Powerhead Opinions

saltyunderground · Mar 8, 2010

We are looking for input on powerheads. We need to purchase a couple more for a large system we are adding. We need a lot of flow from them and a magnet that is strong because the glass is very thick.

We are currently using Tunze Turbelle Stream pumps which do provide a lot of flow. But we are challenged by how often they stop running due to calcium and corline build up. The real problem comes when we try to get the pumps going again after they are clean. They frequently run backwards. It can take several minutes to get them going in the right direction. One pump we have been unable to get going properly. None of these have been in use more than 18 months.

What are the other options you recommend that move a lot of water and are fairly quiet? Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

stunreefer · Mar 8, 2010

I would send the one unit that's not working at all back to Roger at tunze, and call and speak with him about the other issues you're experiencing.

IME you won't find a more reliable pumpe or better CS than through Tunze. I've had tham littleraly covered in coraline and algae and run without any issues for over a year (never cleaned to boot).

What is your calcium level at? Do you experience a lot of precipiation elseweher in your tank?

saltyunderground · Mar 8, 2010

stunreefer said:
I would send the one unit that's not working at all back to Roger at tunze, and call and speak with him about the other issues you're experiencing.

IME you won't find a more reliable pumpe or better CS than through Tunze. I've had tham littleraly covered in coraline and algae and run without any issues for over a year (never cleaned to boot).

What is your calcium level at? Do you experience a lot of precipiation elseweher in your tank?

Calcium is typically at 420.

We have used older style Tunzes that never had this problem. We have read Roger's thoughts in this problem in the past and he has said there is a broken part on the pump that makes them run backwards. This does not make sense to me since they usually will run the right direction if we work at it. If they are broken, they are braking after 3-4 months of use and we have 6 of them that have all done this. It does not seem like a broken part.

But, you are right, we really do need to touch base with Roger.

stunreefer · Mar 8, 2010

Yuck, not good.

Well it sounds like you've got a good idea what's going on, and you're experiencing the same thing with multiple pumps... who ya gonna call?!?

;)

RBursek · Mar 8, 2010

I like my Korolias but have no experience with there large end models. Like the newer Magnums. FWIW

saltyunderground · Mar 12, 2010

I have been conversing with Roger at Tunze USA. I am incredibly impressed with his level of assistance and detail. With his help we have determined the cause of the problems with the Tunzes. The problem was ours not the equipments. I give a huge thumbs up to Roger for his high level of customer service!

mchartier · Mar 12, 2010

Do you mind sharing what the problem was, I ran into this the other day

saltyunderground · Mar 12, 2010

It is important to clean well the metal shaft of the propeller. It needs to be really clean so it moves smoothly. Extend it out all of they way before you put the cover back on. This will insure that the propeller hits the stop tabs in the cover when it starts. The stop tabs are what make the prop turn in the correct direction if it decides to start going backwards. I hope this makes sense.

chris goetz · Mar 12, 2010

saltyunderground said:
I have been conversing with Roger at Tunze USA. I am incredibly impressed with his level of assistance and detail. With his help we have determined the cause of the problems with the Tunzes. The problem was ours not the equipments. I give a huge thumbs up to Roger for his high level of customer service!

I could not agree more. Roger is awesome! I've called/emailed him with my share of user created problems, and he's always very good about not laughing at me.