I was wondering if you guys could recommend me a powerhead for my first reef tank coming up here in a few weeks! My tank is a 37 Gallon (30Lx12.5Wx24T) with a 10 gallon sump. I would like to keep LPS and Soft Corals. I am really considering the Maxspect Gyre XF130, but this option is quite expensive ($216). I dont think i want a Vortec MP-Series powerhead as those are expensive and dont seem to last long. What kind of flow would i be needing (GPH) would I need around for LPS and Softies? Hope you guys can help me out, appericate the help as i set up my very first reef tank!
Recommend Me A Powerhead
- Thread starter Nick30G
- Start date
bif24701
New member
Recommend Me A Powerhead
Hey you go, flat out best pump for 55$. Get two if you don't think it will do it. Not controllable but effective, efficient, and small.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tunze-turbelle-nanostream-6025.html
Hey you go, flat out best pump for 55$. Get two if you don't think it will do it. Not controllable but effective, efficient, and small.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tunze-turbelle-nanostream-6025.html
homer1475
New member
Vortech MP10 all the way. Yes they are expensive, but there is no other pump on the market that pushes water like these pumps.
On the cheaper end, jebao pp-4. Not quite as nice or long lasting as a vortech, but a decent pump.
FWIW I would be looking at getting 2 pumps. One pump just doesn't create that random flow your looking for. At least with 2 pumps you can crash the waves together, or have them fire off at different times creating that nice chaotic flow your looking for.
On the cheaper end, jebao pp-4. Not quite as nice or long lasting as a vortech, but a decent pump.
FWIW I would be looking at getting 2 pumps. One pump just doesn't create that random flow your looking for. At least with 2 pumps you can crash the waves together, or have them fire off at different times creating that nice chaotic flow your looking for.
mcgyvr
New member
37 gallon tank.. In general you want like 30x display size for powerheads (30-50x is good for softies... 50-75x or more for high flow corals like SPS)..
So you want something in the 1000GPH+ range..
2 of those pumps listed by bif24701 would be perfect if you want Tunze quality (they take a licking and keep on ticking).. But you don't have the speed/wave functionality with those (not that its really needed)
And yes 2 pumps are better than one larger one..
I personally would recommend 2 x Jebao PP4 or SW4 models..
In fact for you tank 1 x SW2 and 1 x SW4 as 2 of the 4's might be a bit strong..
But if you don't have sugar fine sand then its probably just fine to have 2 of the 4s
So you want something in the 1000GPH+ range..
2 of those pumps listed by bif24701 would be perfect if you want Tunze quality (they take a licking and keep on ticking).. But you don't have the speed/wave functionality with those (not that its really needed)
And yes 2 pumps are better than one larger one..
I personally would recommend 2 x Jebao PP4 or SW4 models..
In fact for you tank 1 x SW2 and 1 x SW4 as 2 of the 4's might be a bit strong..
But if you don't have sugar fine sand then its probably just fine to have 2 of the 4s
Would the Gyre XF130 be a viable option as well? I know i would really have to turn it down to a low setting as it moves a lot of water. I dont have the budget for 2x Vortec MP10's, even though they are nice. I would say max budget is $200. I would like something that can create random flow like waves, not just completely constant flow. I have been eyeing those Jebao's as well as it has the controller to create random flow. Kinda concerned that they are made in China and wont last long.
anthonys51
New member
RedStangGA
New member
While I haven't been thrilled with my MP40, I absolutely loved my MP10's. Get one and run it alone. If you stay in the hobby long enough, you can always pick up a second down the road. One should be adequate for a 37 gallon for now. As things grow out, yes, you'll want to add another. I bought a couple used MP10's and only one was not in perfect working order. Actually, the one worked fine, but the cord had been pulled from the wet side. I guess my point is, don't be afraid to look used. Just ask for pics before you buy.
I started with one on a 29gal biocube and only added another for fun, not need.
I started with one on a 29gal biocube and only added another for fun, not need.
Haunt
New member
I would just get a couple Koralia Evolution 850's and call it a day. Place them up top at opposite ends of the tank facing each other. The center of the tank will be pretty chaotic in terms of flow and then this will dissipate out towards the ends. Also, being that the pumps are on a swivel you can move them up, down, left or right and get a whole new pattern of currents flowing through the tank.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/hydor-koralia-evolution-850gph.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/hydor-koralia-evolution-850gph.html
TangingOut
New member
I'd say since you're new, get the jebaos and if you get the addiction you can upgrade later on.
If i get the two Jebao PP-4's, where should i set them up in the tank and where should they be facing? Should the put both on the back glass of the tank with the flow facing forward hitting the front glass and bouncing off, or should I have each one on opposite ends of the tank, with flow facing the center of the tank like Haunt suggested?
TangingOut
New member
You're tank is only 12.5" wide so no on the back glass. I would put them on opposite ends facing each other, maybe slightly offset and point towards the surface. Idk what your aquascape looks like so you'll just have to play around with them.
Valentini89
New member
Go for the Current USA system. For around that $200 price you can get the controller system and initial pump plus an additional pump... For around 250-300 depending on pump size you can get all three pumps and sync them. I have no experience with this system but it advertises wave motions, pulsing, steady, etc...
Those Current USA's look really nice too. Wondering if I should get two 1050 GPH powerheads or the two 660 GPH powerheads. They got good reviews on Amazon.
Plus one on this. Clean them routinely and maybe add a very small inexpensive unit pointed at the surface of the tank for surface agitation. Swivel them a little with each water change to mix up the pattern a bit (or not) . Very nice units for the price, easy to maintain and the flow pattern is respectable. If after 2 years your still in the hobby then upgrade as desired. Plenty of used units for sale on the equipment forum 24/7.
enjoy
bmitchell138
New member
I ran a Gyre 130 on my 29 gallon. Loved it, and when I upgraded to the 90 cube I have now I had a nice wavemaker for it.
Would you say it was too powerful? Thats my concern with it in a small tank like mine. I can only find the XF130 on one site now for $219... seems like they are going to discontinue it?
bmitchell138
New member
I think $219 or is what i paid for mine a year ago. I ran mine on 30% and at that setting the fish and corals seemed to be happy. I also, like the slim profile of the pump. Here's a picture of it in my tank. I never had a problem with it stirring up the sand at 30% either. An option you have with the Gyre is you can buy an end cap and remove one of the blade assemblies which will cut the flow in half.
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