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View Full Version : what kind of powerhead?


alextheromanian
08/13/2009, 06:43 PM
do i need in a 29g to keep sps....the return does about i think 600gph from the sump


what i have in there at the moment is 3 K nanos...and they dont move anything when it comes to sps..


stirring up sand is not an issue since its a bare bottom tank

Sisterlimonpot
08/13/2009, 06:48 PM
Hey there Alex,
what are the GPH for those K nanos?

alextheromanian
08/13/2009, 06:54 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15525740#post15525740 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sisterlimonpot
Hey there Alex,
what are the GPH for those K nanos?


240 GPH but its so gentle you cant even feel it

scuba guy ron
08/13/2009, 06:59 PM
i have a Hydor Koralia 1. would probly do good by you. are you trying to replace out all 3 for 1 head or 3 for 3, 3 for 2 etc.

Korrine
08/13/2009, 07:03 PM
I have a k2 in my 29g. That itself does 600 gph not including the return for my dual bakpak skimmer. I don't have sps, just zoa's at this point. I'll add lps.

I think people shoot for at LEAST 20x tank turnover for SPS. I remember some having close to 35-40x.

alextheromanian
08/13/2009, 07:03 PM
ill take all 3 out and start from zero the nanos are useless

scuba guy ron
08/13/2009, 07:18 PM
the best one i have believe it or not is the maxijet 1200 with the rotating head. putting this head on creates water movement from all directions. This would probly be perfect for you. putting on the head reduces the gph to about 800. if you point it at the glass it would be perfect.

alextheromanian
08/13/2009, 07:27 PM
the max flow on a maxi jet1200 is 300gph


what rotating head are you talking about?

Aqua Keepers
08/13/2009, 07:28 PM
If $$$ is an issue go with a K2 0r k3

Aqua Keepers
08/13/2009, 07:29 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15525925#post15525925 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scuba guy ron
the best one i have believe it or not is the maxijet 1200 with the rotating head. putting this head on creates water movement from all directions. This would probly be perfect for you. putting on the head reduces the gph to about 800. if you point it at the glass it would be perfect.

Those things are worthless for this application

scuba guy ron
08/13/2009, 07:37 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15526017#post15526017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aqua Keepers
Those things are worthless for this application

I dont agree. I've used one for 3 yrs. the one you are offering up is a rediculous amt of money IMO and only gives unidirectional flow. on the maxijet it is no where near 300gph. I can feel its strength definitly.

Aristarchus
08/13/2009, 07:45 PM
Maxi-Jet 1200 Powerhead / MP 1200

Specifications:

* V/Hz: 120V/60Hz
* Wattage: 20W
* Max Flow: 295gph
* Max Pumping Height: 69"
* Dimensions: 3.5" L x 2" W x 3.25" H

Stolen from Marinedepot.com

Aqua Keepers
08/13/2009, 07:47 PM
If you are talking about this
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11363
then I stand by my statement.

The MJ1200 is only capable of 295 gph max. Once you add the deflector head it is less. The flow form the rotating head is random, but it is directional, and usually undesired for main in tank flow.

Aristarchus
08/13/2009, 07:48 PM
13 gpm/800 gph seems a little high.. i have 2 mj1200's running in my tank at the moment.. i'm not knocking them, they are excellent powerheads when it comes to reliability and performance. Especially for the price.

Aqua Keepers
08/13/2009, 07:50 PM
The Vortech provides not only dispersed flow, but it has different wave making capabilities + many other benefits.

stevek480
08/13/2009, 07:53 PM
The Maxi-Jet may "feel" stronger because it shoots the water out in a more narrow band, but the Koralia will push more water out in a wider band. I upgraded from a Maxi-Jet to a K2 and I really like it. I still use one Maxi-Jet to point at the surface for better gas transfer.

Aqua Keepers
08/13/2009, 07:56 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15526136#post15526136 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aristarchus
13 gpm/800 gph seems a little high.. i have 2 mj1200's running in my tank at the moment.. i'm not knocking them, they are excellent powerheads when it comes to reliability and performance. Especially for the price.

800 gph??? Where are you getting this number?

scuba guy ron
08/13/2009, 08:26 PM
I understand what you are all saying now about the gph issue. I wasnt trying to start an argument here. I have both the oclating head on one as well as the mod kit (sure flow) on another. These combined would create more then enough flow. Remember that this is a 29 gal tank we are talking about here. If Alex wants to spend more on a single powerhead than the cost of the tank I guess that is up to him. Kinda seems crazy to me though.

Aqua Keepers
08/13/2009, 08:37 PM
No arguments, just opinions my friend. That's how the hobby grows.

