Choosing between a Koralia 4 and a Nanostream 6045

[trilinearmipmap]

I have a 120 gallon mixed reef, over the past few years it has gradually been moving in an SPS direction although there are still plenty of LPS, a few soft corals and about five BTA's.

My only flow is the Mag 12 return pump, I know I am severely under-powered as far as circulation goes. I do have a sand bed about 1/2" to 1" deep which I am willing to get rid of if necessary.

I was looking at getting either a Tunze nanostream 6045 or else a Hydor Koralia 4. I would put the pump at the far end of the tank away from the BTA's of course. The other option I really liked was the Vortech, the price is not so much a barrier but I thought it might be too much flow.

The reviews I have read about the nanostreams say there have been issues with the impeller and also issues with the mounting bracket breaking. I understand Tunze has tried to fix these issues.

So I need advice on the 6045 versus the Koralia 4. Factors that will go into the choice include: noise, aesthetics/size, reliability, and flow characteristics.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I've had three of the nanostreams, and they all ended up breaking on me! Having said that, when they *were* working, they worked well and I liked them. Very inobtrusive.

I have two Koralias now, and I'm quite pleased. I've had no problems so far. They are a bit bulkier, but that's it.

I'm pretty sure the Vortech's flow rates can be controlled....so I don't think it would have to be too much flow. But for the price you'd pay, I'm not sure it would be worth it to ramp it all the way down and just leave it that way.

[skylord]

I also have 3 Tunze nano streams and all are being held together with supper glue and zap straps. I wouldnt recomend them to anyone. But they do put out the flow.

I have 2 of the korilia 4's and they work real good but the down side to them is the magnet is rather weak.

Third option now is a Maxi Jet 1200. By far the best out of the three if you get the mod from J&L (rated at 1600 gph) or the mod that Chen brought in that puts out 2500gph. I have both and the 2500 is the best flow I have ever gotten from these small type power heads. I have Tunze 6101's and this 2500 is real close to those in power. This is a $25 mod to a MJ...less money and a lot more flow than the nano streams or the hydors.

Scott

[Skimmerking]

i have the modded maxi 1200 in my 120 gal reef mixed and its alot of flow i have mine at the bottom pointing up to the top and its wicked current along with my tunze 6000 and mag 12 i have lots of flow... very happy with the maix mod too

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I have used all four (Nano, HK4, 1600 mod, 2500 mod and for a 4' long tank, I would recommend the HK4 if you don't already have spare Maxijet1200s especially. They are great bang for the buck pumps if you want high flow with magnet holders. With the Maxijet mods, the 2500gph ones would probably be too much flow for your size tank. They are great on a 6' long tank though. With the 1600g mods, by the time you add the cost of magnets and a Maxijet, it will cost more than the HK4.

[trilinearmipmap]

OK it looks like I will get one Koralia 4 and then depending on how it works out I may add another one later.

[Snappy]

The HK have a crappy magnet that barely holds the weight when over 3/8 thick glass. I prefer the Tunze.

[trilinearmipmap]

Originally Posted by Snappy

The HK have a crappy magnet that barely holds the weight when over 3/8 thick glass. I prefer the Tunze.

I have 1/2" thick glass.

With the magnet issue, will the magnet hold the Koralia in place or not? If the magnet is strong enough to hold it there that is all I need, if it keeps falling off the magnet then that is another story.

[skylord]

I have one on 3/8 glass and I havent had a problem but on the half inch glass my rabbit can flip his tail and knock it off the glass. However its been on the tank for 3 months and I have only had it fall twice because of the fish. When I added the maxi mod I spent a couple of hours making it work, the maxi keep blowing the K4 off the glass. Along with the magnet is a suction cup and between the two, do an ok job. Could be better but......

Scott

[trilinearmipmap]

So it looks like I have a choice between a higher priced German unit that will break, or a lower priced one that will fall off its magnet.