Is the Maxspect Gyre pump the only way to create gyre flow in my tank? | BRStv Investigates

We've all seen the gyre-like flow patterns from the Maxpect Gyre pump in an empty tank, but what about in a fully aquascaped reef tank? Today on BRStv Investigates, Ryan puts other pumps like EcoTech's Vortech MP40 and Tunze's 6085 to the test of creating gyre-like flow!
Want a chance to win some of these pumps we used?? CLICK BELOW!
www.bulkreefsu...
Today on BRStv, we have a brand new episode of our series, BRStv Investigates. In this series, we explore popular reefing theories, products, methods, and what the manuals are missing, with a focus on putting them to the test!
Gyre like flow can be great for coral growth and detritus removal, but how can we create that flow in our tanks? In today's BRStv Investigates episode, Ryan tries to create gyre flow from other top rated pumps and puts them up against the Maxpect Gyre 250.
Not only do we get an exciting reef investigation today, but we are also giving you the chance to start winning the equipment we use for these episodes!! That's right, be sure to sign up and get your chance for a very lightly used piece of BRStv Reef Gear!
We release a new BRStv Investigates episode each Friday, so don't forget to hit that subscribe button to see what's coming up next!
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@mirkogremmen3606]

An update about our Customer Service Crew & Tanks. awesome video!

[@lisafoster4468]

Where can I get some of those beads? They'd be super-helpful to figure out my configuration before adding animals,

[@NeoStorm_401]

Can I have a CoralLife BioCube 32g LED with nothing but Clowns. But the ? Is how many in one tank can I do?

[@NeoStorm_401]

BulkReefSupplyCom could I have 2 Clowns one yellow tang. And a Mandolin ??

[@unclefreshreef4318]

What wave maker would you guys suggest for a 93 gallon cube mixed reef setup with lots of live rock?

[@unclefreshreef4318]

Do you run 1 or 2?

[@unclefreshreef4318]

You are going to have Tsunami in there! LOL Thanks for the tips. I got some thinking to do I'm not sure what I want to do now. (Thanks Ryan!) LOL JK

[@NeoStorm_401]

What do think is a better Protein Skimmer for a 40 breeder w/No Sump. Tunze 9004 or Eshopps 75 ?? Please help I can't decide. Thank you #KeepReefing

[@marlinmaveric]

I came across your videos a couple of days ago and I have to say I love them. Your videos are very much informative and explanations are excellent. I will refer anyone that I come across, either getting started or seasoned in the hobbie, to your videos and website.

[@ReefDudes]

Great Video, I Appreciate that you use the beads to give a visual representation of the flow patterns. I have a 5.5' peninsula style tank and only have pumps on the overflow wall. Its always a challenge to get flow through the full length of the tank. I have mix of vortechs and a gyre all on the one wall and find pulsing them to create a whole tank wave.. so far my best solution. Would you worry about the Tunzes blasting your corals and being too much flow? Awesome prizes! :D

[@ReefDudes]

True enough!

[@dsedean]

I feel this test was actually wrong. All pumps was x2... well apart from the maxspect was only one of them. If you used two like you had with all the other tests you did on here the maxispect would of destroyed the tunze.

[@davidburnside8370]

Awesome video, the fluorescent beads really did the trick to give us a visual! Thanks BRS!!

[@stijntaelman]

thanks for the tip with the air tubing ;)

[@playwaterpolo]

Guys just put in a wooden airstone. It's really easy to watch the bubbles.

[@ReefDudes]

No do you think its better to have the Gyre flow or to pulse the pump and rock the water column? Which do you think is best for corals? :)

[@ReefDudes]

Now i just need a second matching tank!

[@Miruno]

To bad the "free stuff" Is only for legal resident of the United States..

[@vleis7226]

Is the GYRE flow the ideal flow or is it personal preference?

[@ferozkaamil1]

maxspect is go to pump.

