Marineland Maxi-Jet 1200 Pro Powerhead

I wanted to make water changes easier, so I started looking for a powerhead to help move water in and out of the aquarium. I picked up a Maxi-Jet 1200 Pro, which is the new, updated version of the Maxi-Jet 1200. The Maxi-Jet pumps have been widely used because they are good little work horses, versatile, readily available, and are relatively inexpensive.

Marineland has recently updated their powerhead line. The new line now includes both an impeller and a propeller with a cover for each set up. It also includes a new Omni-Directional Mount that can be attached to the suction cup mount the units included in the past. The new powerheads still include the same pieces and adapters for multiple uses (such as a venturi adapter) as before.

Propeller and Circulation Assembly:

Powerhead / Utility Assembly:

The Maxi-Jet 1200 Pro will push a maximum of 295 GPH in powerhead mode, 1300 GPH in circulation pump mode, and a maximum of 6 feet when used in utility mode.

Reports have surfaced that the new Maxi-Jet Pros would produce a rattling noise when back pressure is applied. I wanted to see if I could replicate these reports, so in addition to testing the pump in both the standard utility (powerhead) and circulation modes, I also tested the Maxi-Jet on an AquaC Remora protein skimmer and I also used a ball valve to apply back pressure.

I tested the powerhead in a 5-gallon bucket, and I ended the testing on my aquarium using the circulation mode. The flow was strong in the powerhead mode. Testing in the bucket inside the house was not my finest idea, as several times I moved the pump and water was sent spraying all over. I used the pump to push water up about 5 vertical feet to my display aquarium, and it performed well. I also ran 12 feet of vinyl tubing from my water changing buckets into the bathtub several feet away. For water changing, this is going to work well.

Next, I installed the propeller and the propeller cover and put the Maxi-Jet in my aquarium. It had a good, strong flow. The flow was a little more focused than I had hoped, but I was able to feel the flow from the powerhead on the other side of the aquarium (36"). I played around with turning the pump on and off, but it makes a rattling noise when starting. Because of this rattling, I would say these would not be the best for a wavemaker. When starting up again, the propeller cover rattled and also seemed like it wanted to come off. At one on/off session, the propeller wouldn't turn on, and another it fell out. Oops. I would have to say that there are better options out there for a on/off wave making function, but the strong flow and near silence when in use make this pump a good option for in tank water flow.

Now, on to the back pressure tests. I attached a piece of vinyl tubing and a Two Little Fishies ball valve. The pump does indeed rattle when backpressure is applied. When the ball valve was dialed back past 3/4 open, a significant rattling would be evident. Some of the noise can be minimized by using the suction cups mounts to reduce vibrations, but there was still a noticeable rattle. Next, I attached the pump to my AquaC Remora. There was also an audible rattling noise that could be heard over the normal hissing noise heard from the skimmer. I tried moving the pump and adjusting the impeller housing, but I wasn't able to reduce or eliminate the noise. Unfortunately, I was able to replicate the rumors, and I was unable to find a fix for either of the situations. In both cases, it was a noise issue, not a performance issue on the part of the pump. Remember, noise is subjective.

Overall, the new Pro model of the Maxi-Jet 1200 is a good powerhead for the price. It can be used as a powerhead, circulation pump, and utility pump. You will not find a pump that can do all three for less! For this blogger's particular purpose, this is a great pump at a very affordable price. You can learn more and purchase the Marineland Maxi-Jet Pro Powerhead online at MarineDepot.com.

Until next time...

VorTech MP10w ES

The quest to build my 60-gallon reef tank continues! As time progresses, I have made a mental wish list of upgrades awnd add-ons. An area that needed an urgent upgrade was water flow. Detritus was accumulating on top of and behind the rock work, and using only one power head was not providing sufficient flo.

There are many great options for water flow for every need and budget, but I wanted something controllable and powerful. I narrowed down my choices, and after weighing my options, I decided on the Ecotech Marine VorTech MP10w ES Propeller Pump. Well, not just one, I chose two.

The VorTech MP10w ES is simple and sleek. It is designed for aquariums from 2.5 – 50 gallons and has a flow rate of 200 to 1575 gallons per hour. A MP10 can accommodate aquarium glass up to 3/8 inch. (Is your tank larger, or glass thicker? No problem! Ecotech offers the MP40 (for aquariums 50-500 gallons) and the MP60 (120-1000+gallons). There’s a VorTech pump for everyone.)

Vortech pumps now are available in a "wireless" configuration. The wireless designation can cause confusion; there are still wires. The wireless aspect refers to the driver's ability to find other wireless units and sync the pumps. This allows for more than one pump to run the same operational mode.



MP-10w Specifications:

Flow: 200 to 1575 gph (750 -5962 lph)
Power Consumption: 8 to 18 watts
Maximum Tank Thickness: 3/8″ (9.5mm)
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 2.5 to 50 gal (9.5 -190L)
Dimensions: Wet Side- 2.5″ diameter by 1.5″ long (63.5mm x 38.1mm),
Dry Side – 2.5″ diameter by 2″ long (63.5mm x 50.8mm)
Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2.25″ (57mm)

The pump build reflects quality, and Ecotech Marine backs their product with a 1 year warranty. The pump includes everything you need to completely install your Vortech. The kit includes cable mounts (and zip ties) and even Velcro to attach the driver to your stand.

The Vortech pump was easy to install. The directions included are easy to follow for setup, however I recommend downloading a copy of the full user guide when it comes to programming. The full user guide is also simple to follow, but goes into step-by-step instructions. I found these instructions were helpful for first time programming.

Step one: Open The box. Inspect the contents. Drool… Okay, don’t drool… You don’t want to damage the driver or the dry side.

Step two: Clean any algae from the mounting service. You may also want to clean the outside of the glass (tip: use RO/DI water and some paper towels).

Step three: Apply the rubber gasket (not needed for 1/4” or 3/8” glass) and cord mounting tabs.

Step four: Place the VorTech motor upon the black gasket (if used) and secure the cord using the mounting tab. Per the Quick Start Guide, “The cord must be positioned upwards so that if the VorTech were to fall off the aquarium, it does not swing and damage your aquarium or pump.”

Step five: Attach the wet side. I used the included foam pre filers. 

Step six: Mount the driver unit wherever desired.

Step seven: Plug everything in. Turn on to constant mode and turn speed control know to maximum. You can check alignment at this time. Move the wet side slightly (up, down, left, right) to minimize vibration.

Step eight: Choose desired operational modes. Set desired programming. For this step, I would recommend using the user manual: it goes into more detail. If you are using more than one pump, you will need to sync your wireless drivers, and designate master and slave pumps before selecting modes.

Step nine: Grab a tasty beverage and enjoy the work of art that is your aquarium. You may now safely drool.