Tunze Streams, are they really worth the money?

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 01:17 AM

I have been reading alot about people purchasing Tunze "streamers" for 600$-1200$, I was wondering if these are even close to being worth the money or is there a way cheaper alternative to these. What exact benefits do these tunze streamers produce? WHY ARE THEY SO MUCH MONEY?

Thanks in advance for the comments and suggestions,
-Mike C. aka ZURCSREEF

cyclgrl · 03/08/2006, 01:24 AM

Low power, high performance. One 6000 replaced 4 of the MJ1200s I used to have in my tank. On a magnet, they will never fall down either. Love the controllability features with the 7095. Finally, Tunze is an established company with a good reputation and customer service.

Cheaper alternatives would be Seios (no controller) or perhaps the MJ modded streams on a Wavemaker.

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 01:27 AM

but one 6000 is like how much? A few hundred dollars, four Maxi Jet 1200's are like 16.99 at DrsFosterSmith.com.... besides the controlling... thats all I am really seeing... but then again with maxi's you can get a wave maker, maybe not as advanced, but also no where near the price...

cyclgrl · 03/08/2006, 02:01 AM

One 6000 consumes less power than 4 MJ1200s. Cleans up the number of powerheads you need within a tank and their range of controllability (vs strict on/off) was a big advantage to me. The way the flow is produced is also very different--instead of a concentrated flow from one point, it's a more gentle (albeit much more powerful) dispersed flow which is more natural imo.

In the end, it's up to you to make the call whether or not it's worth it. I wanted a lot more flow for my SPS and still would do the same over again.

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 02:08 AM

How much was your Tunze 6000?

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 02:11 AM

and why would you need 3 of them in a 90 gallon, if you had 4 maxijets, I guess the only difference would be the controller and the on/off switch and the more "gentle" current produced? Not sure I understand that if the GPH are much higher on the Tunze... but you can control the GPH right? But then whats the point... I don't know... maybe I am being stubborn, I am just trying to find the absolute reason to even think about buying this product, I want to start buying the best for my 120, because I always go for the deals and end up having to rebuy a few months later. (Not on my MJ's though, they have been with me for a while now, never had problems with them).

-Mike C. aka ZURCSREEF

cyclgrl · 03/08/2006, 02:13 AM

Tunze streams are generally the same price everywhere--I believe it is Tunze who sets the prices for their dealers. Right now, the 6000 is listed at about $260.

I never had a problem with my MJ1200s either. But 4 of them were not enough flow for my SPS. 3 6000s in a 90G could be considered a bit overkill, but I also wanted to have flow sourced from 3 different locations.

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 02:16 AM

yeah, and the 6200 is 460+, I don't know, I can't really see my self spending that much on one little product, I would rather try a closed loop, or add two more mj 1200's.... I still would like more comments from other people... maybe from other Tunze stream users...

cyclgrl · 03/08/2006, 02:17 AM

You might also want to consider posting to the Tunze forum.

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 02:20 AM

Do you think Tunze will get touchy feely considering they are a sponser?

cyclgrl · 03/08/2006, 02:21 AM

Btw, while I don't have all of my 6000s running at full steam in my tank (esp since I have them running on a program which turns up 2 while dialing down another), the aggregate flow produced is still much more than my 4 MJs (I have each of the 6000s running at 30-70% of 1850gph).

Tunzes are not necessary for successful reefkeeping--even more true if you aren't keeping SPS. But if you are planning to keep SPS, then flow is just about as important as light and water quality to ensuring health and maximizing growth.

cyclgrl · 03/08/2006, 02:23 AM

Nope--just post that you are looking for feedback. People ask opinions there from other reef aquarists regarding their experiences wrt Tunze products all the time.

phlipper84 · 03/08/2006, 02:25 AM

Why would you pay more? As a non-tunze user and an avid consumer of product, they are probably the only powerhead worth using in a tank. Yes they are pricey! However, I look at my closed loop; I have 4 holes plumbed through the bottom because I did not want bulkheads in the back. I have no way to anti-siphon they system, Running a Sequence + 4 Bulkheads + another 40-50 dollars worth of plumbing parts (loc-line etc....) you get the idea. Had I to do it again, I would seriously consider using them. But then again, I bought an H&S protein skimmer!