[@liampritchard4163]

I would take 2 gyros over a mp 40 for the same price

[@ThingsIdo4fun]

Hmm this made me think, what about if you customize the top half portions of the vortech(Or other similar pumps)? Just for this specific purpose, eliminating the air draw and being able to place it closer to the surface. Is just a thought I just had mid way of the video. Pretty sure I'm not the only one who thought about this. Anyways, love BRS.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

This is exactly what this channel is for! Well done, thank you.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

I have two gyre 230s my 120 gallon ... alternating back and forth every 10 seconds.. seems like you only get a true gyre with one pump ... alternating disrupts it from completing a full circular flow... wish they added a 20-30 sec alternating option !! Brs please Use your power and talk to Maxspect hahahha

[@W4RD1N8ER]

I had multiple pumps and controllers I just installed a Glamoraca GP 03 in my 70 gallon and it took all the dead zones way in one shot I picked one of the programmed presets and it is perfect for my tank and how I love having three eyesores out of my reef is nice. Just one near the surface, I now have three other real good pumps to use in a frag tank I want to build. This one pump is licensed by Maxspect does the same thing but easier on the pockets, I now have a nice Gyre effect in the aquarium it works and I have seen a real nice response from my corals and fish. I should have done this in the beginning.

[@Jessekin32]

Was it a total of 4x 6085's in the BRS160? I'm getting a 150 Gallon (72x27x18) and liked that the video stated the 6085's are better, but then also said a pair on each side with footnotes? Looking for clarification if possible! I don't think I would want 4 pumps in there. Hopefully only 2 pumps of the 6085's was the verdict for the BRS160. (2 on one side, as demonstrated in the 120? 1 on each side?) Thanks!

[@Jessekin32]

BulkReefSupplyCom thank you for the quick reply!

[@victorcharlap4642]

Is there any reason why you didn't use 2 MP40 on the BRS 160? If you use 2 Tunze 6085 why didn't you try 2 MP40's? I know the price of 2 Mp40 would be over $700 but your comparing 2 pumps against 1.

[@victorcharlap4642]

The price of the 2 tunzes is about the same as the one MP40 or the Gyre. If we only had that blank check we could write for our wants!

[@larrytrimble3856]

Love the show. Hope im one Of the one pix for the Grye

[@nortok00]

I just entered the wonderful world of salt and this video was amazing! So informative especially with the visual component! Thank you! I will definitely be watching the other vids in your channel.

[@Racer-M]

Am I too late for a free pump?😅 excellent video. Info much needed brs.

[@Oxinder]

I’m getting the same affect using just my 3000gph return pump using a sqwd and 6 flow Excelerator‘s 3 per side. My gyro affect switches side to side meaning the water over the coarse of 15 min shifts side to side and lowers up and down per side shifting where the overlap is.

[@reefingisapassion1113]

This was very helpful... I was just contemplating this when I was setting up my tank. I recently placed one pump on top and a second pump on the bottom of the opposite end of my 4ft 72g bow. Seems to be working so far, however not sure if it makes sense. Is it really better to put them on the same side on top?

[@xanderjones2747]

Loved the scientific approach here with the beads, cool to see the movement of the beads.

[@DanielHJeffery]

I LOVE my gyre!!!! BEST pump I have ever owned 5*

[@ASBsweet]

Could ou recommend gyre on the side and 2no Mp10 on the back wall?

[@BRStv]

That could certainly work. Flow is so dependent on your tank's rock work and types of corals, so it's hard to say exactly. I usually like to look at the tissue of my LPS or the polyps of my SPS to determine if I have enough flow or a good flow pattern. You don't the tissue/polyps to be blasted against the coral skeleton.

[@billhuggins6278]

So gyre is just the new term for laminar flow that always got bashed in recent years, lol.

[@billhuggins6278]

I agree, and I own a couple, great products. Just funny to think for years people have been screaming "dont have all your flow going the same way"

[@unclefreshreef4318]

WAHOO FREE GIVEAWAY! Thanks BRS!

[@jeremiex.mcleod3328]

Big tanks are cool and all, but what about in smaller tanks and cubes? Noticed you only tested side-to-side. What about from the back of the tank to the front?

[@SaltRockStacker]

I tested my Icecap Gyre on a back to front configuration on a 100gal (6-foot long) tank, about 4 inches below the surface. I had to dial down the speed to about 40% to get a good gyre without blowing out the sand or blow the water over the rim. I think a single Maxspect or Icecap gyre would work on cubes as large as 2 feet by 2 feet. If I had the money for it, I would try three gyres on a back to front configuration along the entire length of my tank and see how it goes. :)

[@ericcioffi2402]

The video shows a top to bottom flow pattern. The pump is placed high and causing the water to shoot across the top of the tank and return across the bottom...I'll call it horizontal flow. I think I read somewhere that creating whirlpool flow is desirable. In essence its the same type of flow as a horizontal gyre just on a different plane...across the front and back rather than the top and bottom. Any thoughts?

