Experimental Comparison of Measured Flow Output of Aquarium Propeller Pumps

[returnofsid]

Here's a very interesting article, comparing flow rates of several different types of Prop Power heads. The results may surprise you, especially if you run Tunze.

Feature Article: Experimental Comparison of Measured Flow Output of Aquarium Propeller Pumps — Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine

 

[akunochi]

Man what a great article....glad I went with the vortechs still. I think there may have setlled my mp40/mp10 debate to supplement my 2 40's already on the new cube.

 

[returnofsid]

I was surprised to read that the Koralia 5 did better than the next 2 sizes up!! Also, the MPs put out more flow than advertised, which is a nice bonus! Tunze might have some work to do! Granted, every manufacturer uses a different "method" to determine their flow ratings. However, this comparison was a bit of an eye opener.

 

[akunochi]

I was reading a similar thread on RC and Tunze has confirmed the results and apologized. They state to watch their website for updates as the correct the problem in their line!

 

[Scooterman]

Tunze was the first out like these by far, so they probably didn't have much to really compare to at the time. Sad thing they weren't able to keep up but this may awaken them to develop more realistic gph ratings or even new improvements!

 

[akunochi]

Tunze was the first out like these by far, so they probably didn't have much to really compare to at the time. Sad thing they weren't able to keep up but this may awaken them to develop more realistic gph ratings or even new improvements!

EXACTLY. I think it is great of the company not to make excuses or fight it, but to confirm the test themselves (which they did apparently) and say we'll fix it.

 

[TJL]

Great read, thanks for posting it up Michael. I have used the Hydor's for some time now, so after reading this (entire article) most likely will continue to do so. Never could personally justify the added expense for the Tunze and for whatever reason every Vortech pump I've been around is to noisy for my ears especially at thier prices. Besides the GPH/watt chart the flow pattern charts were enlightening and now am wondering if someoane has done any mods to Koralia pumps that create a wider/softer flow similar to Vortech {maybe when I finish up the Honey Do list). Also wish they had used the newer Koralia Evo's for this test as am planning on using 4 of the 1400's on my 125g. Anywho thanks again for providing the link.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Somethings Fishy]

someone put some time into that study! good info to know prior to choosing a powerhead!

 

[dtd87]

No wonder my mp10 seems so STRONG lol

 

[Skimmy]

who'd a thunk it??
*facepalm*
tunze user for years...
but honestly, I do still LOVE tunze pumps.
and I guess I will have to love koralia's a little more...

 

[Herefishyfishy]

One of the most useful and needed studies in some time.

 

[Chichas01]

hmm, wonder if I can return my Tunze 6025's for the new model with accurate flow rate when they come out :lol::lol:

 

[Scooterman]

I guess I will have to love koralia's a little more...

I always said for the money they are awesome!

 

[user 2204]

Awesome reading. Thank you for sharing. Glad to have this before I buy my pumps/PH for the new 65H tank.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[MGDMIRAGE]

I love my Evos but when they launched they had bad bushings so you couldn't use them with a wavemaker as advertised, but I contact Hydor and boom they shipped out free bushings. A few months ago the front grills broke out of my two Evos and I again couldn't use it with a wavemaker because the stopper was on the front and broke off. So i contacted Hydor again and they are shipping me out two brand new fronts. Great company with amazing customer service.

After having read that article i like them ever more, although i still want a Vortech really bad especially now

I also have a couple Sunsun 1300gph pumps and those things put out some crazy flow and are cheaper than dirt.

 

[Krish]

Great article Sid! Thanks for sharing! I was always a big Tunze stream guy. I've had 3 different Tunze stream models (one being the nano versions), have had 2 different Seio's, one Koralia and I have to say, the Koralia I had that I tested out in just an empty tank with freshwater didn't impress me much. However, it was one of their smaller versions so I guess I couldn't conclude on just that alone. A maxijet rated at a little less power than the Koralia I had seemed to provide more flow than the Koralia did, but as mentioned, it was one of Koralia's smallest powerheads.

In any event, I still love me a Tunze!!! Whether their advertized flow rates were off, they still were great pumps that I never had any problems with. They ran continuously without any issues. Always wanted to try an ecotech powerhead, but never got a chance to. They seem really nice, but that price...Yikes!!! Imagine me buying one and paying 57% customs duty to import it here . Well, great article!! Gives me a lot to think about when planning my next tank if I go the powerhead route over the closed loop.