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 02:32 AM

I definately want to start keeping Monticaps, other montiporas and acropora and other types of SPS... I am wondering if the flow from my Little Giant MDQX 3 pump and 4 maxi jets will do in my 4x2x2 120g tank...

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 02:36 AM

I have 4 holes in the bototm of my tank that I drilled my self, 2 drains, 2 returns

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 02:39 AM

the returns are on seperate size and they are 3/4 inch pvc, then the two maxijet 1200's, which I am thining about adding two more, but have been eyeing these tunzes for a couple weeks and try to find out if they are worth it...

phlipper84 · 03/08/2006, 02:54 AM

I have a feeling you are going to be a little light on flow. Are you running a sump with a return pump as well?

ZURCSREEF · 03/08/2006, 02:58 AM

yeah, read up... I am using a MDQX 3 little giant pump at just about full GPH (using a ball valve) through two 3/4" pvc returns on each side of the tank and 2 maxi jet 1200 power heads (thinking about adding two more mj 1200's or 4?)

jman77 · 03/08/2006, 09:37 AM

They are.... buy you can get some MJ 900's and do the Tunze mod to them and get alot of flow for cheap. If i didn't have my tunze already i would have gone that route without a question.

I feel we are going to start seeing alot of prop driven PH's in the future. If MJ comes out with a prop driven verson of their PH's..i somehow think they will kill Tunze sells in the US.

Don't get me wrong, Tunze Streams are great...just , it's a powerhead... a darn Powerhead.. that's alot of money for a powerhead.

One thing to keep in mind... If you fry MJ 900 because of a surge or something...the replacement cost is around 16 bucks. You fry a Stream...or it's "driver" ...your out of alot of money. Any tanks i setup in the future will be with MJ's that are modded with props.

MiddletonMark · 03/08/2006, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ZURCSREEF
and why would you need 3 of them in a 90 gallon, if you had 4 maxijets, I guess the only difference would be the controller and the on/off switch and the more "gentle" current produced? Not sure I understand that if the GPH are much higher on the Tunze... but you can control the GPH right?

1: quality product with good service.
2: power consumption for flow produced. I don't want a high power bill - and while my LG 4-series closed-loop pump could do around the same GPH as my Tunze 6060 ... it used over 10 times the power [switching from closed loop pump to stream was visible on my power bill

]. Multiply times the decade I'd like to be in this hobby - closed loop pumps don't pay.
3: for less wattage than a MJ1200, I can have 6 times the flow, have it controllable, and have it move the whole tank's water around. Visually - I'd rather look at one Stream vs. 6 MJ's to do the same thing.

IMO, it's hard to compare Maxijet flow and stream flow - the volume, size of output are just radically different. Even my Seio didn't make the whole tank move like my stream does.

jman77 · 03/08/2006, 10:17 AM

Middle ..

The MJ 1200's are not the ones to want to get for the mod.. you want to get the 900's. The power consumption of the 900s is low , around the Stream 6000's usage. The modded MJ 900 puts out 1000 + gph of wide flow.

I have 6000 streams and MJ 900's ... Streams are big... I'd rather have a modded MJ900 in the tank any day. It's alot smaller.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=29

ErikS · 03/08/2006, 10:23 AM

They ain't cheap & they ain't small but they are worth it. Made a maxi-jet, a tunze they ain't. Not long term reliable like a Tunze (check the threads - often "it worked for awhile.....").

But then to each his own, you can also buy a XXXXX import, slap a fart can on it & pretend you have a 5 series - same = same.

jman77 · 03/08/2006, 10:27 AM

I've been checking the threads.. haven't read that many problems buddy. The problems I do read are of people that didn't put together the mod correctly. Worse case you screw up the PH and your out of what.... 16 bucks ?

MJ's moded sure are not streams, but they also don't cost you hundreds of dollars...

to each their own

ErikS · 03/08/2006, 10:39 AM

Quote:

to each their own

Yep, exactly. Maintainence issues aside wait till you encounter the tip slip from the prop and the fact that it can't even come close to moving the flow across anything but small tanks

MiddletonMark · 03/08/2006, 10:40 AM

If you're comparing an `non-controllable' MJ900 to a Tunze product, perhaps the 6060 powerhead would be closest.

Which is a hundred and some dollars ... if you're comparing to a 6000, IMO there is no comparison with a Seio or Maxi-mod - as there's no contollability to the MJ900, and thus comparing them is comparing apples + oranges, and ignoring all the good stuff of a Stream.

