2 Vortech Mp40 gen2 or 2 Tunze 6105 on Aquasurf?

[dilligaf_biker69]

It will be on a 180 dual overflow tank

Which would you pick and why?
I have 1 6100 that I will be using also so.....

Any tip or hints will be appreciated

Roy

 

[jay24k]

Vortechs imo are better. Their newer design elimanted all the issues with the magnet. These jokers blast much better then the tunze imo.

If you do get tunze, buy em used. You can save a ton of money as people are always selling them.

 

[GaryR1984]

Both are great, Tunze can be angled while the Vortech can't without some serious mods.

 

[jay24k]

That is true but the vortech doesn't really need angled. It's hits the whole tank. It's one of those that you have to see it to believe it.

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

I am starting to lean to the Vortechs, Seems to be a broader pattern and not too much need to figure out where to place them It seems however you program them, you will get good random flow with not too many dead spots. It also seems customer service may be as good as Tunzes too. Any one else hear any different?

thanks again for the replys

Roy

 

[jay24k]

In the older versions I had alot of issues with rusting on the magnets and one driver issue. But everytime, they replace them no questions asked and even got an extra wet side piece out of it. Since they changed the wet side magnet, I've not had any issues in probably over a year.

In all reality, both work great.

Tunze benefits from angles.

Vortech benefits from it being sooo much smaller plus the hot part is on the outside so less heat in your tank. I also like how you can create waves too.

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

so how about the best of both worlds...a wavebox and 2 vortechs?...or am I getting carried away...

The biggest thing I think I am focused on is keeping the rocks clear of dietritus and making sure no dead spots are in the tank...then supplementing with good random flow

Thanks again

 

[Lutefisk]

What no one is addressing is the capability of the Aquasurf that the OP mentioned for running the Tunzes at the tanks resonant frequency. WAY more total flow using a lot less power.

I'm using a Tunze wavebox (together with 2 Tunze Streams). It is absolutely amazing to see the entire volume of your tank shifting back and forth at the resonant frequency. We're not talking about what directions you can point a powerhead, we're talking about getting your whole tank volume working with you.

You get a widely dispersed flow with lots of volume rather than a focused flow with lots of velocity.

IMHO the combination of creating a resonant wave together with Streams or Vortechs is the way to go (like diligaf_biker69 suggested). Even if you go with just one on a resonant wave function (like from the Aquasurf or a Wavebox) and the other, whether it is Tunze or Vortech on their normal fake wave cycles it will beat the daylights out of two Streams or Vortechs just doing the normal powerhead thing.

Paul

 

[jay24k]

I dont personally care for the waves that much. It does put stress on the glass but it is a neat feature. I have 2 vortechs for my 180 and it hits all parts of the tank. I'd be dumb to add anymore devices. I have issues with some areas of the sand as it is.

Put it this way, my vortech will suck debris up from the bottom 19" up high. That's how powerful it is. Yet when you put your hand on it, it doesn't even do that much.

The main reason I like it is the size. Tunze are very bulky and big and distract from the tank. I'd personally do the wave feature on the vortech before taking up valuable space with a bulky wave box.

Another idea is to see other people's tank. See them first hand because your idea of a pump might be different then someone elses. My buddy has two tunzes. Great pumps. Just a bit bulky. Their controller imo is nicer but the vortechs I think are close.

 

[Megabite]

I run 3 Tunze's with a 7095 controller on my 180. They do a great job keeping eveything moving.

2 -controllable 6101's and a non controllable 6045 sweeping the back. I have not used the Vortechs but hear great things with GEN2.

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either. Good luck on your choice.

 

[Lutefisk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14375091#post14375091 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jay24k
I dont personally care for the waves that much. It does put stress on the glass but it is a neat feature.

It's actually what the corals care for the matters in the end.

The stress on the glass isn't an issue. The stress on the seams can be and it wouldn't be an issue if there wasn't sooooo much water moving.

I'd personally do the wave feature on the vortech before taking up valuable space with a bulky wave box.

The Aquasurf will allow you to use the Tunzes to generate a resonate wave without the box.

