Powerhead or Gyre

[jstein87]

Looking for suggestions on one or the other or both.

Fell down the rabbit hole for most the day trying to narrow down a choice for a current build, and still can’t come to a decision. So thought I would see what others would do.

Tank is 35.4"L x 23.6"W x 21.7"H

 

[backbayreef]

If it’s my tank, I would go for 2xMP40s in the back for a clean look and plenty of flow. ;)

 

[gregrock68]

Looking for suggestions on one or the other or both.

Fell down the rabbit hole for most the day trying to narrow down a choice for a current build, and still can’t come to a decision. So thought I would see what others would do.

Tank is 35.4"L x 23.6"W x 21.7"H

I have 2 similar sized tanks, ones uses 2 mp10s the other a gyre Wave Maker on the cloud. I have to admit that I really like the gyre. You can program it for virtually every type of water movement and direction in a positive or negative movement at various times throughout the day. I really like that aspect for water movement, multi directional and multi directional. Mp10s on the other hand are limited in only outward flow but you can load/have tons of programs.

 

[areefer01]

If you go the MP route, which is perfectly fine option, add at least 1 spare wet side on your wish list or goodie list (random gift list, etc). This will make your maintenance routine a bit easier.

If you go with gyres know that they are a bit more time consuming to clean. Some brands include spare blades and cages. This is important for two reasons. First, and most importantly, is that spare blades and cages are required to use the reverse flow patterns. Blades facing forward, similar to a swimmer using cupped hands, move water forward. Now picture the motor block spinning in reverse, no water movement sort of like slapping the water. Blades and cages noted A and B are for a reason. Second reason for spare blades is maintenance. Turn off, remove from display, remove cage, blade, replace with clean, put back in display, turn on, done in 10 minutes give or take. Take the dirty ones, place in citric acid, soak, clean as you want when you want.

Last thing I'd note is that flow today will be different in 1 year. To complicate it flow will change again in 2 and 3 years as your corals mature. Tall, wide, soft, LPS, or Acropora. They will require you to pay attention to flow as it will change.

I don't really have a recommendation other than what I noted. I like to have spare parts to make my cleaning life easier. Gyres will be closer to the surface but you can direct to a degree. Some gyres more than others. MP's are nice. Other choices as well just depends on your dollars and cents, er, sense.

Good luck.

 

[Llyod276]

I use both, I have 2.hygger powerheads and a hygger gyre. My tank is a little bigger 75g, and flow is a big part of my tank. The gyre goes across the top for the high flow corals, sps mainly the powerheads are lower in the water column to both resist the gyre and push more into the bottom of overflow (my overflow is both high and low feed). Depending on how much flow you want/need, more, in either quantity or power, is the answer.

 

[TX_REEF]

After using both MP40s and gyres in my tanks, I’d go with gyres every time. Only benefit to mp pumps is the low profile inside the tank. Also, 2x MP40s would be too much for that tank. 1 mp40, 2 mp10s, 1 powerful gyre or 2 weaker gyres would be the 4 options I’d consider, but lean heavily towards gyres. Gyres are cheaper too.

 

[backbayreef]

Something to consider — cleaning. Given the small footprint of gyres, they tend to clog up faster. I can go 6mos+ without cleaning on the Vortechs vs 1-2mos on gyres. They can also be noisy when dirty.

What worked for me — no wires inside the tank! :)

 

[parclife]

Agree with the vortech, I have 3 mp40’s. You can do loads with them to suit your tanks needs. Considered gyres but the extra cleaning and wires in the tank was a nah

 

[zuri]

my mp10 is now the oldest piece of equipment I own first gen of the quiet drives 10 years of solid service