While I'm impressed with the MJ900 mod, those who rate them as `tunze-equivalent' for the most part don't run streams IMO.

I dunno, both my MJ's and my Stream are quite a few years old, all holding up. But to me, it's comparing apples + oranges.

03/08/2006, 01:17 AM	#1
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	Tunze Streams, are they really worth the money? I have been reading alot about people purchasing Tunze "streamers" for 600$-1200$, I was wondering if these are even close to being worth the money or is there a way cheaper alternative to these. What exact benefits do these tunze streamers produce? WHY ARE THEY SO MUCH MONEY? Thanks in advance for the comments and suggestions, -Mike C. aka ZURCSREEF

03/08/2006, 10:23 AM	#22
ErikS Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: VA Posts: 2,199	They ain't cheap & they ain't small but they are worth it. Made a maxi-jet, a tunze they ain't. Not long term reliable like a Tunze (check the threads - often "it worked for awhile....."). But then to each his own, you can also buy a XXXXX import, slap a fart can on it & pretend you have a 5 series - same = same. __________________ It's just my opinion & it's worth exactly what you paid for it

03/08/2006, 10:40 AM	#25
MiddletonMark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 14,441	If you're comparing an `non-controllable' MJ900 to a Tunze product, perhaps the 6060 powerhead would be closest. Which is a hundred and some dollars ... if you're comparing to a 6000, IMO there is no comparison with a Seio or Maxi-mod - as there's no contollability to the MJ900, and thus comparing them is comparing apples + oranges, and ignoring all the good stuff of a Stream. While I'm impressed with the MJ900 mod, those who rate them as `tunze-equivalent' for the most part don't run streams IMO. I dunno, both my MJ's and my Stream are quite a few years old, all holding up. But to me, it's comparing apples + oranges. __________________ read a lot, think for yourself Current Tank Info: 58g stony reef [250w10k, 250w 20k MH, 2x vho act, Octopus150, 6060 + 6000] ; 60g mixed tub

03/08/2006, 01:24 AM	#2
cyclgrl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,266	Low power, high performance. One 6000 replaced 4 of the MJ1200s I used to have in my tank. On a magnet, they will never fall down either. Love the controllability features with the 7095. Finally, Tunze is an established company with a good reputation and customer service. Cheaper alternatives would be Seios (no controller) or perhaps the MJ modded streams on a Wavemaker.

03/08/2006, 01:27 AM	#3
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	but one 6000 is like how much? A few hundred dollars, four Maxi Jet 1200's are like 16.99 at DrsFosterSmith.com.... besides the controlling... thats all I am really seeing... but then again with maxi's you can get a wave maker, maybe not as advanced, but also no where near the price...

03/08/2006, 02:01 AM	#4
cyclgrl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,266	One 6000 consumes less power than 4 MJ1200s. Cleans up the number of powerheads you need within a tank and their range of controllability (vs strict on/off) was a big advantage to me. The way the flow is produced is also very different--instead of a concentrated flow from one point, it's a more gentle (albeit much more powerful) dispersed flow which is more natural imo. In the end, it's up to you to make the call whether or not it's worth it. I wanted a lot more flow for my SPS and still would do the same over again.

03/08/2006, 02:08 AM	#5
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	How much was your Tunze 6000?

03/08/2006, 02:11 AM	#6
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	and why would you need 3 of them in a 90 gallon, if you had 4 maxijets, I guess the only difference would be the controller and the on/off switch and the more "gentle" current produced? Not sure I understand that if the GPH are much higher on the Tunze... but you can control the GPH right? But then whats the point... I don't know... maybe I am being stubborn, I am just trying to find the absolute reason to even think about buying this product, I want to start buying the best for my 120, because I always go for the deals and end up having to rebuy a few months later. (Not on my MJ's though, they have been with me for a while now, never had problems with them). -Mike C. aka ZURCSREEF

03/08/2006, 02:13 AM	#7
cyclgrl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,266	Tunze streams are generally the same price everywhere--I believe it is Tunze who sets the prices for their dealers. Right now, the 6000 is listed at about $260. I never had a problem with my MJ1200s either. But 4 of them were not enough flow for my SPS. 3 6000s in a 90G could be considered a bit overkill, but I also wanted to have flow sourced from 3 different locations.

