When I first set up my 75gallon aquarium a while back, the largest filter I had that was capable of filtering the aquarium was a Rena Filstar XP3. Although this filter provided enough filtration needed for the aquarium, the output flow did not provide enough water circulation. This was due to the addition of an inline CO2 reactor and a Hydor ETH 200watt inline heater. I faced a problem and needed to find a solution that would help provide more flow in the aquarium without having to spend a significant amount of money on a larger filter. Purchasing the Hydor Koralia Evolution 750 Evolution has solved this problem for me.
It has been a little over a year since I first purchased this circulation pump and feel that I have experienced using it long enough for me to share with you my thoughts on it.
Hydor Koralia Evolution 750 Inside
Power Efficiency and Output Flow
Previously, Hydor had the Hydor Koralia 2 UL, which runs a 600gph flow rate at 9 watts and is now replaced with the Hydor Koralia 750 Evolution. The Hydor Koralia 750 evolution runs at an astounding 4.5 watts, which is quite low compared to other powerheads. The circulation pump flow is rated at 750 gallons per hour and most circulation pumps that I’ve come across don’t nearly provide this much flow at 4.5 watts.
The Hydor Koralia 750 Evolution is rated for freshwater aquariums between 50 to 90 gallons and saltwater aquariums between 30 to 50 gallons. Although Hydor does have other models with lower and higher output flow rates, the 750 model was just perfect for my 75 gallon.
Construction
The Hydor Koralia 750 Evolution has a nice compact design that doesn’t take up a lot of space in the aquarium. The circulation pump uses shaft-less impeller technology, which can be used with wave-makers and wave-timers, and has also improved its mounting features to reduce vibration.
Shaft-less Impeller Technology
The Hydor Koralia 750 comes with magnetic suction cups that are specially covered to prevent corrosion from occurring and are capable of holding the circulation pump in aquariums with glass up to 15mm thick. One of the great things I like about the suction cups feature is the ability to position the pump where ever you like; front, back, side, high to low positions or wherever necessary. Where as other brands only allow you to connect the powerhead to the trim of the aquarium. Another great feature that I like is the ability to maneuver the direction of the flow. The circulation pump was constructed so that where ever you decide to position the powerhead; you are able to adjust the flow up, down, or sideways varying the angle of the flow direction.
Magnetic Suction Cups
Ball-Swivel Feature
Hydor Koralia Evolution 750 Dissembled
The Hydor Koralia 750 Evolution can also be taken apart fairly easy if cleaning is needed.
Summary Details
Pros
- Cost – Fairly inexpensive solution to my problem; spending just under $40 compared to over $200 for a new filter seemed like a good deal to me.
- Noise – The circulation pump is very quiet and does not make much noise at all.
- Power Consumption – Flow rate of 750gph and only 4.5watts!
- Construction – Can easily maneuver and adjust flow direction and position.
Cons
- None – Quite honestly, I haven’t found any problems with it so far. Although I do want to point out that make you align the magnetic suction cups properly to provide support for keeping the pump in place.
Conclusion
All in all and at a fairly inexpensive cost, I couldn’t go wrong with purchasing the Hydor Koralia Evolution 750 circulation pump. The circulation pump has provided the extra flow that I needed and have been keeping the plants in the aquarium quite happy. I didn’t want to fork out another $200 or more to purchase a bigger filter that provides more flow; so purchasing this pump has solved the problem. If you’re ever in the same situation, I highly suggest you check out the Hydor Koralia models. They seem to be the best on the market for price, usability, and efficiency.