[@bigsalty3661]

why does brstv always ignore jabao pumps.... They are every bit as good as echotec and a fraction of the price

[@XxMalabooo]

Do a test to see which color spectrum grows corals faster with LED's - Solid Blue, Solid White, Or Mixed Spectrum

[@n8dog2001]

I'm assuming I could also run a maxpect plus a smaller focused pump to move water behind my rock structure right? I'm planning a 90 gallon build right now and this video was very helpful. thanks!!

[@pelphrey]

Since you did the "bubbling method" in the video (haha) is this something you all will consider doing in the BRS 160 moving forward?

[@IanB1015]

Would using a MP40 and a MP10 in a master / Slave mode make up the difference for some of the gyre drawbacks that’s the MP40 has on its own??

[@TilmanBaumann]

What are those beads that you used? Will they biodegrade? If sucking in water is an issue, why not produce the gyre by shooting the water over the bottom? Or one bottom and one top? Would also pick up detritus and keep it from settling on the bottom.

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

Is it possible to have a successful reef tank with only sand sifting fish? I'd really like to do a watchman goby tank with no other fish if that's feasible

[@HentzGG]

I'm upgrading to a 120 Gallon SPS Tank from my 34 Reefer 170. I currently have 1 Gyre 130 running vertically on my tank which is perfect. However for my upgrade, I'm debating on either adding 1 Gyre 250 OR 1-2 MP40's on the opposite side of my Gyre 130. What do you guys think?

[@andrewhales9771]

I entered to win the contest and it said if I spend over $100 I receive a free Tshirt. But it also said offer expires 5/8??

[@wysiwygo]

Any opinion on what combo to use on a 200 gallon mixed reef with heavy aquascape? 8' long,24" deep and 20" tall

[@jonathansimpson1106]

Debris gets stuck on the sharp rocks also. Maintenance of the rocks is a good habit. Blowing into the crevices with a turkey baster every once in a while will definitely get that debris out. Beneficial bacteria and water changes is all you need to keep your aquarium running smooth without worrying about what's in the rocks. Me and my angelfish like walls of live rock. Leaving gaps in between the rear glass panels and the rocks is good enough for flow to pull out anything that's back there. I'm using 1 wavemaker on my 4ft aquarium and it circulates the aquarium just fine. Proper placement of 1 wavemaker aiming at the surface is better than multiple wavemakers because the fish are comfortable and they're never blasted around all day. Having the right size wavemaker for a tank is very important because you could possibly have too much flow, not enough flow or the wavemaker could look bulky in a small tank. Turning up the flow for a few seconds on your wavemaker could free up some of the trapped debris if your coral will allow you. I do that sometimes and it works. I sit and watch the debris as it goes into the intake. There's nothing better than a tank that can work for you!

[@SaltRockStacker]

Pssst, your title spelled the brand wrong. Their marketing guys might be contacting you :) (corrected :) )

[@wolfmanjack3451]

From a power consumption aspect what option(s) will create a gyre and not drastically increase the portion of my electric bill attributed to tank operations?

[@marquiiswells]

Off topic but an investigation into which line of products is best would be great to see. Zeovit, aquaforest, Red Sea, etc..

[@jamesfyfe9251]

Awsome video thx

[@nitsud77]

Any input on the icecap gyre 1k? I have a 32biocube topless with prime hd mixed corals. (Soft &lps)

[@krisparnell3703]

With a 6ft tank i would have tried the maxspect 280. It would have been a better option up against 2 pumps. But love the test!

[@kristenherr4498]

Is it better to have a pump on each side of the tank that can go back and forth for varied flow or does a gyre alone work well for a reef tank?

[@franklinmichael671]

I have a 4 foot 90 gallon tank and two mp40s, would it be a good idea to try putting both of them on the same side?

[@curtisbridgen1493]

awsome givaway, anyone would have to be crazy not to want you guys to keep it up. I watch every video and can't wait until the next one comes out. I am work on a 125 build and have learned some much from you. Keep up the good work.

