TangingOut
New member
Are you saying 2 MP40s is all you have in your 48" cube?
I'm asking because my next tank I want it to be 4ft wide, but still unsure about length.
Single mp40 vs maxspect gyre
- Thread starter jon007
- Start date
Are you saying 2 MP40s is all you have in your 48" cube?
I'm asking because my next tank I want it to be 4ft wide, but still unsure about length.
ghostman
Active member
I also have a 240g cube with your dimensions, and am running 4-MP60s on it, I don't know how you get good flow with 2 MP40s. . I have a gyre coming and hope to replace one of the MP60s. Realistically, I don't expect the gyre to replace more than 1 pump, but if I like the flow, I might have 3 gyres, 1 left, 1 middle, and 1 right. If they improve the controllers or make it Apex controllable, I'm hoping it will be equal or better than my current setup.
Gyre's definitely move a lot of water but only in one direction (the loop). That's the biggest problem (and the noise above 50% power). Also the flow closest to the gyre maybe to strong for some coral. Pulse mode creates a decent back and forth wave motion, however. Just wish reverse power was as good as forward to create a better two directional flow. I am really considering purchasing the 130 for the other side of my tank and the flow patterns will be limitless.
thebigblue
Member
Like the OP, I was debating between one MP40 and the Gyre 150 or 130 for my 93g cube (30"x30"). Both are now at that $300 price point.
After much debate, I decided to go with the Gyre 150. It's the new kid on the block, and even though the Vortech has a great track record, came down in price, and is SOOO cool in design (love the "thru the glass" cord)...I just think the tech of the Gyre seems to offer the most even flow.
My initial review is positive. I've got it running horizontally in the middle of my back wall about 3-4" from the surface at 10% in "continuous" mode. I need to play around with the "pulse" and "gyre" modes.
Out of the box, it kicked on at 40% and was blowing everything around my tank. It kicked up debris and a tiny amount of sand off the floor of the tank. Mushrooms were blowing all around. Location of corals will be important with this pump. I turned it down to 10-20% and I'm still getting great flow bouncing it off the front glass.
For us softie and LPS guys, I think it comes close to TOO much flow on this size tank. I'll just keep mine dialed way back. I can see how SPS guys are geeking out on this pump, if needed it can give you crazy flow on a smaller tank.
More to follow...
After much debate, I decided to go with the Gyre 150. It's the new kid on the block, and even though the Vortech has a great track record, came down in price, and is SOOO cool in design (love the "thru the glass" cord)...I just think the tech of the Gyre seems to offer the most even flow.
My initial review is positive. I've got it running horizontally in the middle of my back wall about 3-4" from the surface at 10% in "continuous" mode. I need to play around with the "pulse" and "gyre" modes.
Out of the box, it kicked on at 40% and was blowing everything around my tank. It kicked up debris and a tiny amount of sand off the floor of the tank. Mushrooms were blowing all around. Location of corals will be important with this pump. I turned it down to 10-20% and I'm still getting great flow bouncing it off the front glass.
For us softie and LPS guys, I think it comes close to TOO much flow on this size tank. I'll just keep mine dialed way back. I can see how SPS guys are geeking out on this pump, if needed it can give you crazy flow on a smaller tank.
More to follow...
biecacka
Active member
I run 2 MP40's on my cube. Yes that is it, EXCPET for the return pump. I have plenty of flow and have the 40's turned down a fair amount too. When I was placing my rock, I took into careful consideration of where they were going in co trust to my pumps. There is not a dead spot in my tank.
Another thing that people need to take I to consideration is what is kept in the tank. Ghostman, your signature says SPS and chalice so you need the extra flow. I have lps and softy tank so to answer your question, the 2 pumps and return pump is "good flow". I am aware there are many variables involved in number of pumps but even in a setup like mine, 1 grye wouldn't likely work. That was my point I was going at, not attacking anyone or questioning the truth. Just trying to make sure I fully understood the capacity of such pump.
Corey
Another thing that people need to take I to consideration is what is kept in the tank. Ghostman, your signature says SPS and chalice so you need the extra flow. I have lps and softy tank so to answer your question, the 2 pumps and return pump is "good flow". I am aware there are many variables involved in number of pumps but even in a setup like mine, 1 grye wouldn't likely work. That was my point I was going at, not attacking anyone or questioning the truth. Just trying to make sure I fully understood the capacity of such pump.
