Recommendations on Pumps for 60 cube (1 Viewer)

[farnzi]

I am thinking about changing the setup I have for pumps within my 60 cube (24" x 24" x 24" with the return area being a half moon shaped hump on the middle of the back of the tank) and am up for any recommendations on an upgrade/change.

Right now, I have four Koralia Evo pumps hooked up to my controller in an on/off, alternate cycle to get some bi-directional flow since my aquascaping is sort of like an island or mound of rock with space on each side, even around the back. Most of the pumps are used and I've had them a while, but at this point even after vinegar baths a couple won't consistently turn on (or at all) and more often than not will run in reverse despite replacing the rubber stops. Short story - I'm kind of sick of these things and my tank is starting to look fugly.

What would you guys use to get the best flow pattern on this cube tank?

 

[Myclang]

I recommend the Jaebow pumps. they're DC pumps that their speeds can be controlled, and they have a few patterns of flow programmed into them. they're about the same price as your Koralias. Plus you don't have to pull a second mortgage like you would with the Vortechs.

 

[jlanger]

When I ran my 45gal Cube, finding the best configuration for water flow was tough.
I think that any of the prop pumps that produce a broad laminar flow are better than any direct flow powerheads.
I was up to four Korallia pumps before I just went with two of the Vortech MP10s.
And I also didn't like the hard starts when controlling the Korallias; it was brutal on the pumps' motors.

Maybe someone with a Maxspect Gyre pump has some experience that will help you out.

 

[farnzi]

When I ran my 45gal Cube, finding the best configuration for water flow was tough.
I think that any of the prop pumps that produce a broad laminar flow are better than any direct flow powerheads.
I was up to four Korallia pumps before I just went with two of the Vortech MP10s.
And I also didn't like the hard starts when controlling the Korallias; it was brutal on the pumps' motors.

Maybe someone with a Maxspect Gyre pump has some experience that will help you out.

Where did you place your mp10s? I'm also hoping for ideas on placement...

 

[jlanger]

Over weeks, I placed the Vortech in numerous configurations (one each side, both on one side, one a side and one on the back, both the back) and ran them both synched and anti-synched.
What I found worked best for me was:

One one each side, about five inches below the water line and slightly off-set (one was centered front-to-back, the other a couple of inches towards the front).
The pumps ran anti-synched; switching between Reef Crest Mode, Tidal Swell Mode and Nutrient Transport Mode.

With that said, my aquascape was shaped like a horseshoe along both sides and the back; but not touching the side glass.
If you have an island or wall aquascape, the water flow will be different and you may have to adjust the pump's locations accordingly.

 

[Fragtastic Reef]

I have 2 of the MP10w pumps on my 60gal cube at my store on the back of the tank. Works awesome!