[@FFKiwi1]

hey guys- in the last test when you used the "2 x Tunze 6085" 's in your 6 ft tank, where they on OPPOSITE sides of the tank or on the SAME WALL on one side?

[@vascojardim6703]

Hey guys, kudos on yet another great series! Here is a suggestion for a future episode: compare the performance of mechanical filtration media (carbon and GFO) in a reactor vs in a sump compartment where all the water is pushed through! This is not passive drop a bag in a sump style, but rather having the media in a basket where all the water has to run through. One of these Nuvo all in ones should make it quite easy to compare. To me this is interesting as I am always trying to minimize equipment, electricity, tubbing, etc!

[@Studjunior]

Thanks for the amazing video!! I just finished building an 8 foot tank which is viewable on both sides. I have 2 MP 40s from my last tank but I'm thinking of changing to a Maxspect Gyre. What would you recommend I use? This will be an SPS dominated tank.

[@TrashPandaFTW]

Well I'll be signing up for that! I'm planning on using duel maxspect gyres on my 180 build. Positioned across from each other on opposing schedules.

[@qwicxs]

I loved my gyre. Mine broke within 6 months. Replacement parts are expensive. So I'm using the current IC loop system love them

[@nathanemmons1092]

For my salt water aquarium could I use sand from a beach on Lake Michigan and clean it very well?

[@LazyAssReefer]

I thought it was better to have alternating pumps that generate a dynamic flow rather than static flow continually in one direction?

[@stijntaelman]

my thought as well...

[@stijntaelman]

BRS, I have a 10 foot heavy SPS dominant tank coming, was gonna have an MP40/60 pair on each side, and 2 MP40's on the back, to be able to have turbulent flow. Do you think 2 (or more) XF280's could provide enough varied flow instead of these (if yes, awesome, they're a lot less expensive :) )

[@birtikidis]

Nice video. I actually went with gyre and have loved it so far. I couldn't justify dropping 400+ on a pump even though I really wanted the MP40. Maybe for my next build ;)

[@atmyworkshop8385]

I'm setting up 85 gallon tank 26" tall would the maxspect be a good choice for a taller tank? And I have a corner overflow would you place it on the same wall as the overflow or the opposite?

[@ferretfez6976]

Suggestion, in your 6’ tank where you were using2 pumps to try and create the gyre. Do you think it would work better if you placed a high flow at top on one end and a lower flow half/3quarters way down but at the other end ? This should encourage the gyre to form as desired.

[@daniel69284]

This is Awesome .. BRS TV Rocks and makes Fridays a little bit more fun. I have signed up for the giveaway !!!

[@abinder3]

I would of liked to of seen you run 2 MP40s on one end of the tank like you did with other pumps to see what kind of effect it would have. Also, it would be nice to see what kind of flow would be achieved with 1 pump on each end of the tank like most people use.

[@justinrasmussen8325]

Any reason why the WAV pumps from Neptune were not tested?

[@gewglesux]

Never heard of this brand.... i'll have to look into this brand.. most of the shops around here carry the Hydor and the Vortech .

[@justinrasmussen8325]

Gewglesux WAV pumps are made by Neptune Systems. The company that makes the Apex aquarium controllers

[@gewglesux]

Thanks for the reply... I didn't know that.

[@mrbrown9659]

Great info given as usual. Having problems with flow myself, struggling to balance good flow for corals with blowing fish n sand everywhere

[@kylesreef2989]

Canadians ineligible, boo-urns Thanks for the video though, re-affirms some purchases!

[@davids8186]

Your videos are so educational and helpful. Thank you very much for making them, much appreciated.

[@stianandreassen3903]

Pretty cure the Jaebo CP 25/45 pumps will do the same thing for a 3rd of the price

[@kimsotus]

The gyre pump is liken to a fireplace air fan. Great concept for moving columns of water, and a nice variation from the typical cone flow.

[@Jucy_j]

Finally a good and informative video of flow... ive been searching but everyone else sucks lol thanks guys

[@mjminino]

So would this replace my dual PP-4's in my 75 gallon?

[@brandywine3235]

I think it should have been said that Maxspect now has the ability to control duel gyre with one controller. I think this creates wave patterns that a truly unique.

