Opinions on new powerheads

Rodeo_Roger · 02/08/2018, 03:13 PM

I have a 300g 8'x2' and am going to be upgrading to some new powerheads. Looking for opinions on which route to go. I have decided on Jebao but am unsure if I should do one SW8 on each end of the tank, or to do 2 SW4's on each end, or just something else...any suggestions would be great.

tom obrecht · 02/08/2018, 03:20 PM

I'd personally go Tunze if funds allow. Proven workhorses. I have a similar sized display and run four 6105's on a pulse mode. All sps and it does a great job!

Cheapreef · 02/08/2018, 04:20 PM

On a 8' long tank I would do a CP-40 or CP-55 on either end.

bif24701 · 02/08/2018, 08:59 PM

I simply do not trust these manufactures for any equipment.

Personally these are my only choices due to performance, durability/quality, safety, and flexibility.

1, Vortechs
2, Tunze
3, Maxspec Gyre
4, Neptune WAV

They are others that have some of the qualities I mentioned but not all.

I have an Vortech MP60, two Tunze 6105s, and two Neptune WAV powerheads in my 180 Reef. I love the MP60 and the Tunzes. The WAVs not as much but they are good pumps. Also I am able to control/program all these pumps directly from my APEX controller.

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Cheapreef · 02/08/2018, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bif24701

I simply do not trust these manufactures for any equipment.

Personally these are my only choices due to performance, durability/quality, safety, and flexibility.

1, Vortechs
2, Tunze
3, Maxspec Gyre
4, Neptune WAV

They are others that have some of the qualities I mentioned but not all.

I have an Vortech MP60, two Tunze 6105s, and two Neptune WAV powerheads in my 180 Reef. I love the MP60 and the Tunzes. The WAVs not as much but they are good pumps. Also I am able to control/program all these pumps directly from my APEX controller.

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I've had the same 2 Jebao pumps on my last tank for 2 years zero issues. You can also control any of the Jebao wavemakers, the CP models as well as there DC return pumps with Apex as well.

DesertReefT4r · 02/08/2018, 10:46 PM

These pumps are so hit and miss with their quality. Read the threads on these and is a 50/50 split, some last for 2 plus years and are quiet the other half have a failure in a few months or have noise issues. Get Some Tunzes or Vortex and be done with it. Buy once cry once.

bif24701 · 02/09/2018, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheapreef

I've had the same 2 Jebao pumps on my last tank for 2 years zero issues. You can also control any of the Jebao wavemakers, the CP models as well as there DC return pumps with Apex as well.

IMO 2 years is not long term. I’ve had Bubble blaster and Vortech pumps last nearly 10 years or more. In fact, I’ve not had any Tunze, Bubble blaster, Vortech, or Sicce pump ever fail on me, yet.

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tom obrecht · 02/10/2018, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bif24701

IMO 2 years is not long term. I’ve had Bubble blaster and Vortech pumps last nearly 10 years or more. In fact, I’ve not had any Tunze, Bubble blaster, Vortech, or Sicce pump ever fail on me, yet.

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Agreed! In a recent Sanjay video he mentions one of his recommendations for a successful reef is quality equipment. I have been in the hobby close to 25 years and have seen (and used at times) less than great equipment...mostly due to price and hype. Price is often the enticement to purchase but once it fails the only thing that suffers are the animals we keep! I liked the comment above “but once cry once”! Proven equipment will provide a safety net down the road! When dealing with flow I wouldn’t skimp!

bif24701 · 02/10/2018, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom obrecht

Agreed! In a recent Sanjay video he mentions one of his recommendations for a successful reef is quality equipment. I have been in the hobby close to 25 years and have seen (and used at times) less than great equipment...mostly due to price and hype. Price is often the enticement to purchase but once it fails the only thing that suffers are the animals we keep! I liked the comment above “but once cry once”! Proven equipment will provide a safety net down the road! When dealing with flow I wouldn’t skimp!

If after just a couple years my pumped failed on me and caused me to be set back I’ll be ****ed. Since I’ve set this system up I’ve not had any majors problems. Knock on wood. 2 years a Reef is just getting started, my colonies should grow huge and thick. Takes a lot more than two years to grow out a 18” hammer or acro colony. Our animals depend solely on us and the equipment to keep them alive and well. For me, just not worth risking years and years of growth for a savings, especially considering what we pay for our livestock.

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02/08/2018, 03:13 PM	#1
Rodeo_Roger Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 92	Opinions on new powerheads I have a 300g 8'x2' and am going to be upgrading to some new powerheads. Looking for opinions on which route to go. I have decided on Jebao but am unsure if I should do one SW8 on each end of the tank, or to do 2 SW4's on each end, or just something else...any suggestions would be great.

02/08/2018, 03:20 PM	#2
tom obrecht Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WI Posts: 3,014	I'd personally go Tunze if funds allow. Proven workhorses. I have a similar sized display and run four 6105's on a pulse mode. All sps and it does a great job! __________________ Reef keeping is where Murphy's Law and your bank account collide!! TOTM May 2006

02/08/2018, 08:59 PM	#4
bif24701 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida, FWB Posts: 3,389	I simply do not trust these manufactures for any equipment. Personally these are my only choices due to performance, durability/quality, safety, and flexibility. 1, Vortechs 2, Tunze 3, Maxspec Gyre 4, Neptune WAV They are others that have some of the qualities I mentioned but not all. I have an Vortech MP60, two Tunze 6105s, and two Neptune WAV powerheads in my 180 Reef. I love the MP60 and the Tunzes. The WAVs not as much but they are good pumps. Also I am able to control/program all these pumps directly from my APEX controller. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ 180 Mixed Reef SRO-5000 Skimmer Neptune APEX Gold Kessil AP700/ MP60+6105 Kalk+2 part/ Cheato Fuge Current Tank Info: 180 SPS Dominant

02/08/2018, 10:46 PM	#6
DesertReefT4r Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Mesa Az Posts: 771	These pumps are so hit and miss with their quality. Read the threads on these and is a 50/50 split, some last for 2 plus years and are quiet the other half have a failure in a few months or have noise issues. Get Some Tunzes or Vortex and be done with it. Buy once cry once. __________________ Tank history 29g tropical ,55g cichlid tank, 20H softy reef, 29g mixed reef, 20H brackish goby & puffer tank, 55g mixed reef, 6g Nanocube softy lps reef, 40B sps reef, 75g sps reef, 75g sps reef in bu Current Tank Info: 75g sps reef build in the works.

02/08/2018, 04:20 PM	#3
Cheapreef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,076	On a 8' long tank I would do a CP-40 or CP-55 on either end.