Sure if he combines the rotating head & the mod kit, it would be fine, but the rotating head alone is nowhere near good enough.

scuba guy ron
08/13/2009, 08:40 PM
exactly, thats why I have to have 3 heads in my 37 column!

PS.. sorry about the mis info on the gph.

Aqua Keepers
08/13/2009, 08:43 PM
column???

scuba guy ron
08/13/2009, 08:55 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15526578#post15526578 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aqua Keepers
column???

Yes column as in pillar. this pic is about 6mos ago before the pump on the upper right was modded.

Sorry alex. ddnt meanto hijack.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc115/ronnyfl22/PICT0032.jpg

Zebodog
08/13/2009, 09:03 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15525775#post15525775 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alextheromanian
240 GPH but its so gentle you cant even feel it

Get rid of the flow concentrators on those. It won't increase the GPH but will help to "randomize" the flow.

Sisterlimonpot
08/13/2009, 09:28 PM
Alex, look what you started!!! I'm disappointed in you!!!

alextheromanian
08/14/2009, 12:28 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15526867#post15526867 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sisterlimonpot
Alex, look what you started!!! I'm disappointed in you!!!


im SORRY!!!!!!

i shall never ask what powerhead is better!


its like the debate between T5HO and MH hahah

Ebisan
08/14/2009, 12:34 AM
Get the Vortech. Well worth the price. I could have saved some money buying one in the first place instead of spending the money on koralias seios tunzes maxijets over the years. Now they are sitting in storage.

Michael
08/14/2009, 12:42 AM
get a tunze nano stream :lol:

scuba guy ron
08/14/2009, 06:23 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15527615#post15527615 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ebisan
Get the Vortech. Well worth the price. I could have saved some money buying one in the first place instead of spending the money on koralias seios tunzes maxijets over the years. Now they are sitting in storage.

HA! maybe it is better to pick one up after all. I guess I have probly matched the price in purchases over the years but those purchases at least didnt hit the pocket book all at once. (the wifey wouldnt like that purchase very much, guaranteed)

scuba guy ron
08/14/2009, 06:27 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15527602#post15527602 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alextheromanian
im SORRY!!!!!!

i shall never ask what powerhead is better!


its like the debate between T5HO and MH hahah

Dont be sorry buddy. That is what these forums are all about. Opinions, Debate, Information. Some of us are just very passionate in this hobby. Happy reefing!

Aqua Keepers
08/14/2009, 06:31 AM
This hobby is why I'm not married.

scuba guy ron, I sent you a PM

alextheromanian
08/14/2009, 09:39 AM
Im pretty passionate on not spending 400 dollars on a pump, infact I found a Chinese koralia knockoff with pretty good reviews and better magnet than the koralias that I currently have in my 75 gal and it has free shipping so that's what I'll be doing.



I've ready gone down the koralia road and the maxijet road and the maxi jet mod road and so far am only pleased with the koralias but not their size. Regardless that is something I'm willing to overlook considering the cons.



Vortech looks sexy andif money was not an issue it's all I would have but spending 70$ on just the replacement impeller housing is what I call highway robbery. Every single one of you know the only cost so much because they can charge so much and the reason they do that is because of not having a competitor. They most certtainly aren't worth that much. In any case thank you guys! Sorry for asking Such a controversial question (haha)


I'll be posting a link to my build thread on here if you're interested to my 29g and also I'm bulging a whole room in the basement where I'll be moving the 75g behind a wall and adding a sump to it infact I might connect the two systems together since they will be right ontop of each other in any case subscribe if you care


Thank youuuu alex

Michael
08/14/2009, 09:42 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528062#post15528062 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aqua Keepers
This hobby is why I'm not married.

scuba guy ron, I sent you a PM

but scuba guy ron might be married and not available :lol:

alextheromanian
08/14/2009, 09:42 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528062#post15528062 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aqua Keepers
This hobby is why I'm not married.

scuba guy ron, I sent you a PM


Found a way to trick them about that. The gf is ok witH major diy that doesn't cost too much bur when
it comes to equipment you save the money and buy them for Xmas and birthdayslol

Aqua Keepers
08/14/2009, 09:53 AM
VorTech MP10=$195.99 not $400
If you ever get to play with one first hand, I bet you'll save to buy one.

Maybe you married guys need to employ the *one for me / one for you* method. Every time you buy something for the tank, you should buy something for her. Just buy hers 1st

Sisterlimonpot
08/14/2009, 09:57 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528856#post15528856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alextheromanian
Im pretty passionate on not spending 400 dollars on a pump, Vortech looks sexy andif money was not an issue it's all I would have but spending 70$ on just the replacement impeller housing is what I call highway robbery. Every single one of you know the only cost so much because they can charge so much and the reason they do that is because of not having a competitor. They most certtainly aren't worth that much. In any case thank you guys! Sorry for asking Such a controversial question (haha)
I 100% agree with that statement. But you can't get that through the heads of those that already have them. It always turns into a debate. Either way they are way too much for what they are.....

alextheromanian
08/14/2009, 09:58 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528936#post15528936 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aqua Keepers
VorTech MP10=$195.99 not $400
If you ever get to play with one first hand, I bet you'll save to buy one.

