ReefPower RP-M

ca1ore · Aug 20, 2018

Other than the model number play-on-words, anyone been using one of these? Impressions?

Just picked one up to try.

TheEngineer · Aug 21, 2018

It's a nice footprint, I'll give it that!

The only review on their site isn't a positive one :(

"Unfortunately, this power head is not up to par. To begin with, the Wi-Fi Keeps losing signal with the other unit and they are less than 5 feet from one another, unobstructed. One of the units programming module remains lit all the time in the slave mode. If I switch the always lit one to the master and the master to slave, then I can get both displays to not remain lit. The time frame for controlling different modes is only customizable in hour-long increments. You cannot program the reverse function as it is only able to be manually actuated. I was hoping that I could program it to coincide with other powerheads to really mix up the detritus. The unit is woefully underpowered, even with two on opposite ends of a 6-foot long tank. The units are LOUD. For the amount of noise they produce, I would expect considerably more power. There are just too many problems to give it any more than a score of two and that is being generous. Great experience with Reef Breeders but a rather poor product in my experience. This might work well on a much smaller tank but the lack of creative programming possibilities along with the poor Wi-Fi, noise, and controller display backlight issues this is not usable on my tank."

I've personally had great luck with the old Jebao power heads. They don't have as much programmability as this seems to, but they're cheap and reliable IME.

ca1ore · Aug 21, 2018

Yes, I had seen that ...... decided to get one because it looks ideal for an overflow-mounted powerhead and frankly not all that expensive.

I hooked it up yesterday and can immediately refute some of that review. It is not noisy. Cord vibrates and can cause a buzz, but that's common with many of these pumps and easily solved. Flow is quite broad, so I can see how an inexperienced reefer might misjudge it as 'underpowered'. It is not. I'd put it as much more powerful than the vortech Mp10 but not quite Mp40. I did not use the wireless feature (and probably won't) so cannot comment on whether that works reliably or not. The low profile is really nice and it almost disappears attached to my overflow. The manual is OK, and written by a native English speaker I'd guess, though fails to explain the frequency function in any way - so a better written one would be helpful. Overall I like it and am optimistic.

hart24601 · Sep 10, 2018

I just wanted to add I got one of these and it’s extremely impressive. I am not using WiFi just stand alone pulse mode.

I do agree a beginner might not think it’s strong because it creates a mass water movement and a single pump isn’t gonna push across 6’ of tank, but except for certain situations you don’t really want that, get that huge water flow without jets.

It absolutely destroys the mp10 across the tank.

ca1ore · Sep 14, 2018

I've ended up with a pair of these mounted to my skim box (where, for obvious reasons a vortech cannot go). So far been very happy with them. Will be interesting to see about longevity.

rickybrooks05 · Oct 27, 2018

Do you guys still like these pumps…? Can you program the reverse function?

hart24601 · Oct 27, 2018

I liked it enough I bought a second one!

I have not tried using the reverse though so I can't comment on that.

ca1ore · Oct 27, 2018

No reverse here either. I did have one of the controllers fail but Logan had a replacement on my porch within 2 days. No issues since and I like them, particularly where a low profile pump is required. They’re not a vortech, but not priced to be either.

hart24601 · Oct 27, 2018

ca1ore said:
No reverse here either. I did have one of the controllers fail but Logan had a replacement on my porch within 2 days. No issues since and I like them, particularly where a low profile pump is required. They’re not a vortech, but not priced to be either.

I am guessing you mean mp40? I have an mp10 on the same system and these are much better pumps imo. I like to run pulse mode on all my pumps and the mp10 qd is noiser, doesn't flow near as much and vortech pulse isn't a pluses from a stop - they just slow down which I dont like, I prefer the blades to stop moving like these do and tunze.

ca1ore · Oct 27, 2018

I did not specify a vortech model on purpose. The RPM is more powerful than the MP10, but less so than the MP40. Pump with an external motor is always going to be noiser, but has other advantages. I personally much prefer the controllability of the vortech, but to each his/her own. I also prefer the way in which vortech does surge, but again personal preference. But these are quibbles, I’d not hesitate to recommend the RPM.

hart24601 · Oct 27, 2018

I didn't consider some would like the pulse settings to not stop, why do you prefer that? I find particularly if one doesn't want to run the pump at 100% since the slower end of the pulse is fixed, at lower settings the pulse is pretty much just constant flow.

ca1ore · Oct 27, 2018

I suppose it depends on how low. I have all three sizes of vortech, mostly run pulse to about 80%, and putting a hand in front of the pump the increase in flow is easily apparent. I think ultimately it makes no difference one way or the other, but flow never stops on the wild reefs, it’s just chaotic ..... so that’s what I go for.

hart24601 · Oct 27, 2018

Thanks! Was just curious.

The only reason I like a full stop is because when running pumps opposite on long pulse the flow will occasionally run in reverse for coral in front of the pump (not directly in front of course) when the timing is right and the left is fully stopped and the right is running for example. It's probably more apparent because my tank is smaller though.