POWERHEADS

[YATES47842]

I am setting up a new 90 gallon reef tank that will be LPS and SPS. I am so confused about what is a budget friendly--not bargain basement and not Tiffany--that would be a good starting point. How many do I need to start with as I know I will be adding on eventually for dead spots. Does anyone have model numbers that I can look up? I have asked a couple of shops and all they keep telling me is it depends on how much flow I am wanting or needing. I DONT KNOW!! And they want to sell me something that is $300-$400 just starting out. Help, I am so confused!!

 

[PeterC99]

Welcome to R2R!

Research the different pumps- ecotech, wavs, etc. plenty of discussions on this site. Don’t rush your decision. I run 2 Ecotech MP40s on my 90g.

Also look for lightly used pumps for sale on the Marketplace or other selling sites.

 

[Fish Think Pink]

I am setting up a new 90 gallon reef tank that will be LPS and SPS. I am so confused about what is a budget friendly--not bargain basement and not Tiffany--that would be a good starting point. How many do I need to start with as I know I will be adding on eventually for dead spots. Does anyone have model numbers that I can look up? I have asked a couple of shops and all they keep telling me is it depends on how much flow I am wanting or needing. I DONT KNOW!! And they want to sell me something that is $300-$400 just starting out. Help, I am so confused!!

Welcome! Glad you joined. There is not just one answer, so I understand your confusion and frustration. While I'm defering this question to others, let me share this thread that I watch because this is a budget reefer (always my goal) and he lists out his 2 pumps at $80 (its a 46 gallon).. think of it as a possible starting point:

Build Thread - 46g bowfront sumpless mixed reef

Tank video!

www.reef2reef.com

Have you considered starting your build thread? I found its a great place to document my tank's evolution for myself. I started tank first then joined, so I'm still finding myself going back collecting pictures & updating historically as well as current state. Once you create your first post in your thread and link it to your account, they will give you build badge (look left, under my ID)

This is a good reference book type online article I still review:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no where near simple. This task is going to take patience, a ton of...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Zach B]

I've had good success and reliability from Hydor in the past but I haven't had any new ones in a while. While I don't run too many now, I still have a few in my sump & refugium that are going on 3-4 years . They are nothing crazy but did and continue to do the job well.

Welcome btw

 

[Utubereefer]

I’d go with sicce if I was doing a budget build. Go to brs. com they have everything laid out easy to find and pick what you want.

 

[X-37B]

I prefer Tunze pumps.
However I run Jebao pumps too and am happy with their performance.
Take a look at these OW-40's.
You can get 4 of these for the price of 1 Tunze 6105.
The controllers are better than Tunze, imo.
Check my build for some pics and info.
2 of these are a good start and wont break the bank.

2-pack Jebao OW40 Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller for Marine Reef Aquarium | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2-pack Jebao OW40 Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller for Marine Reef Aquarium at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Billldg]

I am setting up a new 90 gallon reef tank that will be LPS and SPS. I am so confused about what is a budget friendly--not bargain basement and not Tiffany--that would be a good starting point. How many do I need to start with as I know I will be adding on eventually for dead spots. Does anyone have model numbers that I can look up? I have asked a couple of shops and all they keep telling me is it depends on how much flow I am wanting or needing. I DONT KNOW!! And they want to sell me something that is $300-$400 just starting out. Help, I am so confused!!

I would go with IM Aqua Gadget Wavelink pumps or Tunze pumps. They are not crazy expensive and will work. The IM pumps are DC and thus, have variable speed. I would recommend 2 of anything that can change the flow.

I believe in variable speed flow pumps. That why I went with the IM on my first tank. The problem is, you get what you pay for. I had 1 of them wear out in a few years, while, I still have a 2nd that I am still using years later.

Auqa Gadget Desktop WaveLink DC Powerhead (165 - 1500 GPH)

Ultra Quiet Sine Wave Technology Recommended Tank Size - 10-30 gallons Innovative Marine's WaveLink Auqa Gadget is a super small but powerful powerhead. The new sine wave technology keeps the pump running ultra quiet compared to traditional pumps, and the DC controller lets you customize the...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Auqa Gadget MidSize WaveLink DC Powerhead (253 - 2300 GPH)

Ultra Quiet Sine Wave Technology Recommended Tank Size - up to 60 gallons Innovative Marine's WaveLink Auqa Gadget is a super small but powerful powerhead. The new sine wave technology keeps the pump running ultra quiet compared to traditional pumps, and the DC controller lets you customize...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[tharbin]

Welcome to R2R! Lots of good advice above. I've personally used Tunzes and Neros and Korallas but I've heard good things about Jaebos and Sicces.

 

[X-37B]

Oh and.....

 

[SoggyNW]

People look down their nose at Jebao pumps but mine are going on 3 years with zero issues.

 

[Fred2482]

Welcome! Seems like a lot of budget friendly powerheads have been mentioned already. +1 for Tunze

 

[Utubereefer]

I love how everyone likes something different! What a great hobby!

 

[Jeffcb]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[Kiwi reefer]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Schraufabagel]

 

[SPR1968]

Hi and welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[Brucealmighty]

People look down their nose at Jebao pumps but mine are going on 3 years with zero issues.

Mine too and I have had a return pump made by them a jecod dcs 12000 and has been running 24/7 for the last 5 years no problem and I have replaced it just now with a smaller one (9000) and expect the same from a cost of £90 because the old pump had started making a bit more noises, as for my two jebao wavemakers RW15 13000 lph they too are replacements of the same ones I had before although the price has decreased as I paid £125 for both and expect another 2/3 years from these too

 

[Adrift]

Welcome to R2R glad you joined us. I would like at tunze or sicce on Bulkreefsupply. I run four WAV pumps myself but they are a bit pricey. Attached some older pictures

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Lots of good ideas given so I think you have enough choices here. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[G Santana]

I started my 130 gallon tank with two inexpensive 1000 GPH power heads, got them on sale for $23 a piece, plus I have a 32 year old power head that's still pushing water in my tank.
Things are going well with cheap heads.

I'll upgrade when I see a real need.

Oh and WELCOME ABOARD