Are the 230's dead quiet? no they are not. Are they loud, no they are not. You never run them at 100% but you can hear them mostly when pulsing, when they are on constant the noise is less as it isn't variable. I am happy with them. I have my Computer desk about 7 feet away and it does not bug me at all.
I've been following a guy on Youtube by the name of @pelphrey , same tank as I decided on. Very nice build and great videos. He found a fellow YouTuber named CJ who developed a Gyre program that works very well for his and my tank. You can find it on his website Pelphrey.net
So far the tank residents like the flow I think.
I think the 250's should work well in the larger tank and allow you to not run them near 100% speed.
As far as Apex integration. You (From what I have read) need 1 IceCap Interface Module per pump. So currently I am not integrating it into Apex.
So, here's the dilemma. Run the programmed settings on the MaxSpect controller included or spend another $300+ for Apex Integration.
To be honest I do not know what you would gain by integration as the program I am using from CJ/Pelphrey is working well.
Ah ok...thanks for clarifying how you are running them. How 'Apex-ready' gear integrates seems inconsistent in how they integrate and I've been finding the gyre configuration most confusing. I don't think it costs all that much more (and again, I could be reading this all very wrong) as it looks like you forgo the $180 maxspect controller but add two icecaps at $125 each (for a net cost of $70). Is there a module required for the Apex (such as the WXM for the EcoTechs)? I can't tell.
I guess I am generally struggling with the benefits of integrating everything into the Apex. Critical functions such as main pump, ato/awc stuff, important dosing, water parameter monitoring, and heaters sure (basically stuff I need to know immediately, have action taken on without my being present or want to automate in a synchronized way). But stuff like lighting and powerheads...I'm not so sure. The standalone programs seem to handle all necessary functionality quite well and we can always monitor power use through the Apex anyways.