Powerhead Longevity? Gyre, Tunze, others?

Atomic081 · 03/19/2018, 06:28 PM

Im doing research into what powerheads to put into my new 750g. I currently have 4 Jebao's in my 220 and a little over a year after purchasing them, none of them work. While the Tunze that ive had in my frag tanks continue to work 6 years later and have never had a issue.

So in the new tank im looking at longevity with a powerhead.

I was originally going to go with the Maxpect Gyre in the new tank, but im not sure if i wana risk all that money on something so many people have had problems with.

Now im leaning towards old faithful Tunze.

I doubt i can afford Vortech MP60s.

Are there any other brands i should be looking into.
(could do a closed loop?)

Thanks
Ross

DesertReefT4r · 03/19/2018, 07:04 PM

On a tank that size I would suggest 2-3 closed loop systems with DC pumps on an Apex to make random flow. Or AC pumps with Sea Swirls.

Wiskey · 03/19/2018, 11:31 PM

I love Tunze pumps, they are solid and they work. I had 6100's years ago, and it's 6105's now, the only issue I had was fixed free of charge and in just a couple days by Rodger.

Whiskey

alton · 03/20/2018, 05:48 AM

If Vortech is out, TUNZE is #1 in longevity and service

RCS82 · 03/20/2018, 06:35 AM

Tunze gets my vote as well, although vortechs are a very nice unit.
Have you looked at the panta rhei pump? I don't have any first hand experience but have seen them used on some large tanks. They are basically the next step up in flow I believe

Dmorty217 · 03/20/2018, 06:41 AM

Like others have mentioned if Vortech is out then Tunze. A comparable Tunze to a MP60 will cost you a pretty penny too. A 6305 stream is comparable but Tunze doesn't seem to make them anymore

Jonviviano · 03/20/2018, 07:50 AM

Tunze/vortech are the leaders obviously, But if your looking for basic flow, I would always put my money on the newer Koralias. I have had several that have run for years. They are very reliable and quiet. Some of the older models had issues with impeller magnets swelling, But Koralia CS always replaced the for free. They just lack the "cool" features.

marinelife · 03/20/2018, 08:24 AM

Tunze all the way. I ran some streams for 13.5 Years without issue.

On a system that large I would do a closed loop system.

cincyjim · 03/20/2018, 09:33 AM

I've been using the same Tunzes for 6 years and no issues (knock on wood).

laverda · 03/20/2018, 04:17 PM

Tunzes are the most reliable by far. Their newest pumps magnetic floating bearings should be even better.

swiftvision · 03/20/2018, 07:40 PM

If you can't afford Vortechs, what in the world are you doing with a 750g tank?

I couldn't imagine the costs.

I think im at $14,000 in my 'little' 100g.

Atomic081 · 03/21/2018, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swiftvision

If you can't afford Vortechs, what in the world are you doing with a 750g tank?

I couldn't imagine the costs.

I think im at $14,000 in my 'little' 100g.

I have a 500g system now and upgrade to a 750 isn’t too bad when I build the tank myself. Buy everything used that I feel is not a downgrade and use almost all the same equipment except skimmer and add another light from my current system. Just can’t justify the cost difference between the tunze and the Vortech. I also am building a rock wall all around 3 sides of the tank. So the vortech won’t work very well in the rock.

abhishek@1985 · 03/21/2018, 06:07 PM

I still use my 2010 Tunze 6105 and 2 6095s . 8 years and still never missed a beat. Ofcoarse wasn't used for 5 years in the middle .

I need to really buy new pumps but Tunzes make you not to buy new ones.

Regards,
Abhishek

Jonviviano · 03/22/2018, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swiftvision

If you can't afford Vortechs, what in the world are you doing with a 750g tank?

I couldn't imagine the costs.

I think im at $14,000 in my 'little' 100g.

Have you given it a thought that he can afford a 750G aquarium by saving money on other items like vortechs?

Jonviviano · 03/22/2018, 07:41 AM

on another note, i cannot imagine the costs to heat a volume of water that size!

smatter · 03/22/2018, 08:04 AM

Even if Vortechs were in, I'd still go Tunze.

Pablos RSM 450 · 03/22/2018, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic081

Im doing research into what powerheads to put into my new 750g. I currently have 4 Jebao's in my 220 and a little over a year after purchasing them, none of them work. While the Tunze that ive had in my frag tanks continue to work 6 years later and have never had a issue.