Corey
ghostman
Active member
Totally agree with you. 1 gyre won't cut it for you, and I doubt 2 would do a full on SPS cube tank like ours. From what I've seen, 3 gyres would work for me and 2 would probably be ideal for your setup. Great tank dimensions!!! Love it!!
Spiffy
Cheesy Poofs!
The major selling point of the Gyre seems to be the flow that they create and not much else. Form the research that I have been doing, they consume more power, are a bit louder, and seem to to have less options in terms of modes and such. To me, the overall amount of flow is not as important as where the flow is going or how it is moving. The Gyre may be great for those with minimal aquascaping, but what about those that have gotten creative with their rock placement? You can always move a Vortech into a spot, sync it, and dial it in on an individual basis to avoid the issues that come from having a pump too close to the sand bed. It doesn't have to always be dead center for best effects. There are multiple ways to skin this cat, and the sky is the limit. I am beyond happy that the price came down on the 40's because the single 10 that I have for my tank gets the job done, but I want more.
I think that people are snatching these things up because they are the new toys on the shelf. The money that I invest into the hobby is important, hence, I want something that has a proven track record in my tank. I am not saying that the Gyre is bad, I am saying that people should wait a couple of years before making a final decision as far as to which is better. I love the concept and pricing of the Gyre, but I will be sticking with my Vortech.
I think that people are snatching these things up because they are the new toys on the shelf. The money that I invest into the hobby is important, hence, I want something that has a proven track record in my tank. I am not saying that the Gyre is bad, I am saying that people should wait a couple of years before making a final decision as far as to which is better. I love the concept and pricing of the Gyre, but I will be sticking with my Vortech.
usingthejohn
New member
I owned 2 mp40s, and 1 mp60.
My tank is 68 x 32 x 22. Here's my opinion
The flow is amazing. That isn't disputed. But at $300, the gyre is overpriced compared to a $300 MP40. Reason I say that is simply due to the native features in an mp40 vs gyre. Sure you'd need a reeflink or apex wxm, but then you can wirelessly program and control multiple MPs. The gyre doesn't have that option. Not to mention MPs can also wirelessly communicate with each other without a need for wxm or reeflink.
However If the comparison shifts between mp60 and gyre: I would get a gyre. Put 2 gyre on opposite tank ends and timers, and you'll have tons of flow.
One thing I can say I observed in my tank, is the undertow isn't as prevalent in larger tanks vs the undertow shown in gyre videos used on smaller tanks. But that can be said for other pumps in similar tanks
My tank is 68 x 32 x 22. Here's my opinion
The flow is amazing. That isn't disputed. But at $300, the gyre is overpriced compared to a $300 MP40. Reason I say that is simply due to the native features in an mp40 vs gyre. Sure you'd need a reeflink or apex wxm, but then you can wirelessly program and control multiple MPs. The gyre doesn't have that option. Not to mention MPs can also wirelessly communicate with each other without a need for wxm or reeflink.
However If the comparison shifts between mp60 and gyre: I would get a gyre. Put 2 gyre on opposite tank ends and timers, and you'll have tons of flow.
One thing I can say I observed in my tank, is the undertow isn't as prevalent in larger tanks vs the undertow shown in gyre videos used on smaller tanks. But that can be said for other pumps in similar tanks
ghostman
Active member
I think the debate over price will end soon when the clearance of the MP40 is done. With the new Ecotech QuietDrive pumps coming soon, the price will most likely rise on them. That will leave the gyre alone at that price point. I am hopeful that a new controller, or Apex controllability will make the gyre even better.
usingthejohn
New member
That's a very good point. I suppose the price drop is akin to dealers clearing out 2014 models to stock up on 2015 models.
Have there been updates regarding gyre and apex compatibility?
ghostman
Active member
Don't know about that, just hearing rumors. I'll be one of the first to get it though. I think the potential is there for a really great product. If there is more controllability, it'll be even better.
Yogre
Cheesehead Reefer
My understanding is that an advanced controller for the Gyre is to be released 1st quarter 2015. Apex compatibility is supposedly in the works, no time frame. This is per Carlos on the CoralVue blog.
WRT to Apex compatibility...TerenceF VP Marketing of Neptune Systems basically said he wasn't holding his breath. Something about Maxspect Razor Apex compatibility that never really flew, didn't give him a warm fuzzy about Gyre compatibility.
All just stuff I've read out there, so take it FWIW.
WRT to Apex compatibility...TerenceF VP Marketing of Neptune Systems basically said he wasn't holding his breath. Something about Maxspect Razor Apex compatibility that never really flew, didn't give him a warm fuzzy about Gyre compatibility.