03/08/2006, 02:16 AM	#8
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	yeah, and the 6200 is 460+, I don't know, I can't really see my self spending that much on one little product, I would rather try a closed loop, or add two more mj 1200's.... I still would like more comments from other people... maybe from other Tunze stream users...

03/08/2006, 02:17 AM	#9
cyclgrl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,266	You might also want to consider posting to the Tunze forum.

03/08/2006, 02:20 AM	#10
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	Do you think Tunze will get touchy feely considering they are a sponser?

03/08/2006, 02:21 AM	#11
cyclgrl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,266	Btw, while I don't have all of my 6000s running at full steam in my tank (esp since I have them running on a program which turns up 2 while dialing down another), the aggregate flow produced is still much more than my 4 MJs (I have each of the 6000s running at 30-70% of 1850gph). Tunzes are not necessary for successful reefkeeping--even more true if you aren't keeping SPS. But if you are planning to keep SPS, then flow is just about as important as light and water quality to ensuring health and maximizing growth.

03/08/2006, 02:23 AM	#12
cyclgrl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,266	Nope--just post that you are looking for feedback. People ask opinions there from other reef aquarists regarding their experiences wrt Tunze products all the time.

03/08/2006, 02:25 AM	#13
phlipper84 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,024	Why would you pay more? As a non-tunze user and an avid consumer of product, they are probably the only powerhead worth using in a tank. Yes they are pricey! However, I look at my closed loop; I have 4 holes plumbed through the bottom because I did not want bulkheads in the back. I have no way to anti-siphon they system, Running a Sequence + 4 Bulkheads + another 40-50 dollars worth of plumbing parts (loc-line etc....) you get the idea. Had I to do it again, I would seriously consider using them. But then again, I bought an H&S protein skimmer!

03/08/2006, 02:32 AM	#14
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	I definately want to start keeping Monticaps, other montiporas and acropora and other types of SPS... I am wondering if the flow from my Little Giant MDQX 3 pump and 4 maxi jets will do in my 4x2x2 120g tank...

03/08/2006, 02:36 AM	#15
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	I have 4 holes in the bototm of my tank that I drilled my self, 2 drains, 2 returns

03/08/2006, 02:39 AM	#16
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	the returns are on seperate size and they are 3/4 inch pvc, then the two maxijet 1200's, which I am thining about adding two more, but have been eyeing these tunzes for a couple weeks and try to find out if they are worth it...

03/08/2006, 02:54 AM	#17
phlipper84 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,024	I have a feeling you are going to be a little light on flow. Are you running a sump with a return pump as well?

03/08/2006, 02:58 AM	#18
ZURCSREEF Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 2,347	yeah, read up... I am using a MDQX 3 little giant pump at just about full GPH (using a ball valve) through two 3/4" pvc returns on each side of the tank and 2 maxi jet 1200 power heads (thinking about adding two more mj 1200's or 4?)

03/08/2006, 09:37 AM	#19
jman77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,391	They are.... buy you can get some MJ 900's and do the Tunze mod to them and get alot of flow for cheap. If i didn't have my tunze already i would have gone that route without a question. I feel we are going to start seeing alot of prop driven PH's in the future. If MJ comes out with a prop driven verson of their PH's..i somehow think they will kill Tunze sells in the US. Don't get me wrong, Tunze Streams are great...just , it's a powerhead... a darn Powerhead.. that's alot of money for a powerhead. One thing to keep in mind... If you fry MJ 900 because of a surge or something...the replacement cost is around 16 bucks. You fry a Stream...or it's "driver" ...your out of alot of money. Any tanks i setup in the future will be with MJ's that are modded with props.

03/08/2006, 10:17 AM	#21
jman77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,391	Middle .. The MJ 1200's are not the ones to want to get for the mod.. you want to get the 900's. The power consumption of the 900s is low , around the Stream 6000's usage. The modded MJ 900 puts out 1000 + gph of wide flow. I have 6000 streams and MJ 900's ... Streams are big... I'd rather have a modded MJ900 in the tank any day. It's alot smaller. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=29

03/08/2006, 10:27 AM	#23
jman77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,391	I've been checking the threads.. haven't read that many problems buddy. The problems I do read are of people that didn't put together the mod correctly. Worse case you screw up the PH and your out of what.... 16 bucks ? MJ's moded sure are not streams, but they also don't cost you hundreds of dollars... to each their own