Gyres or MP40's...

happysalt · Mar 28, 2019

Hey I am looking to upgrade the flow in my tank significantly. Been running jebao pumps but I would like to get some more varied flow for my SPS. I just wanted to see if people who have run both have an opinion on which they find to have worked better/been easier to maintain.

P-Dub · Mar 28, 2019

happysalt said:
Hey I am looking to upgrade the flow in my tank significantly. Been running jebao pumps but I would like to get some more varied flow for my SPS. I just wanted to see if people who have run both have an opinion on which they find to have worked better/been easier to maintain.

I find the Jebaos to be more than adequate. I have 2 large Jebaos, two Reef-Breeder RP-M's and a 3K gyre in my tank. Hands down the Jebaos kick butt on all the others combined. I have them connected to the Neptune Apex and couldn't be happier. I would go with bigger Jebaos before switching to MP's or Gyres. Best bang for the buck IMO unless you are needing more internal tank space, want to spend a lot more money AND want to decrease flow direction capabilities. But that's just me. Not bagging on the MP's or the Gyres just that I cannot justify the cost of the MP's. People love them and they are sleek, BUT...

scriptmonkey · Mar 28, 2019

Do you use an Apex?

Silver14SS · Mar 28, 2019

I've had both and prefer the wide flow of the Gyres even though they are louder than a MP40QD. I have a Gyre 230 on each end of my tank, I get great random flow using the built in controller and the OGC mode. If I had to replace them today, I'd probably get the Gyre 300s.

Tunze is another excellent option.

justmee · Mar 28, 2019

Have you thought about AI Nero 5, it's now on sale for $250 each which IMO is a great pump that cost less than both Gyre and MP40 and has comparable power, BUT only if your tank's glass is less than 1/2" thick -- there have been complaints about the magnets are not holding the pumps if tank glass is 1/2" or thicker. I don't have that problem, and I think it's a great pump/powerhead.

I used to have the Icecap 3k, and think the pump has too many parts, and needed to be cleaned often.

I have an MP40, great pump, but think it's too pricy.

Hemmdog · Mar 28, 2019

I have gyres and mp’s On my main display, jebaos on my alternate, they all have pros and cons. I’d say the gyres are the “best”, but I believe supplemental flow in other directions from non gyre powerheads is also beneficial to claim them as the “best”

Westside Guy · Mar 28, 2019

justmee said:
Have you thought about AI Nero 5, it's now on sale for $250 each which IMO is a great pump that cost less than both Gyre and MP40 and has comparable power, BUT only if your tank's glass is less than 1/2" thick -- there have been complaints about the magnets are not holding the pumps if tank glass is 1/2" or thicker. I don't have that problem, and I think it's a great pump/powerhead.

I used to have the Icecap 3k, and think the pump has too many parts, and needed to be cleaned often.

I have an MP40, great pump, but think it's too pricy.

The Nero 5 is a great recommendation!!!

Duffer · Mar 28, 2019

Have 2 gyres and love them. Programmed the 24 cycle with different flow patterns and anti sync and my corals love them...

Bpb · Mar 28, 2019

I like the flow, low noise, and price tag of the gyres. I prefer the ease of maintenance of vortechs.

Justfebreezeit · Mar 28, 2019

I've use both and would say the gyre is superior in every way except 1. Ease of maintenance 2. cord in the tank. Both of which I consider minor, especially with the new 300 series gyres. They are easier to clean than previous generations. They are also quieter now than the mps

happysalt · Mar 28, 2019

scriptmonkey said:
Do you use an Apex?

Hi Yes I do run an apex currently that is controlling my jebaos but im just finding running 4 in my tank i have some great flow areas and some real dead spots. Been thinking about it for a while just weighing my options before pulling the trigger. I seem to be leaning the Gyre direction just for the width of the flow and maybe two smaller powerheads on the back glass for conflicting flow patterns.

DarkSky · Mar 28, 2019

I've used MP40s, XF-130s and XF-280s. Nothing beats the Vortechs for maintenance purposes, but the gyres move a ton of water, and can be placed very close to the surface of the tank and not pull air.

Cleaning the 100 series was a pain the butt, it is better with my 280s, and supposedly even easier on the 300 series. I also have some WAVs but I can't comment on how they are in the maintenance department yet.

scriptmonkey · Mar 28, 2019

Issue is the Icecap are not out for 300's so no Apex control if that is important to you.

DJ H · Mar 28, 2019

Gyres suck there really expensive and don’t last that long. Get anything but those

gypsyboy38 · Mar 28, 2019

After having vortech from 2009-2014, I tried a gyre. I'm now back to vortech...

scriptmonkey · Mar 28, 2019

DJ H said:
Gyres suck there really expensive and don’t last that long. Get anything but those

I will counter I have had mine running for 2 years and I cleaned them only once 3 months ago.

happysalt · Mar 28, 2019

scriptmonkey said:
Issue is the Icecap are not out for 300's so no Apex control if that is important to you.

Yea I have heard that. As much as Apex connectivity has been great for me I wouldn't mind a set it and forget it approach. Just be an extra step to turn off the flow during maintenance thats all.

P-Dub · Mar 28, 2019

happysalt said:
Yea I have heard that. As much as Apex connectivity has been great for me I wouldn't mind a set it and forget it approach. Just be an extra step to turn off the flow during maintenance thats all.

I think that's a viable option. I have my gyre not hooked up to the Apex but it is on a UPS so when the power goes out, and it often does here, it runs independently of the Apex and the water level drops in the DT to where is sucks a little air every so often to aerate as well. I have it on alternating gyre mode.