All just stuff I've read out there, so take it FWIW.
luvreefs23
New member
I just bought the 130 and have had the 150 on a 220 since it was released. I agree that maybe the build quality on the 150 looked a little cheap but i don't know why everyone says they are loud, i got the 130 on thursday and its above a mp40 on full blast…when the mp40 ramps up it drowns out the gyre. The 130 has a nicer mounting bracket then the 150 has and it by itself covers a 5x2x2 150 gallon aquarium. I still have my 2 vortechs and a tunze 6040 pointed behind the rocks but i just got done turning down both my vortechs and cut the gyre to 70%. The first generation of vortechs weren't wireless, had cheap dial knobs for flow a only a few modes. They weren't exactly ferraris out of the gate either. I would bet money that 2 xf130s ($480.00) would provide more coverage vs 2 mp40s (600.00) on a 48x48 cube tank. Even leaves extra money left over for an update controller if there were to come out. Im happy with both pumps but i think if vortech or tunze would have thought of the gyre and put their name on the box and pump building it the same way that people on here would brag of its unparalleled quality. Their controllers would most likely mimic the vortechs or plug into a tunze controller but they'd cost a lot more too. I think in a short time a controller update for the gyre from maxspect will put the pump right on par with anything else out there.
No, Gyre pump create a Gyre flow that will blow your coral to dead, especially LPS. The flow is single direction. Can't compare to MP's random flow. You can feel how MP random flow by your hand in green mode. don't even need to mention the yellow mode and pair mode.
jporter
New member
I just replaced 3 MP-40's (one QD) with 2 XF-150 Gyres.
The reason wasn't due to flow, but rather the ability to have flow just below the water line without sucking lots of air in. My tank is a 150G tall and I use one Gyre on each side of the center overflow blowing towards the front. The Gyre's are actually mounted on my euro bracing and that is the second reason for them. They essentially disappear in the tank and allow me to view the tank from 3 sides unobstructed. I have rock columns with some acros getting close to the top 6" of the tank. The MP-40 on one side was too much for one of the acros and was causing some damage. There was no way for me to use an MP-40 on that side due to the rather focused output. My only real alternative was the Gyres. Now to be honest, I wasn't thrilled about the extra expense of the ice cap module needed for each one to replicate the type of flexibility the MP-40's. That being said, I spent the better part of this morning on the Apex programming some new flow patterns on them.
I was real happy with the MP-40's and used them for many years while the tank matured and essentially outgrew them placement wise. So far the Gyre's seem to be what I needed for my particular placement needs. I have no idea how many of what model would be needed for other tanks, just wanted to add my experience since I have used them both. There may be reasons other than flow when deciding on wave makers.
For what it's worth, I started my tank with Tunzes and really liked them. They were changed out due to footprint size and nothing else. I still have them in case I need a quick backup. Hope this helps. JP
The reason wasn't due to flow, but rather the ability to have flow just below the water line without sucking lots of air in. My tank is a 150G tall and I use one Gyre on each side of the center overflow blowing towards the front. The Gyre's are actually mounted on my euro bracing and that is the second reason for them. They essentially disappear in the tank and allow me to view the tank from 3 sides unobstructed. I have rock columns with some acros getting close to the top 6" of the tank. The MP-40 on one side was too much for one of the acros and was causing some damage. There was no way for me to use an MP-40 on that side due to the rather focused output. My only real alternative was the Gyres. Now to be honest, I wasn't thrilled about the extra expense of the ice cap module needed for each one to replicate the type of flexibility the MP-40's. That being said, I spent the better part of this morning on the Apex programming some new flow patterns on them.
I was real happy with the MP-40's and used them for many years while the tank matured and essentially outgrew them placement wise. So far the Gyre's seem to be what I needed for my particular placement needs. I have no idea how many of what model would be needed for other tanks, just wanted to add my experience since I have used them both. There may be reasons other than flow when deciding on wave makers.
For what it's worth, I started my tank with Tunzes and really liked them. They were changed out due to footprint size and nothing else. I still have them in case I need a quick backup. Hope this helps. JP
boxfishpooalot
Active member
The Gyre is the best water moving device out there. I wont use anything again. However if you are worrried about small fish getting stuck or inverts the gyre is not a good choice imo.
90reefernyc
Member
jporter
New member
Here is the right side
From inside the canopy - Very blue, just the LEDs were on.
You can see the magnets on the top side. The cord exits by the overflow.
Similar threads
