Powerheads

mpyers · 09/08/2016, 02:20 PM

I am looking at upgrading my powerheads soon.

Suggestions?

What are the best brands? I'm likely going to do what I do with every purchase and spend an entire night online shopping for the "Perfect" one, so limiting the search to reliable brands may help.

Thank You,

hkgar · 09/08/2016, 02:22 PM

I am not a DC fan so I suggest you look at Vortech.

vhuang168 · 09/08/2016, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgar

I am not a DC fan so I suggest you look at Vortech.

??? Vortechs are DC.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Keelo · 09/08/2016, 02:57 PM

I have the Jabeo powerheads they are pretty powerful and inexpensive pumps. So far they are going strong over a year in. I have also seen the maxspect gyre pump and it's great as well produces lots of flow.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mcgyvr · 09/08/2016, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgar

I am not a DC fan so I suggest you look at Vortech.

meant AC maybe?
As stated Vortechs are DC powered..

If you want "wave/adjustable flow" then DC is your only option..
If you just want a powerhead that doesn't have adjustability then hard to go wrong with a korallia (hydor) or tunze..

homer1475 · 09/08/2016, 03:18 PM

Another Vortech fan here. They are on the expensive side, but typically anything worth its weight in gold in this hobby is expensive. I'm in the camp of buy it once and be done with it, so I don't mind spending a bit more for quality products.

hkgar · 09/08/2016, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vhuang168

??? Vortechs are DC.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, that's why I suggested them.

hkgar · 09/08/2016, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

meant AC maybe?
As stated Vortechs are DC powered..

If you want "wave/adjustable flow" then DC is your only option..
If you just want a powerhead that doesn't have adjustability then hard to go wrong with a korallia (hydor) or tunze..

I am not a DC pump fan and Vortechs are AC so that is why I am suggesting them. With a controller like Apex they are controllable.

homer1475 · 09/08/2016, 03:28 PM

I would hate to inform you of your misinformation, but Vortech pumps are DC.

From Ecotechs website FAQ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ecotech FAQ

5. What is meant by a “brushless motor” and how is it so efficient?

A: A brushless DC (BLDC) motor uses rare earth magnets upon its rotor and is turned using electronic commutation. AC motors are large and inefficient, producing much more heat than a BLDC motor. AC motors are also not controllable very easily, and when they are controller the controllability is scaresely as precise as that which is capable for BLDC motors. As a result of using BLDC motors in all of our VorTech products, our pumps are controllable to fractions of a seconded, ultra small, and extremely efficient. It’s a technically-superior technology that enables your aquarium to operate at high efficiency and allows you to know that you are using the best equipment for the job on your valuable aquarium.

vhuang168 · 09/08/2016, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgar

No, that's why I suggested them.

Lol. I don't know where you get your information from but as several of us have pointed out. Vortechs are DC, NOT AC.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mcgyvr · 09/08/2016, 03:45 PM

Its clearly a love/hate relationship hkgar has got..
Waiting for his for sale post now.. Should be up in 5...4...3...2

mattyg18 · 09/08/2016, 03:50 PM

I have 2 Jabeo pp-8's in my 60 cube and i'm happy. They sync up wirelessly and pretty easy to use.

texdoc77 · 09/08/2016, 03:54 PM

If you have an apex, get the WAV

mpyers · 09/09/2016, 10:55 AM

No apex. Im looking towards DC i think. I like adjustability. It's there anything that moves as well as pulses. I would like something that would aim itself in different locations.

Although I'm not ruling out ac because i like cheap as well.

Probably can't afford a vortech. Although I'd love one. Eventually.
I don't know if i want to get a medium price that I'll keep forever. Our if i want cheaper that I'll throw out when i have enough for a vortech.

mpyers · 09/09/2016, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer1475

Another Vortech fan here. They are on the expensive side, but typically anything worth its weight in gold in this hobby is expensive. I'm in the camp of buy it once and be done with it, so I don't mind spending a bit more for quality products.

I wish i could afford to be in that camp.

newbie2014 · 09/09/2016, 11:13 AM

Then, buy used.

But, since the motor is outside, vortech pumps can be noisier than other DC pumps.

mcgyvr · 09/09/2016, 11:52 AM

I haven't seen any that both turn/move and adjust their speed during operation..
One brand has a "cap" that goes on the end that rotates some..

