IceCap 4K Gyre Flow Pump With WaveEngine LE - CoralVue

The IceCap 4K Gyre Flow Pump with WaveEngine LE is a purpose-built flow solution for reef tanks roughly 25 to 150-plus gallons. The pump uses officially licensed Maxspect gyre technology to generate broad, linear water movement across the full cross-section of the tank rather than a narrow jet. That flow pattern reaches areas that propeller-style powerheads typically miss, reducing sediment accumulation and keeping nutrients in suspension without creating high-velocity hot spots that can stress corals. Paired with the HYDROS WaveEngine LE, the system ships as a complete, app-controlled unit out of the box.

The WaveEngine LE replaces the pump's stock controller and power brick with a single consolidated unit. Its Direct Drive ports power and communicate with compatible pumps over a single cable connection, clearing the wiring clutter that typically comes with modern DC flow pumps. The controller supports up to two Direct Drive pumps simultaneously—covering an extended list of Maxspect Gyre, IceCap Gyre, and Reef Octopus models—so upgrading to a second pump later requires no additional hardware beyond an appropriate adapter. A 0-10V input port also allows integration with external devices such as float switches or push buttons.

Flow control happens through the free HYDROS app. Users can select from a library of preset wave patterns—sync, anti-sync, sine wave, square wave, triangle wave, and others—or define fully custom flow curves with up to 1/1000-second resolution over a 24-hour window. Operational modes for feeding, water changes, and nighttime flow reduction are straightforward to configure. The app displays real-time voltage, amperage, wattage, and RPM per pump, and full cloud connectivity means adjustments are possible away from home. All WaveEngine LE data lives within the broader HYDROS ecosystem, so users already running HYDROS equipment will find the integration natural.

The 4K pump itself mounts horizontally or vertically on glass or acrylic up to 5/8-inch thick via waterproof magnetic mounts. Its low-profile housing—12 inches long by just 1.7 inches tall—keeps it unobtrusive near the waterline, where gyre performance is most effective. The package includes two sets of propellers (orange and black) and twin directional flow cages, allowing some flexibility in flow direction. The pump carries a one-year limited warranty. Note that connecting a second pump to the WaveEngine LE requires the appropriate Direct Drive adapter or 0-10V cable, sold separately, and Maxspect Gyre XF-280 pumps are limited to 75% maximum intensity when used with this controller.