vortechs, much cleaner look.