Powerheads for a 6’x2’ tank

ZombieEngineer · Jun 11, 2022

If you're getting an apex, the outside magnet on the Neptune WAV is only like 1/4"

Rob.In.AZ · Jun 11, 2022

ZombieEngineer said:
If you're getting an apex, the outside magnet on the Neptune WAV is only like 1/4"

Have an apex, and have 2x Wavs…or HAD 2x Wavs. Replaced one twice already and had a 3rd die on me a few weeks ago. Will not be using Wavs post move.

Lbrdsoxfan · Jun 11, 2022

Have you considered Nero 5's. Low profile inside and out and can move a bit of water with a wide flow pattern. Using two on the back wall of my 120g. Otherwise Id say go with a couple of gyre's.

A_Blind_Reefer · Jun 11, 2022

Sounds like a pickle. I can’t offer any suggestions. Only thing I’m thinking about is what happens when you drop a magnet when servicing your pumps? It doesn’t sound like you have any room to work with on either side. Hearing everyone’s suggestions not working for you I think you’re just left with a closed loop.

Rob.In.AZ · Jun 11, 2022

Zzyzx said:
Sounds like a pickle. I can’t offer any suggestions. Only thing I’m thinking about is what happens when you drop a magnet when servicing your pumps? It doesn’t sound like you have any room to work with on either side. Hearing everyone’s suggestions not working for you I think you’re just left with a closed loop.

Dropping a magnet during cleaning is something I have been concerned about. Or what happens a few years down the road if I want or need to replace a pump?

closed loop is an option. Back wall is an option. Different tank may be an option…even if it’s a less desirable one.

ZombieEngineer · Jun 11, 2022

Zzyzx said:
Sounds like a pickle. I can’t offer any suggestions. Only thing I’m thinking about is what happens when you drop a magnet when servicing your pumps? It doesn’t sound like you have any room to work with on either side. Hearing everyone’s suggestions not working for you I think you’re just left with a closed loop.

Could always attach a string or wire to the magnet and attach that above the tank. That way if a magnet got dropped its easy to fish out.

A_Blind_Reefer · Jun 11, 2022

ZombieEngineer said:
Could always attach a string or wire to the magnet and attach that above the tank. That way if a magnet got dropped its easy to fish out.

I guess he could have the magnets frenched into the drywall too…..as long as he never wants to relocate the power heads later! It just sounds like there hasn’t been a perfect solution for the op yet. Maybe old school power heads that have suction cup feet? I’m at a loss. At some point something will grow large enough, or there will be a dead spot, where the pumps will need to moved to a different spot.

edit. There’s always those fake rocks that hold tunze pumps. Seems like a maintenance nightmare to me though

Rob.In.AZ · Jun 11, 2022

Lbrdsoxfan said:
Have you considered Nero 5's. Low profile inside and out and can move a bit of water with a wide flow pattern. Using two on the back wall of my 120g. Otherwise Id say go with a couple of gyre's.

Considered those. Will they work for 5/8” glass?

ZombieEngineer · Jun 11, 2022

Rob.In.AZ said:
Considered those. Will they work for 5/8” glass?

Says they are good for up to 5/8"

Lbrdsoxfan · Jun 11, 2022

Rob.In.AZ said:
Considered those. Will they work for 5/8” glass?

Yup, im using them on 1/2 inch currently. If you want I can get magnet measurements later this evening (I'm at work currently).

Rob.In.AZ · Jun 11, 2022

Lbrdsoxfan said:
Yup, im using them on 1/2 inch currently. If you want I can get magnet measurements later this evening (I'm at work currently)

would be cool if you get a chance

ZombieEngineer · Jun 11, 2022

Did you ever look at these gyres magnet size? From the picture they look almost as small as the WAV. Way thinner magnet than my older style 2k gyre that has a 1/2" magnet. These look 1/4" from the picture.

4K Gyre Flow Pump Only (4000 GPH)

Requires IceCap Dual Pump WiFi Controller IceCap Gyre Flow Pumps are compatible with the Dual Pump WiFi Controller and can easily increase the flow in your tank with the addition of a second IceCap Flow Pump to your existing 2K or 4K Gyre setup. You can use any combination of Flow Pumps you...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

RGoltz · Jun 11, 2022

Consider that some of the packaged tanks such as Red Sea are 1-2” short of 6’..

Lbrdsoxfan · Jun 12, 2022

Rob.In.AZ said:
would be cool if you get a chance

Here ya go:

Nero 5:
Thickness: .5 inches
Width: 1.8 inches.

Comparsion, EcoTech MP40:
Thickness: 2.33 inches
Across: 3.22

Rob.In.AZ · Jun 12, 2022

@Lbrdsoxfan thanks. Those are definitely in the mix. Would 1 on each end work on a 6 ft tank? I've never seen the neros in action. They would fit, but just barely. But that would make me nervous. Maybe one each on the back corner angled in. And would probably need additional down the road maybe.

Considering Tunzes as well. Had an old stream that ran on various tanks over the years. Thing was bullet proof. Think I bought it in like 2006. Probably stopped using it in 2017.

Closed loop is probably out. Like the idea, but using the return lines, even with some educators, wouldn't give me enough flow with the existing holes.

Or could do a gyre in the back corner, mounted vertically. Not sure how that would work.

Lbrdsoxfan · Jun 12, 2022

Rob.In.AZ said:
@Lbrdsoxfan thanks. Those are definitely in the mix. Would 1 on each end work on a 6 ft tank? I've never seen the neros in action. They would fit, but just barely. But that would make me nervous. Maybe one each on the back corner angled in. And would probably need additional down the road maybe.

Considering Tunzes as well. Had an old stream that ran on various tanks over the years. Thing was bullet proof. Think I bought it in like 2006. Probably stopped using it in 2017.

Closed loop is probably out. Like the idea, but using the return lines, even with some educators, wouldn't give me enough flow with the existing holes.

Or could do a gyre in the back corner, mounted vertically. Not sure how that would work.

I think it could work on a 6ft tank. They are like the mp40's as you cant adjust the position. 15 degrees of movement max for the nero.

I have two on the back wall of my 120g, running in a random flow mode with max 50% power, 100% speed is 3k gph. I was considering switching to the mp40's but the neros are much lower profile. They are a fairly wide flow design, so it moves quite a bit of water but its not blasting corals, rocks, livestock etc...

I like the gyre idea, but imho they are more maintenance intensive and you have to routinely pull them to take them apart for service. My experience is they get noisy as they pack up with detritus.

ZombieEngineer · Jun 12, 2022

Lbrdsoxfan said:
I like the gyre idea, but imho they are more maintenance intensive and you have to routinely pull them to take them apart for service. My experience is they get noisy as they pack up with detritus.

I have had to take apart and clean my gyre a grand total of 3 times in 7 years. Wouldn't call that maintenance intensive.