Which Powerhead? Nero 5, MP 10QD, or Jebao SOW-4

[chattreef]

Hey clan, I'm in the middle of setting up my first nano reef. Red Sea Max Nano. It will be a mixed reef, and at first I was looking at a used MP10QD for $180, and then I saw nero 5 could be had for pretty much that price. I've use the Jebao RW lineup a few years ago on my planted tanks. I know good gear is nice, but is it better for me to spend less on a powerhead and invest in a dosing pump and keep my parameters stable? Looking for someone to steer me in the right direction on which powerhead should i buy!

Thanks

 

[wake125122]

I personally prefer the MP10. Just much nicer and maintenance is much easier. (at least in my opinion)

 

[chattreef]

I personally prefer the MP10. Just much nicer and maintenance is much easier. (at least in my opinion)

Did you have the nero 5 or jebao sow lineup?

 

[wake125122]

Did you have the nero 5 or jebao sow lineup?

I've had Jabeo before and I love their return pumps but honestly I am not a fan of there wavemakers for the most part. Everyone of those I have had seem to seize up pretty quick compared to the others. I haven't had the nero before but from what I have read it seems to have fixed reviews. Ecotech is the gold standard for a reason at least in my opinion. I have been getting a big fan of Maxspect as of recently. That might be a bit big for your tank though. You could try Icecap but that still might be a bit more than you were wanting to spend.

 

[jcook54]

I run a mix of Jebao and an MP10 in my frag tank. My display is the MP40 line. I love Ecotech and have had good experience with customer service. There have been recent reports of folks having issues but I haven't head to reach out in a while. In a smaller system I'd go with the MP10 or Nero over the Jebao because they are low profile and look really good. The SOW line is great but it has the look of a more traditional powerhead. If I were in your shoes, I'd be comparing the Jebao SLW to these other two since it's got a much lower profile and I think it looks better.

I believe our very own @civics14 runs the MP line on his main tank but when I was visiting him a while ago, he had Nero's on the new system he had recently set up. He might have some insight on why he went with one over the other. As far as Jebao goes, it's a lot cheaper but is also disposable. I run some of the wavemakers without issue but if one ever broke, I'd be pitching is and getting a new one. I just checked and my MP40s were made in April 2011 and October 2013 and are going strong. I wouldn't be surprised at all if I got 8+ years out of the Jebao's but I also wouldn't be surprised if they only last a year or two.

 

[chattreef]

I run a mix of Jebao and an MP10 in my frag tank. My display is the MP40 line. I love Ecotech and have had good experience with customer service. There have been recent reports of folks having issues but I haven't head to reach out in a while. In a smaller system I'd go with the MP10 or Nero over the Jebao because they are low profile and look really good. The SOW line is great but it has the look of a more traditional powerhead. If I were in your shoes, I'd be comparing the Jebao SLW to these other two since it's got a much lower profile and I think it looks better.

I believe our very own @civics14 runs the MP line on his main tank but when I was visiting him a while ago, he had Nero's on the new system he had recently set up. He might have some insight on why he went with one over the other. As far as Jebao goes, it's a lot cheaper but is also disposable. I run some of the wavemakers without issue but if one ever broke, I'd be pitching is and getting a new one. I just checked and my MP40s were made in April 2011 and October 2013 and are going strong. I wouldn't be surprised at all if I got 8+ years out of the Jebao's but I also wouldn't be surprised if they only last a year or two.

Wow i didn't even know about the SLW10. Now the questions is weather to spend 2.5x for the nero 5 or get the throwaway pump for 70. I know vortech is great, but with these other two, I can mount the magnet inside my overflow. Which is a plus for me.

 

[york1]

If its in the budget I would go with the Mp10. Another one you might want to consider is https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/rpm/
I use them and love em and they are not to expensive

 

[jcook54]

I've thought about it some more and if I were you, I'd get the Jebao. I resisted buying their product for a while because I thought they were cheap and didn't work well. But then I tried one of their products, then another and another and discovered that they really are a great value. Everything Jebao I own has worked really well and I have yet to be disappointed. Maybe I'll change my tune if and when things start breaking down but so far I've been happily impressed by everything I've picked up.

Look, if you want to, you can find horror stories about every different type and brand out there. Get the $70 wavemaker and if you don't like it, sell it.

 

[kullas]

I just ordered the jebao swl 20 should be here Tues I will let ya know how it works for me.

 

[civics14]

I ran Jebaos when I first started the hobby for several years and they are solid pumps for cheap. Never had an issue. So, if you're trying to save some money, go for it.

Now, in my main display, I have 3x mp40s. Mainly purchased for the easy of cleaning. Can just pull off the wetside without worrying about the cabling to clean. The aesthetics of no wire in the tank is nice as well. Only gripe about this pump is the reeflink to control it. What a pain. Once I finally got it programmed, I never touch the app anymore because it barely works. I just use the button to turn them off during water changes, etc.

In the frag tank, I purchased 2x Nero's vs the SLW30. The SLW30's were like $100 each vs the Nero at $200. So for only $100 more for each, I get the new upgraded magnet Nero and support an American company. I'm in the financial position to afford it, so why not. After I got it and set up, I am glad I did. These pumps were extremely easy and work off bluetooth. In the tank and programmed in less than 10 min! This tank is also running hydra HDs so the AI app is nice.

Hope this helps.