Best powerheads

[thomastcoyle]

I now have a hydros control, and a wave engine w etm. I would like to get a gyre, either maxspect or icecap. I have a 6 foot 150 w dual overflow. What’s everyone’s recommendations for the gyre? I’ve never had one, only ever used powerheads. I’m also looking at direct connect powerheads (I can’t afford eco tech) are there any black box compatible out there?

 

[thom_smith]

I don't have a gyre so I can't speak to either. However the Reef Octo Octo Pulse pumps are nearly the same form factor as your existing ETMs, great pumps and move a ton of water. They are available in pump only versions powered and controlled by your Wave Engine direct drive ports.

 

[Shred5]

Maxpect Gyres are slightly better than the IceCap but the IceCap are more favorable price. Both work really well with the WE.

I will say this I am unhappy with the magnets on the newer style Icecaps gyres because they are not as strong as Maxspect gyres and sometimes they wont stay straight so I prefer the Maxspect pumps now. IceCaps work perfectly fine though. I have never used the Maxpect jump line but they seem to have that same single magnet as my newer Icecaps but I can not say how strong they are since I have not used them.

I also own the Octo Pulse pumps which are great but I much prefer the flow of the Gyre style because they create a longer sheet of water and a more gentle flow vs prop pumps conical flow. Since the flow is wider there is also less dead spots and more coverage. That said the Gyre style pump are quite long. So for me where I cant fit my gyres I use Octo pulse pumps. The Octo pulse pumps are very easy to clean and produce some good flow for their size.

Like I said I love my gyres and prefer the flow vs any other pump on the market but the Octo Pulse are great too and both work flawlessly with the WE.

 

[thomastcoyle]

Maxpect Gyres are slightly better than the IceCap but the IceCap are more favorable price. Both work really well with the WE.

I will say this I am unhappy with the magnets on the newer style Icecaps gyres because they are not as strong as Maxspect gyres and sometimes they wont stay straight so I prefer the Maxspect pumps now. IceCaps work perfectly fine though. I have never used the Maxpect jump line but they seem to have that same single magnet as my newer Icecaps but I can not say how strong they are since I have not used them.

I also own the Octo Pulse pumps which are great but I much prefer the flow of the Gyre style because they create a longer sheet of water and a more gentle flow vs prop pumps conical flow. Since the flow is wider there is also less dead spots and more coverage. That said the Gyre style pump are quite long. So for me where I cant fit my gyres I use Octo pulse pumps. The Octo pulse pumps are very easy to clean and produce some good flow for their size.

Like I said I love my gyres and prefer the flow vs any other pump on the market but the Octo Pulse are great too.

Thank you for that input! Currently without the hydros I have 3 powerheads. I was definitely getting a gyre, was leaning towards maxspect they just seem sturdier- I felt like I’d probably only need one powerhead after the gyre, accurate thought?

 

[Shred5]

On a 6' tank I would put a pump on each end and alternate flow at least that is what I prefer.
The WE has some pretty unique flow patterns.

One thing on large tanks that need a ton of flow is put Gyres on the end and fill in dead spots with Octo pulses on the back if need be. Usually is not needed unless a Sps tank and the colonies have matured ( got large where they impede flow).

I also like to use a Octo Pulse sometimes behind my rock work to keep detritus out depending on rock layout.

Again anything additional pump just depends on the amount of flow needed or rock work. Certainly the more open the rockwork is the less flow needs to be generated.