There are return pipe parts (seaswirl,etc..) that rotate and I believe I've seen a kit that you can put a powerhead on that will rotate the whole powerhead.. But haven't seen an "all in one"..

For the cheap people (nothing wrong with that) look at Jebao PP series for a regular adjustable powerhead or CP series if you want a "gyre" style.. They are both "cheap" and the quality of the PP (or RW series) and the CP isn't bad at all for the price..
The older WP jebaos are junk and prone to fail..

hkgar · 09/09/2016, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer1475

I would hate to inform you of your misinformation, but Vortech pumps are DC.

From Ecotechs website FAQ

Oops, my mistake. Never too old to be politely corrected. Thanks

hkgar · 09/09/2016, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Its clearly a love/hate relationship hkgar has got..
Waiting for his for sale post now.. Should be up in 5...4...3...2

Actually I am trying to decide on converting to 2 Gyre. So maybe DC can be ok. But I wouldn't trade my Vortechs for Jebao

mcgyvr · 09/09/2016, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgar

Actually I am trying to decide on converting to 2 Gyre. So maybe DC can be ok. But I wouldn't trade my Vortechs for Jebao

Yeah you've got DC now so clearly you like it..
I was going to ask what you didn't like about DC next..

hkgar · 09/09/2016, 12:43 PM

It seems that the inexpensive ones like Jebao just don't have a very good record of reliability. That's part of what is holding me back on the Gyre, not sure of the relabilty and the cleaning rituals- but that is for another thread. Let's get back to the OP's purpose.

mpyers · 09/12/2016, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

I haven't seen any that both turn/move and adjust their speed during operation..
One brand has a "cap" that goes on the end that rotates some..

There are return pipe parts (seaswirl,etc..) that rotate and I believe I've seen a kit that you can put a powerhead on that will rotate the whole powerhead.. But haven't seen an "all in one"..

For the cheap people (nothing wrong with that) look at Jebao PP series for a regular adjustable powerhead or CP series if you want a "gyre" style.. They are both "cheap" and the quality of the PP (or RW series) and the CP isn't bad at all for the price..
The older WP jebaos are junk and prone to fail..

I think this may be the direction I'm going. I like the looks and price of the PP series. I'll probably get these until I have enough money for vortech.

Also I really like the the looks of the seaswirl. I think in the end I will go with a seaswirl, and when I can afford them, a pair of vortechs.

The thing that sells me on the vortechs is the backup battery. I am terrified that if the power goes out for a few days, I'm going to have no way to keep this tank oxygenated. And from what I hear, I only have a few hours before everything is dead without circulation.

Hedrick11 · 09/12/2016, 02:47 PM

Do you guys think a jebao pp-15 is to much flow for a 75 gallon tank?

curtcherry · 09/12/2016, 02:56 PM

Have a Jabeo RW15 on a 180 gallon. It is too powerful and I am scaling down to RW8. Fairly quiet and powerful.

firemountain · 09/12/2016, 03:41 PM

Personally I have very good luck with the Sicce Voyager Series of pumps, which are AC. You can buy their wave controller and will allow you to customize the flow in your tank, to a point.

I just jumped into the Sicce DC X-Stream wave pumps. They are more expensive but work very well, and if you upgrade to a Apex controller, they are compatible with the use of an auxiliary cable. The DC pumps really are the way to go.

The nice part is that the Sicce's come with a 5 year warranty. They are not the Cadillacs in the field, like the Vortech's, but are a good value for the $$.

09/08/2016, 02:20 PM	#1
mpyers Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Cambridge, OH Posts: 311	Powerheads I am looking at upgrading my powerheads soon. Suggestions? What are the best brands? I'm likely going to do what I do with every purchase and spend an entire night online shopping for the "Perfect" one, so limiting the search to reliable brands may help. Thank You,

09/08/2016, 02:22 PM	#2
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	I am not a DC fan so I suggest you look at Vortech. __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

09/08/2016, 03:18 PM	#6
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	Another Vortech fan here. They are on the expensive side, but typically anything worth its weight in gold in this hobby is expensive. I'm in the camp of buy it once and be done with it, so I don't mind spending a bit more for quality products. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

09/08/2016, 03:45 PM	#11
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Its clearly a love/hate relationship hkgar has got.. Waiting for his for sale post now.. Should be up in 5...4...3...2 __________________ Who me? Last edited by mcgyvr; 09/08/2016 at 04:14 PM.

