Has anyone compared all the gyres?

[mrpontiac80]

I’ve been using XF330 gyres for almost 4 years now and xf350 gyres for 2 years.

I love them. The controllers were fine but not as tech friendly as I’d like. Although the newer cloud editions look great. I however went with Hydros wave engine so I don’t use either anymore.

They do require cleaning every so often for the best flow but I probably do that once every 3-4 months. I’ve had to replace the rubber bushings once but that’s nothing and they are included in a new set. They just push into place while cleaning so it’s not a big deal.

 

[wrasse man]

I have maxspect 250’s and 350’s. The 250 have been solid workhorses. The controller screen got so bad I could no longer read the display. Picked up the wave engine two 350’s and the connectors. All four pumps work great, wave engine took a while to get right, but I like them. But I also run 2 mp40’s, different flows for different applications.

 

[areefer01]

They do require cleaning every so often for the best flow but I probably do that once every 3-4 months. I’ve had to replace the rubber bushings once but that’s nothing and they are included in a new set. They just push into place while cleaning so it’s not a big deal.

Having used Maxspect, Icecap, and Orbits I found they all need cleaning. Not one more than the other mind you at least that I noticed. Noise level was tied to blade cleanliness, power level, and pattern. Most of the noise in my use case was from Strombus grazer (snails) getting stuck in the cage openings and the blades hitting it. Cage and magnet area are a meca for mini stars and Strombus grazer snail egg laying area.

I have maxspect 250’s and 350’s. The 250 have been solid workhorses. The controller screen got so bad I could no longer read the display.

Couldn't agree more. The original XF 250/280 controller was difficult to use as it relates to reading the text on it. Even after the firmware update which increased the font. Still cumbersome.

 

[ReefED!]

I have had MaxSpect xf350 for probably 4-5 years now. I hate the flow, but the thing is still running and I have never taken it out of the tank for any reason nor have I cleaned it. I know that people have had problems with them, but mine has been fine. I cannot hear it, but it also is in a basement room with other tanks, a furnace and stuff.

I never got another one because I hate the flow that it makes.

These gyre pumps are all based on the Maxspect design and they're maintenance hogs - you will have a major reduction in flow in 2-3 weeks and they need monthly cleaning to be optimal.

Sometimes based on tank cleanliness you might go longer, but you'll notice the drop off in flow really quick and you'll see the huge difference after cleaning them.

Just for anyone who might run across the "hate the flow, btw never cleaned them" comment.

I'm really hoping we can get some innovators to improve the design - like Tunze or Ecotech...would drop some serious cash on gyre type pumps that put out sheets of flow that don't need cleaning every month

 

[craftycamper]

I was in a similar spot and ended up getting the newest ones from Maxspect - XF330CE. The design is really good and the flow directors are nice to have. The controller works pretty well and is beefy. The app is absolutely awful but works, getting it connected to my wifi was the biggest pain but it works fine now. No complaints about wave patterns, the app is pretty solid about being able to customize everything. The UI is just terrible though.

They do lose a noticeable amount of flow over a few weeks and require frequent cleaning. Getting a second set of parts is also a pain, as you have to contact support and get it shipped from China. Support was very accommodating though and I should be receiving my second set of cages, impellers and flow directors soon.

 

[areefer01]

I'm really hoping we can get some innovators to improve the design - like Tunze or Ecotech...would drop some serious cash on gyre type pumps that put out sheets of flow that don't need cleaning every month

Maxspect did. They included spare cages and blades. It made maintenance easier as you just power off, swap parts, and turn back on. Not much down time since the motor block did not need as frequent cleaning. Worth noting that you needed a B cage and blade to make use of reverse flow which is another reason why they included them.

Also helps to keep a spare. This way you have the same model should something change or discontinue or to also use as maintenance rotation. AI Orbits did not include spare parts nor Icecap. I can't speak for the other brands.

I am one who always notes their challenge in cleaning but I also do the same with Tunze power heads. The Turbelle Streams are one example of frustration. Removing their cage...