Maxspect XF130 Controller dead. Upgrade to advanced or Icecap 3k?

[kinetic]

I bought a brand new Maxspect XF130 in 2015, just installed it a few months ago, so the warranty is out. The controller just totally went bonkers on me and Coralvue says I'll need to replace it. They suggest the advanced controller, which actually costs just as much as an Icecap 3k gyre.

I don't need to run dual gyres (smaller tank), don't need anything fancy. Just want it to do a pulse mode or alternating gyre.

Should I upgrade the controller? Might be better to just get the Icecap 3K and have everything covered under warranty for awhile, rather than having more issues with the existing XF130 pump itself and needing to ultimately replace the whole thing.

Would love to get your thoughts!

What is most important to me:

1. Quiet
2. Good gyre flow
3. Doesn't break

 

[Gungo]

I have them both, Maxspect xf 130 and the Icecap 3k. The 3k its bigger than the xf130, I think its the same as xf150 for your information. The icecap pump is death silent! 1 year warranty if you buy brand new and marine depot award it as best flow pump of 2017.

 

[Mfreddy]

3k is a great pump but it doesn't stay programmed. I have to redo mine every few days.

 

[Gungo]

3k is a great pump but it doesn't stay programmed. I have to redo mine every few days.

Never happened to me before.. thats weird

 

[kinetic]

Hey All,

I decided to get the advanced controller. Kind of a mistake, I think I should have just gotten the Icecap Gyre module to my Apex instead, since I have an Apex Jr. all setup. I thought it would be nice to maybe one day pickup a second gyre or even if I upgraded it would work out with another gyre. The OGC sounded really great on paper.

Overall, the advanced controller is way better than the original controller, but OGC is kind of funky running in reverse. It's much louder and weaker in flow since the impellers are the wrong way. Anyway, I'm going to keep it going for awhile.