Need Flow=PowerHeads (Which one is the best)?

[Syris]

I know the big hype is closed loops right now but I'm on a tight budget and time frame and just want to add some flow to my tank. There seems to be little flow in my tank and Im starting to have problems w/ hair and cyano algae.(I know, whats my water source? I use well water because my TPW is too slow, but thats why I have no money Im saving for a nice RO/DI 8) ) In the mean time I figured I would increase the flow in the tank since I have so many dead spots and have started keeping SPS.

Right now I have a mag9.5 @4' head for return and 1 Rio 600 and 1 Aquaclear 301 on a Natural Wave strip. I want to replace the 2 powerheads out with 3 new powerheads. Should I go with 3 Maxijets 1200 or 900?. Or 3 Rio 600 or 800.? I basically want something that will increase the flow in my tank but without kicking up the sand. I also want something that is not physically too big and stand out like a sore thumb.
Any suggestions or experiences?
TIA

 

[LA-Lawman]

If you have to use a powerhead than go with maxi-jets.. i have had a 1200 for 7 yrs now and it still goes strong.....

Rio's are junk.. the suction cups dont stay and they need constant cleaning..... The maxijets have good suction cups and you can get replacements if needed....

but if i were you and had a little time to save..... get the tunze turbelle series of pumps...... they are outsanding... I have 2 of the 2002's (633gph each) and the rock! the motor is outside the tank and is fan cooled.... you can get the controller module and then use it to pulse them or turn the velocity up and down.... really neat!

HTH

 

[mountainbiker619]

Lawman..but you failed to mention the price of a tunze turbelle ..lol

 

[Syris]

How big are the MJ1200 compared to Rio600. I know this sounds nit picky but I jus don't want a HUGE powerhead look in my 75g.

 

[baseman]

Syris - I have two Maxijet 1200s in my 75. They are so covered in Coraline alge they kind of blend in to the tank.

 

[Anonymous]

How big are the MJ1200 compared to Rio600. I know this sounds nit picky but I jus don't want a HUGE powerhead look in my 75g.

They are not huge at all. A little bigger than the 600. I have 2 in my 75gal. Does not look bad.

 

[Anonymous]

The sraitner and the return make the 1200 bigger than the rio's. The maxijets are more reliable IMO. However, I've had one rio and one maxijet1200 crap out on me. neither one fouled the tank, but I've only heard reports of rio's fouling the tank. I have a 1200 and I plan on adding one of those scwd's(squid) as a wavemaker.

 

[Syris]

Thx everyone.
Im going to order (2) MJ1200s this week. If I feel I need more flow I may add a 3rd later on.

 

[Emperator]

for those unwilling to swallow the price for the turbelles, try the gemini powerhead. they are based on the same principle (above tank powerheads) but cost $75 each. they pump about 960gph using 30ish watts. however, unlike the turbelle they don't come with controlleres to allow for the "pulsing".

hth

 

[agiacosa]

Tunze stream. Best movement for SPS to date.

 

[Anonymous]

Maxijets will do really well on a wavemaker if you plan on adding one later.

Tunze stream. Best movement for SPS to date.

What about surge devices?

 

[agiacosa]

Surge devices...Most are difficult to implement (e.g., Carlson, Reverse Carlson, Borneman). They give a nice surge but it may be too much close to the device. Additionally, they add noise and bubbles.

Wave2k gives a nice motion. Read the posts on RC. IMO, the stream is the most dependable with the best movement of water.

 

[Syris]

I use a Natural Wave strip by Aquarium Systems for alternating current. Considering it only cost ~$50 I think it does a very nice job. Does make a clicking on Rio pumps :roll: But I did some searching and most people use maxijet on it and they don't make any clicking noise. So hopefully I will have my MJ1200s by early next week 8)