Maybe you married guys need to employ the *one for me / one for you* method. Every time you buy something for the tank, you should buy something for her. Just buy hers 1st


my bad 200$ i remember seeing them for 399$ somewhere a year ago or so.


i would want one RIGHT NOW...dont get me wrong it would be PERFECT really small and strong just what i would need in a sps 29g buttttt i didnt even spend that much on my skimmer. im an unemployed student lol even 200$ is a hard thing to part with.

alextheromanian
08/14/2009, 09:59 AM
this is what i decided on

http://www.reefspecialty.com/p417/Coralvue-%E2%80%9CHigh-Seas%E2%80%9D-Wave-Makers---CV-201B/product_info.html

didnt order yet...but what ill do is move the 2 k3s from the 75 after cleaning the coraline off and putting the in the 29g and then moving these high seas knockoff x2 in the 75 when i move it downstairs in its own fish room

Sisterlimonpot
08/14/2009, 10:04 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528958#post15528958 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alextheromanian
my bad 200$ i remember seeing them for 399$ somewhere a year ago or so.


i would want one RIGHT NOW...dont get me wrong it would be PERFECT really small and strong just what i would need in a sps 29g buttttt i didnt even spend that much on my skimmer. im an unemployed student lol even 200$ is a hard thing to part with. that price is for the 10 your thinking about the 40

Aqua Keepers
08/14/2009, 11:18 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528963#post15528963 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alextheromanian
this is what i decided on

http://www.reefspecialty.com/p417/Coralvue-%E2%80%9CHigh-Seas%E2%80%9D-Wave-Makers---CV-201B/product_info.html

didnt order yet...but what ill do is move the 2 k3s from the 75 after cleaning the coraline off and putting the in the 29g and then moving these high seas knockoff x2 in the 75 when i move it downstairs in its own fish room

That sounds like a good plan.

RB Chagoi
08/15/2009, 10:35 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528951#post15528951 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sisterlimonpot
I 100% agree with that statement. But you can't get that through the heads of those that already have them. Maybe that is because they perform. I have used koralia, Tunze and I would not part with my MP40's. It always turns into a debate. Either way they are way too much for what they are.....

So is most everything. :) IMO, Vortech's are well worth it, though.

scuba guy ron
08/15/2009, 12:05 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528874#post15528874 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
but scuba guy ron might be married and not available :lol:

not married but engaged...at least until oct 24th lol

chort55
08/15/2009, 01:40 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15528963#post15528963 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alextheromanian
this is what i decided on

http://www.reefspecialty.com/p417/Coralvue-%E2%80%9CHigh-Seas%E2%80%9D-Wave-Makers---CV-201B/product_info.html

didnt order yet...but what ill do is move the 2 k3s from the 75 after cleaning the coraline off and putting the in the 29g and then moving these high seas knockoff x2 in the 75 when i move it downstairs in its own fish room

Those look pretty cool. Seen them before but haven't heard much on them. When you get them let us know how they work. I am considering the bigger one for my 125 when I get it, and a few of them beats the crap out of a grand for the 2xmp40 my tank would need (if they actually work good). LOL

FWIW: I am running a k3 in my 20g tall right now along with an aquaclear 301 :)

alextheromanian
08/15/2009, 04:54 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15534924#post15534924 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chort55
Those look pretty cool. Seen them before but haven't heard much on them. When you get them let us know how they work. I am considering the bigger one for my 125 when I get it, and a few of them beats the crap out of a grand for the 2xmp40 my tank would need (if they actually work good). LOL

FWIW: I am running a k3 in my 20g tall right now along with an aquaclear 301 :)


i was very nervous about 2 k3s being too big for the 29g but then again they have a very wide flow angle.


will do. when i get them ill be posting reviews

chort55
08/15/2009, 08:36 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15535554#post15535554 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alextheromanian
i was very nervous about 2 k3s being too big for the 29g but then again they have a very wide flow angle.


will do. when i get them ill be posting reviews

Yeah everyone told me the k3 alone was 2 much for my tank, but I love it.... definitly no dead spots :D

I would definitly appreciate the reviews on those other powerheads when you get them and run em for awhile :)

Mike31154
08/16/2009, 04:51 PM
For those (including me) who have a hard time with the VorTech sticker price. I run two MP40Ws btw.