So in the new tank im looking at longevity with a powerhead.

I was originally going to go with the Maxpect Gyre in the new tank, but im not sure if i wana risk all that money on something so many people have had problems with.

Now im leaning towards old faithful Tunze.

I doubt i can afford Vortech MP60s.

Are there any other brands i should be looking into.
(could do a closed loop?)

Thanks
Ross

Go with tunze. I have 3 the oldest is 5 years old and never had aproblem. My gyre lasted 1.5 years before needing a new motor block $60. Yes the gyre moves a ton of water but it needs to be cleaned very often or it locks up.

gargoylenest · 03/22/2018, 09:41 AM

Id go tunze. they have proven themselves as the best quality out there.

Antegon · 03/22/2018, 10:27 AM

I have two Siccis that have been workhorses for 5 + years. Not a big brand loyalty guy, but I’ve never had an issue with them

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

McPuff · 03/23/2018, 08:34 AM

Tunze for sure. There are used pumps out there fairly often. You'd probably want the 6205 (4-6).

Or, as someone else mentioned, you could try a Panta Rhei and get away with one pump. Sure they are expensive, but if you're spending $800-$1k on 4-6 used pumps, then maybe $1k isn't too bad for a single new pump that you could hide in the rock wall?

As for heating, perhaps you're already doing this, but consider using your hot water heater to heat a closed loop and coil it through the sump. Lots of people are doing this with big tanks and it costs very little in ongoing consumption.

lmorejon · 03/23/2018, 10:10 AM

I'd go close loop, two of my three systems have had closed loops...

Jtyjackson · 03/28/2018, 09:13 AM

I have an older tunze 6055 which I am replacing the motor block on currently. But I will say their customer service is good and this pump is verrry old and has lasted a long time.

Jtyjackson · 03/28/2018, 09:14 AM

I also have a maxspect gyre that I recently bought used, I am still getting used to it as it is one you have to get used to at first.

Fraq · 03/28/2018, 03:26 PM

I have Gyre 250's and I clean them about ever month to keep them running smooth. I have yet to encounter any issues with them. My Vortech MP40's I clean about the same time. I once had an issue with the dryside of my mp40 and ecotech sent me a replacement even though I was outside the warranty period.

tom obrecht · 03/29/2018, 05:07 AM

PM sent

03/19/2018, 07:04 PM	#2
DesertReefT4r Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Mesa Az Posts: 771	On a tank that size I would suggest 2-3 closed loop systems with DC pumps on an Apex to make random flow. Or AC pumps with Sea Swirls. __________________ 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.

03/19/2018, 11:31 PM	#3
Wiskey Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fallbrook, CA Posts: 3,049	I love Tunze pumps, they are solid and they work. I had 6100's years ago, and it's 6105's now, the only issue I had was fixed free of charge and in just a couple days by Rodger. Whiskey __________________ This video shows 15 months of coral growth in my tank in a 30 second timelapse: https://youtu.be/bF6C57aTDEo

03/20/2018, 06:35 AM	#5
RCS82 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Sherwood Park, AB, Canada Posts: 273	Tunze gets my vote as well, although vortechs are a very nice unit. Have you looked at the panta rhei pump? I don't have any first hand experience but have seen them used on some large tanks. They are basically the next step up in flow I believe __________________ After about a 16 year break from fish keeping, Wow, how things have changed. Current Tank Info: 90g, mixed reef, I hope haha

03/20/2018, 06:41 AM	#6
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	Like others have mentioned if Vortech is out then Tunze. A comparable Tunze to a MP60 will cost you a pretty penny too. A 6305 stream is comparable but Tunze doesn't seem to make them anymore __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

03/20/2018, 08:24 AM	#8
marinelife Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Union, Ohio, USA Posts: 6,590	Tunze all the way. I ran some streams for 13.5 Years without issue. On a system that large I would do a closed loop system. __________________ I'm a SaltGeek are You? All LED since 2010. Current Tank Info: 375 Gallon Reef with siporax, all LED lighting, and Red Dragon 3 and Abyzz A200 on 2 closed loops.

