New powerhead!

[Reefbuds]

Hey everyone! Looking for a little advice. I'm looking into getting a new power head for my 55 gallon. Any recommendation?

 

[Hitman]

I’m amongst the minority’s I’m sure but I absolutely love my Current USA E-Flux waves. I have 2 of the 2100’s on my 240 and 2 of the 660’s on my 55. They are dead silent DC powered so cheap on the electric bill and fully adjustable. Over a year running with zero issues and a complete kit comes with 1 pump so you will have to buy a additional pump only to run a pair. The complete kit comes with the controller that can run 3 pumps. I have under $200 in each full set up. Amazon was the best price I found but several online retailers also sell them as well as a few lfs.

 

[wesman42]

Look into the jebao OW-40 series. I've tested them head to head with an Ecotech mp40 and they're much better at randomized flow than the EcoTechs.

I'm actually going to be doing a review shortly of them both...but if you're on a budget the OW series is without a doubt, unequivocally the best option.

 

[Waters]

If you have an Apex, the more expensive end I would recommend the Neptune Wav. I have them now and love them. On the cheaper side, I have had good luck with the Hydor Koralia powerheads.

 

[ihavecrabs]

Any features you are looking for? i.e. controller connectivity, adjustable/constant, wave/program options, etc.

What type of corals do you plan to keep, if any?

 

[Hitman]

Can you sync the OW’s like the current usa’s or Ecotech’s ? Honest question as I know nothing about the Jebao products. Personally I feel the current usa’s are the best bang for the buck as you can sync 3 pumps or control them individually if you so choose off 1 controller. But again o know nothing about the product you recommend.

 

[ihavecrabs]

I have to agree Jebao PP, OW, whatever they call next years model.. Are great for the price. They have decent programming built into the controller and the ability to program through Apex with the variable port adapter.

The one major disadvantage is... be prepared to replace (some of) them annually!!!! I have had to replace 2 of 4 within the first year but the other two (and new two) are running well. I keep extras on-hand just in case.

 

[wesman42]

I have to agree Jebao PP, OW, whatever they call next years model.. Are great for the price. They have decent programming built into the controller and the ability to program through Apex with the variable port adapter.

The one major disadvantage is... be prepared to replace (some of) them annually!!!! I have had to replace 2 of 4 within the first year but the other two (and new two) are running well. I keep extras on-hand just in case.

The new OW-series are better than the PP series. Most of the units last 4-5 years.

And yes, Jebao has syncing called Wi-Li. One controller is master, and another is slave.

So PP series we're great, OW series are great...but anything other than those two I'd stay far away from.

Kinda like how EcoTechs initial offerings were pretty bad/loud etc.

 

[Hitman]

I just may have to look into the OW’s as I’m setting up a lil frag tank next week.

 

[wesman42]

I just may have to look into the OW’s as I’m setting up a lil frag tank next week.

If you can get past the chinglish instructions I really don't think you'd be disappointed.

They're not as quiet as Vortechs, but for me that's a small price to pay for saving $300.

For a frag tank, I don't think you can go wrong with one. I have 2 OW-40s in my 75g....and I run them at like ~20% lol.

Someone on Amazon reviews has a 500g frag system and uses only 1 OW-40...and he had to turn it down a little to avoid splashing all over.

 

[Hitman]

I have 2 of the Current USA E-Flux waves I posted about up top on my 240 and they are running at about 20% if I turn them up I splash water all over and they are 6” deep in the tank so I feel your pain. I’m all about trying new inexpensive stuff out. This hobby is not cheap and after 22 years I still complain about the prices but I’m not leaving the only hobby that gives me a smile! Lol

 

[wesman42]

I have 2 of the Current USA E-Flux waves I posted about up top on my 240 and they are running at about 20% if I turn them up I splash water all over and they are 6” deep in the tank so I feel your pain. I’m all about trying new inexpensive stuff out. This hobby is not cheap and after 22 years I still complain about the prices but I’m not leaving the only hobby that gives me a smile! Lol

Amen to that [emoji23][emoji23]. I'll always be a price complainer. It's who I am...I was raised to be frugal and no matter how much extra cash I have laying around I'm still not gonna pull the trigger until I've done my due diligence.

And hey, if you don't like them more than your current USA setup, then you can always return!

 

[Reefbuds]

Any features you are looking for? i.e. controller connectivity, adjustable/constant, wave/program options, etc.

What type of corals do you plan to keep, if any?

Not looking for any features really. Just need some good reliable flow. The one I have now doesn't quite put out what I want. It is mostly a big haddoni tank with the addition of some easy to keep corals

 

[Reefbuds]

Hey guys. I'm thinking of getting the Hydor Koralia 1500. It's the strongest of the series. It shows for 55-90 gallons. Anyone have experience with this pump? Will it be too strong or weak for my 55g? Thanks!

 

[wesman42]

If you plan on keeping SPS you'll need variable flow....which the Koralia can't really come close to. I had two Koralias controlled by their controller and it was horrendous. They're AC pumps so they'd sometimes spin up backwards.

If you're going to keep them on without a controller that might be nice, but no coral in the long run imo is happy with being blasted by one power head int he same direction.

 

[Reefbuds]

If you plan on keeping SPS you'll need variable flow....which the Koralia can't really come close to. I had two Koralias controlled by their controller and it was horrendous. They're AC pumps so they'd sometimes spin up backwards.

If you're going to keep them on without a controller that might be nice, but no coral in the long run imo is happy with being blasted by one power head int he same direction.

It's mostly for a big haddoni and LPS

 

[Erica-Renee]

Icecap 1k if you want something sleek and moves a ton of water with some kewl Controller. ..

 

[Reefbuds]

Icecap 1k if you want something sleek and moves a ton of water with some kewl Controller. ..

I just looked this up. Thank you so much. This looks perfect for my needs and will fit perfect in the width of my tank. Sick!