EcoTech is a relatively new company. I'm not a businessman and really have no clue as to what it costs to start & maintain a business based on a single product, but can imagine there's a hefty investment there which needs to be recouped.

For one thing, you're talking about a company based in your very own fine country, the USA, not an Asian country where wages are a fraction of what they are in North America. The pump is designed, built and supported in the USA. I see many complaints and put downs of Made in China/Taiwan etc. products, yet on the other hand there are the complaints regarding the cost of made at home products. Until there's a major shift in the way the global economy works and there is wage parity everywhere, products made at home will continue to cost significantly more.

Secondly, I'm pretty sure patent lawyers are among the most well off folks around. EcoTech has a patent on their product. I'm sure that doesn't come cheap and takes a fair amount of lead time to even get through. If not mistaken, a patent must be kept up as well, meaning continuing costs in that regard.

Third, the innovative design of the MP10, MP20 and MP40W complete with wireless technology and 'smart' driver has some costly up front engineering behind it. That does not come cheap either. There's still nothing comparable out there with a controllable DC motor right out of the box. Similar maybe, but not comparable.

After my initial purchase of an MP40W just over a year ago, it was not long before I knew a second was in the cards. There was a brief time where I second guessed spending that amount of dough, but got over that feeling quickly after seeing what this thing can do. I spread the cost over two years and recently purchased the second pump. Very satisfied with the quality, support and the job the two pumps do in my 75.

alextheromanian
08/16/2009, 05:38 PM
Those fancy pumps advertise as German all over the Internet not USA. Besides everyone keeps arguing they so many things are made in china or some part of the world where kids work day and night for 10$. And American made stuff is naturally more expensive because we pay our workers bettter wages.

What people forget is that we live in the day and age where most things are built on an assembly line by machines and we aren't back in the pre industrial era when someone carved these fancy pieces of plastic with a knife lol. Whether things are made here or china ( most advanced machine assembly line country in that part of the world) things are still made mostly by machine and then verified at the end in person. I'm sorry I'm not ever paying 200$+ to put in the pocket of a patent lawyer for a pump just because it pumps water through glass

Mike31154
08/16/2009, 06:43 PM
That's cool, I was merely trying to put some perspective on the possible reason behind the higher cost of Western made products. You already have a handle on that and it's of course your choice as to what will work best with your budget & set up. I don't think EcoTech is out to gouge anyone but they must know the required base price for their company to survive and set it accordingly.

As for the VorTech being German, I think you may be confusing that with the Tunze, which is the German product. They are the other costly hardware on the market, the Germans tend to pay their employees well also. Best of luck with whatever pump you decide on. Thankfully there 'is' competition out there in the form of Koralia and others, so you do have the freedom of choice.

Greenxb
08/16/2009, 07:40 PM
So a K3 is good for a 29 gall?

ludiNano
08/16/2009, 07:42 PM
just one.

chort55
08/16/2009, 07:45 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15540917#post15540917 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Greenxb
So a K3 is good for a 29 gall?

It would be fine, but personally 1 wouldn't be enough to be my only powerhead lol

Greenxb
08/16/2009, 07:56 PM
I only have one k3, but I also have some flow from my mag 3 return pump. Is that Ok or do I need more flow.

Sisterlimonpot
08/16/2009, 08:54 PM
Alex I may have to quote you some day. I'll wait till the patent is up and the price will drop immensely. Still have a few decades but I can wait. :D

scuba guy ron
08/16/2009, 09:15 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15540329#post15540329 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alextheromanian
Those fancy pumps advertise as German all over the Internet not USA. Besides everyone keeps arguing they so many things are made in china or some part of the world where kids work day and night for 10$. And American made stuff is naturally more expensive because we pay our workers bettter wages.

What people forget is that we live in the day and age where most things are built on an assembly line by machines and we aren't back in the pre industrial era when someone carved these fancy pieces of plastic with a knife lol. Whether things are made here or china ( most advanced machine assembly line country in that part of the world) things are still made mostly by machine and then verified at the end in person. I'm sorry I'm not ever paying 200$+ to put in the pocket of a patent lawyer for a pump just because it pumps water through glass

Aqua Keepers
08/16/2009, 11:58 PM
The price of the Votech's is justified. If they weren't, you would not see the amount of people purchasing their 2nd, 3rd, 4th+++ pump from them. The Vortech is a very unique product that goes above and beyond just pumping water.

If someone tried to sell Korilia's at the same price as the Vortech's, they would not sell a single pump.
If someone tried to sell Vortech's at the same price as the Korilia's, they would sell out.

A Chevy Pinto will get you from point A to B.
A Dodge Viper will do the same, but costs way more and there is good reason.

Get my point!?

cooter181
10/27/2009, 02:42 AM
Hey Alex,
Did you ever get those pumps? Was wondering how they worked out.........