03/19/2018, 06:28 PM	#1
Atomic081 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rushville, IN Posts: 476	Powerhead Longevity? Gyre, Tunze, others? Im doing research into what powerheads to put into my new 750g. I currently have 4 Jebao's in my 220 and a little over a year after purchasing them, none of them work. While the Tunze that ive had in my frag tanks continue to work 6 years later and have never had a issue. So in the new tank im looking at longevity with a powerhead. I was originally going to go with the Maxpect Gyre in the new tank, but im not sure if i wana risk all that money on something so many people have had problems with. Now im leaning towards old faithful Tunze. I doubt i can afford Vortech MP60s. Are there any other brands i should be looking into. (could do a closed loop?) Thanks Ross __________________ Ross INDMAS Member Current Tank Info: 800 Gallon Inwall

03/20/2018, 05:48 AM	#4
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	If Vortech is out, TUNZE is #1 in longevity and service

03/20/2018, 07:50 AM	#7
Jonviviano Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 417	Tunze/vortech are the leaders obviously, But if your looking for basic flow, I would always put my money on the newer Koralias. I have had several that have run for years. They are very reliable and quiet. Some of the older models had issues with impeller magnets swelling, But Koralia CS always replaced the for free. They just lack the "cool" features.

03/20/2018, 09:33 AM	#9
cincyjim Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,147	I've been using the same Tunzes for 6 years and no issues (knock on wood). __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: SCA 150G, 5 inch sand bed, 2 Tunze 6095s, ReefBreeders v2+ 50" with 2 all Blue Reefbrites, and Continuous Water Change System

03/20/2018, 04:17 PM	#10
laverda Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 6,902	Tunzes are the most reliable by far. Their newest pumps magnetic floating bearings should be even better. __________________ 240G mixed reef, 29G SPS/LPS clam tank, 50G mixed reef Current Tank Info: 300g mixed reef, 50g cube

03/20/2018, 07:40 PM	#11
swiftvision Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 179	If you can't afford Vortechs, what in the world are you doing with a 750g tank? I couldn't imagine the costs. I think im at $14,000 in my 'little' 100g. __________________ 100 Gal Cube Reef 8 Gal Nano Reef Current Tank Info: 8 Gallon Nano Reef and custom 100G cube reef

03/21/2018, 06:07 PM	#13
abhishek@1985 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 525	I still use my 2010 Tunze 6105 and 2 6095s . 8 years and still never missed a beat. Ofcoarse wasn't used for 5 years in the middle . I need to really buy new pumps but Tunzes make you not to buy new ones. Regards, Abhishek

03/22/2018, 07:41 AM	#15
Jonviviano Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 417	on another note, i cannot imagine the costs to heat a volume of water that size!

03/22/2018, 08:04 AM	#16
smatter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,055	Even if Vortechs were in, I'd still go Tunze.

03/22/2018, 09:41 AM	#18
gargoylenest Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: montreal,canada Posts: 135	Id go tunze. they have proven themselves as the best quality out there.

03/22/2018, 10:27 AM	#19
Antegon Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Chicago Posts: 97	I have two Siccis that have been workhorses for 5 + years. Not a big brand loyalty guy, but I’ve never had an issue with them Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03/23/2018, 08:34 AM	#20
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	Tunze for sure. There are used pumps out there fairly often. You'd probably want the 6205 (4-6). Or, as someone else mentioned, you could try a Panta Rhei and get away with one pump. Sure they are expensive, but if you're spending $800-$1k on 4-6 used pumps, then maybe $1k isn't too bad for a single new pump that you could hide in the rock wall? As for heating, perhaps you're already doing this, but consider using your hot water heater to heat a closed loop and coil it through the sump. Lots of people are doing this with big tanks and it costs very little in ongoing consumption.

03/23/2018, 10:10 AM	#21
lmorejon Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hialeah, Florida Posts: 39	I'd go close loop, two of my three systems have had closed loops...

03/28/2018, 09:13 AM	#22
Jtyjackson Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 10	I have an older tunze 6055 which I am replacing the motor block on currently. But I will say their customer service is good and this pump is verrry old and has lasted a long time.

03/28/2018, 09:14 AM	#23
Jtyjackson Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 10	I also have a maxspect gyre that I recently bought used, I am still getting used to it as it is one you have to get used to at first.

03/28/2018, 03:26 PM	#24
Fraq Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 52	I have Gyre 250's and I clean them about ever month to keep them running smooth. I have yet to encounter any issues with them. My Vortech MP40's I clean about the same time. I once had an issue with the dryside of my mp40 and ecotech sent me a replacement even though I was outside the warranty period.

03/29/2018, 05:07 AM	#25
tom obrecht Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WI Posts: 3,014	PM sent __________________ Reef keeping is where Murphy's Law and your bank account collide!! TOTM May 2006