[@alexwerries2339]

I would be interested to see the wav's in comparison as wellI have 2 wav's in my 125 The programming has a slight learning curve but there very versatile

[@CALIGR52V]

I need that for my tank

[@codylee2593]

Thanks for the great video content and the opportunity to win new toys I won't be able to afford but will definitely be drooling over for a long time to come.

[@braurc]

I have 4 WAVs on my RS Reefer 525 to get a good flow in all areas of my tank

[@TheLittleGemstone]

My flow Seems to be to to powerful for my clown Fish. My tank is the innovative marine fusion 10 and my powerhead is the koralia 240gph. I LOVE CORAL and want high flow corals but I dont want my fish constantly being pushed by the current. What shall I do?:(

[@TheLittleGemstone]

BulkReefSupplyCom You just led me to a great idea! I could remove my koralia, instead get a high gph return pump in my 3 chamber and get the nuvo spin stream

[@ericj5916]

Nice, might have just confirmed my decision about buying it.

[@jeffklaubo3168]

little off topic but is the 160 still up and running? if so how does it look?

[@NeoStorm_401]

Yes I does. I love my Gyre prob one of my best investments👍🏼👍🏼✔️🌸🌺🐠🐟. What % would you suggest for a 40 breeder like 20-30-40 ??

[@NeoStorm_401]

Oh I should say. I'm putting soft corals.

[@TacticalDadsAirsoft]

Good vid gave me an idea but why is the contest US only

[@chinsangs]

So is it better to place 2 koralias across the tank from each other or place them both on the same side for a gyre effect?

[@chinsangs]

***** thanks

[@JoeGulisano]

always appreciate the effort you guys take to provide these videos!

[@ntran74]

Forget the pumps. I want to know where did you get the corals?? Magnificent!

[@BRStv]

They're fake plastic inserts to better simulate flow pattern in a real-world tank setup.

[@aquariumdog6327]

Nice Review and comparison on these Pumps.....

[@salparmar7861]

Can you please do a review of few Current-USA lights along with the wave pumps connected with the Bluetooth loop system.

[@BRStv]

I don't think you'll see us do a review on that system. We've only done a video on a product we don't carry once and don't plan to do that again.

[@salparmar7861]

I quiet didn’t understand what you said, so if you don’t carry the product you don’t review is that what you are saying!? Or you have done one in the past and won’t do another one again?? If you have done one can you share the link for me please.

[@wolfmanjack3451]

Can the Maxspect be programmed to varie the flow rate around the clock?

[@wolfmanjack3451]

BulkReefSupplyCom ;That's what I was wanting to hear..thanks.

[@wateronthefloor]

Does a spray bar under the waters surface not do the same thing?

[@ibinyth5866]

I have a 8ft tank at 15" deep wonder what would be best for me

[@mattjohnson9987]

Awesome vid. You guys just sold me on the MP40 over the Maxspect.

[@mattjohnson9987]

Thanks guys. I'm currently building the stand for this Deep Blue 80 frag. Hoping to have water in it by the fall.

[@TheAtsinaandy]

Loved the video. Great content as always! Good Job!

[@larryloaf4938]

its a bit of a miss leading using 2 6085 compared to 1 Gyre a xf250 if u used 2 gyre it would be way better and apart from the controller they are the same price so $ for $ the gyre is by far the best

[@Jessekin32]

Was it a total of 4x 6085's in the BRS160? I'm getting a 150 Gallon (72x27x18) and liked that the video stated the 6095's are better, but then also said a pair on each side with footnotes? Looking for clarification if possible! I don't think I would want 4 pumps in there. Hopefully only 2 pumps of the 6085's was the verdict for the BRS160. Thanks!

[@redsoxclover11]

I had two koralia 1950 in a 75 gallon plus return pump with 4 outlets. I got most of my flow off my return. The koralias didn’t do enough at all. One gyre xf230 is more than enough flow. I might add another one later though so I can cover more area around my rocks.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Never Give An Inch tnx

[@joe0813]

Give the opened pumps to a veteran that served in combat

[@yasnilalugo9911]

0

[@PianoChuck]

I just bought a gyre literally like 4 days ago.

[@PianoChuck]

Ya 3' tank. Gyre on forward mode 100% on the icecap. So.. my sand moved and consumed one of my corals. lol I have it tuned way down. Basically over 30% and the sand flies. 58gallon here

[@Genuts4642]

Wait wait! I'm here, I'm here! Did I miss it?