 

[jay24k]

I've never had any experience of the aquasurf so that is probably why I assumed it was the wave box. That's what I meant on the stress part. That's what was mentioned about using these devices as waves.

I think you should still visit a few places and see them in action. I've seen them both and decided to go with the vortech.

 

[markandkristen]

im running three mp20s in my 75 and love them they are awesome .. and jay is right they do look ten times better in my opinion.
i run one on my lps side in lagoon mode and my sps i run on reef crest.. it really cranks up from time to time.
i have one in the middle that just does the wave and i love it.
their not in sync like the 40ws but i have them doing different functions anyways..
i was not able to get a wave on a 7095 you might on a aqua surf though.

 

[Lutefisk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14378712#post14378712 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jay24k
I think you should still visit a few places and see them in action. I've seen them both and decided to go with the vortech.

I've seen the Vortechs and they put out great flow. I'm just pointing out that the Aquasurf (which is not made by Tunze) makes a totally different and very efficient flow possible.

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

I guess that narrows it down then.....NOT.....Lol

thats the real reason I asked the question, because it seems like

1) With the aquasurf you can manage a "wave" with the Tunzes, (although Tunze will void your warranty for using any non Tunze wavemaker/controller with them) and they are "directional". Able to figure a good flow pattern after some trial and error. But here the flow seems stronger and may blast the corals closest and not have enough flow for the farther away ones.

2) With the Vortechs the controller is built in and has the abitlity to create different flows or patterns and does not seem to need to be directional as it seems to be able to cover a wider spread.
So say a 180 gallon @ 24 inches wide will virtually do a wider flow say half the tank lenght @3 ft. Still haveing a flow of the same GPH as the Tunzes but not so as to blast the tissue off the closest corals.

Both will keep the dietritus suspended from flowing through the live rock...just seems to me the Vortechs have a certain edge. Maybe its just me. Thats what makes us all different. Anyhow. Think I am going to go for the Vortechs.

 

[DiscoReefRover]

I personally had this ame question and went with the tunzes and aquasurf.......and I know of three different people right now that are with out there gen2 vortechs cause there at ecotech getting fixxed...in the end I went with reliabilty over the cool factor .....also the aquasurf does not void a tunze warranty ..just my two cents
Sean

 

[jmking33]

I personally like the vortechs...a much cleaner look in the tank...just too expensive for me right now....but..if your gonna spend the money...go vortech! my opinion

 

[markandkristen]

yep ford and chevy..

one might say that tunze is best ....and they are good... dont get me wrong they are but ..

i have read numerous threads and its seems almost 50 50

if you like totally quiet then i would go with tunzes..

if you want a sleeker look then go with vortechs.

both customer service is great.

and how do we know that ...
because both of them have had problems LOL ...

(i mean how do we know the customer service is good unless you have had a issue with the product ......right)

i believe that the vortech produce a wider flow unless you get a different shroud like the 6201 or the 6200

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

Its tough to go against the longer standing Tunzes, kind of like letting go of VHO's for T-5's, but I do think the customer service (if anything was to go wrong) on Tunze and Eco-Tech seem very good, so I don't think thats a factor either way.
then we go to flow, flow seems wider and maybe not as "directed" in the Vortechs, a plus for them and the corals.
and the controller built in (price wise) means I can add the battery backup for piece of mind here in Fl. for a small price.

Again all the input has been awesome. I think I am ready to pull the trigger on the Vortechs.

thanks again and will post my results later.

Roy

 

[Lutefisk]

Just to make the decision process more difficult - Actually, just to say that it's hard to go wrong ...

Tunze has the battery backup capability as well

No problem in case of power failure
Fitted with Safety Connector 6105.50, Turbelle® stream 6105, 6205 and 6305 can be operated on every 10 V to 24 V direct-current source (battery, solar cell). The safety connector permits normal operation with the TUNZE® power supply unit, but in case of a power failure it will automatically switch over to a direct-current source.

$50 and you can use whatever batteries you've got around
Link to product on Tunze page