09/08/2016, 03:54 PM	#13
texdoc77 Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Waco, TX Posts: 417	If you have an apex, get the WAV __________________ "The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self; all your wishes and precautions; to Christ." -C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity) Current Tank Info: Currently Rebuilding

09/08/2016, 02:57 PM	#4
Keelo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: So cal Posts: 299	I have the Jabeo powerheads they are pretty powerful and inexpensive pumps. So far they are going strong over a year in. I have also seen the maxspect gyre pump and it's great as well produces lots of flow. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09/08/2016, 03:50 PM	#12
mattyg18 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Commack, NY Posts: 284	I have 2 Jabeo pp-8's in my 60 cube and i'm happy. They sync up wirelessly and pretty easy to use.

09/09/2016, 10:55 AM	#14
mpyers Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Cambridge, OH Posts: 311	No apex. Im looking towards DC i think. I like adjustability. It's there anything that moves as well as pulses. I would like something that would aim itself in different locations. Although I'm not ruling out ac because i like cheap as well. Probably can't afford a vortech. Although I'd love one. Eventually. I don't know if i want to get a medium price that I'll keep forever. Our if i want cheaper that I'll throw out when i have enough for a vortech.

09/09/2016, 11:13 AM	#16
newbie2014 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 235	Then, buy used. But, since the motor is outside, vortech pumps can be noisier than other DC pumps.

09/09/2016, 11:52 AM	#17
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	I haven't seen any that both turn/move and adjust their speed during operation.. One brand has a "cap" that goes on the end that rotates some.. There are return pipe parts (seaswirl,etc..) that rotate and I believe I've seen a kit that you can put a powerhead on that will rotate the whole powerhead.. But haven't seen an "all in one".. For the cheap people (nothing wrong with that) look at Jebao PP series for a regular adjustable powerhead or CP series if you want a "gyre" style.. They are both "cheap" and the quality of the PP (or RW series) and the CP isn't bad at all for the price.. The older WP jebaos are junk and prone to fail.. __________________ Who me?

09/09/2016, 12:43 PM	#21
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	It seems that the inexpensive ones like Jebao just don't have a very good record of reliability. That's part of what is holding me back on the Gyre, not sure of the relabilty and the cleaning rituals- but that is for another thread. Let's get back to the OP's purpose. __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

09/12/2016, 02:47 PM	#23
Hedrick11 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 40	Do you guys think a jebao pp-15 is to much flow for a 75 gallon tank?

09/12/2016, 02:56 PM	#24
curtcherry Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: St. Louis MO Posts: 195	Have a Jabeo RW15 on a 180 gallon. It is too powerful and I am scaling down to RW8. Fairly quiet and powerful. __________________ DT- 180. 78 degrees, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0, Phosphate >1 ppm. 40B FOWLR with Flame Angel. 2 QT Tanks - 29G & 20GL. Current Tank Info: 180 gallon. 40B FOWLR.

09/12/2016, 03:41 PM	#25
firemountain Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Bergen County, NJ Posts: 1,033	Personally I have very good luck with the Sicce Voyager Series of pumps, which are AC. You can buy their wave controller and will allow you to customize the flow in your tank, to a point. I just jumped into the Sicce DC X-Stream wave pumps. They are more expensive but work very well, and if you upgrade to a Apex controller, they are compatible with the use of an auxiliary cable. The DC pumps really are the way to go. The nice part is that the Sicce's come with a 5 year warranty. They are not the Cadillacs in the field, like the Vortech's, but are a good value for the $$. __________________ Eshopps RS100 sump, Eheim 1262 return,Kessil 360WE w/controller, Avast ATO w Litermeter 3, RO Regal 170sss Skimmer, Sicce XStream-e pumps /dc controlled, Spectrapure Dual Reactor Current Tank Info: 65g mixed reef Last edited by firemountain; 09/12/2016 at 03:47 PM.