65BB Flow Question...What would you Do?

[sdesi2005]

I currently have (3) MaxiMod 1200's. I have tons of crazy flow.

I'd debating between the new Hydro pumps (probably 4 of the Hydro 4's), the Tunze's kit w/ controller or Vortech pumps (probably 2).

I know the Hydro's are much cheaper, but new and worry me a bit.

The Tunze's are great, strong, well-built and reliable. But $$$.

The Vortech's are newer, no controller (yet). Still $$$

I've learned, if nothing else, you just as well fork over the dough right out of the gate rather than go cheap and end up spending more in the long run.

 

[sdesi2005]

anyone?

 

[King-Kong]

I wouldnt even consider the Hydors; they dont seem all that different from your Maxijets, and the things are HUGE.

Between tunze and vortech you have to think long and hard.

The vortechs, in theory, are superior in every aspect, but they lack a controller, and there are production issues which sometimes result in you having to get the units repaired (Which Ecotech/Icecap are doing for free, and quickly. Incredible customer support).

That being said, I still own 3 vortechs, and must say its a thing of beauty. No heat, and you cant even see the pumps because theyre all on the back glass, blending in. Really openned up my tank.

 

[Deserter23]

Are vortech pumps really $345?!?!?!

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9618594#post9618594 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Deserter23
Are vortech pumps really $345?!?!?!

yes but they really are amazing

 

[danskim]

Not that much considering the quality and flow it produces.

 

[hahnmeister]

I have a great solution for you. One Tunze 6100 with a single/multicontroller, but also order the shroud for a 6200.

Regular tunzes tend to make a 'beam' which is great for a longer tank, but in a tank 4' or shorter, most of the flow comes from the beam hitting the opposite glass and deflecting back (and across the top which does waste alot of the output). By using the shroud from the larger 6200 on the 6100, the cone is much wider. In a 40B I am using a 6100 on full blast and nothing is deflecting off the opposing wall. I have a 'wall' of water, from the top to the bottom of the tank, just 12" from the 6100 pump. This one pump creates flow around the entire tank. There is just so much water movement that even in corners and areas where you wouldnt think could be hit are getting flow (like under the powerhead!). In a 65g, it would be perfect. Sure, a 6100 is a pump in the tank, and a little bulky, but you can hide it.

The other cool thing I like to do some days is to set the 6100 on interval1 on the shortest settings and the tank is just like it would be on a wavebox... I get a 1.5" wave in the tank and everything sways back and forth... its kinda cool.

 

[sdesi2005]

hahnmeister do you have a picture of your setup? which direction do you your 6100 facing? That sounds like a great idea.

Also, I love the votech pumps from what I've seen, they just haven't really stood the test of time. And without a controller, they really aren't any use to me.

I know a controller is coming out, but again, new products have a tough time initially. Even with great customer service and quick repairs, it really is a hassle.

I think I'm leaning towards the Tunze. I may even upgrade to the multi controller in case I need to add an additional tunze.

 

[beatle]

Your MJ Mods probably move more water than the Koralia 4s, but the 4s have a great mount that allows you to move them around in any direction. This would be their key advantage.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9614851#post9614851 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King-Kong

That being said, I still own 3 vortechs, and must say its a thing of beauty. No heat, and you cant even see the pumps because theyre all on the back glass, blending in. Really openned up my tank.

The heat thing is such a joke.


THey still produce heat in the tank. Pumps produce heat in 2 ways: Mechanical inneficiency, and friction. Both of these pumps will create the same amount of heat through friction (IE water slowing down by hitting things) . Where they'll differ, is the heat produced via the inneficiencies in the motor. When we start talking about pumps that do 3000+ GPH at 25-35w, theres not much inneficiency there. We're talking an actual heat difference between a tunze and vortech of maybe 3-5 watts.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9627397#post9627397 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beatle
Your MJ Mods probably move more water than the Koralia 4s, but the 4s have a great mount that allows you to move them around in any direction. This would be their key advantage.

You can buy the SEIO swivel mounts for about $5 each, so I wouldnt worry about mounts,.

 

[hahnmeister]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9626472#post9626472 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sdesi2005
hahnmeister do you have a picture of your setup? which direction do you your 6100 facing? That sounds like a great idea.

Also, I love the votech pumps from what I've seen, they just haven't really stood the test of time. And without a controller, they really aren't any use to me.

I know a controller is coming out, but again, new products have a tough time initially. Even with great customer service and quick repairs, it really is a hassle.

I think I'm leaning towards the Tunze. I may even upgrade to the multi controller in case I need to add an additional tunze.

Ill take some pics... havent done that yet. Maybe I can do a video as well to show how I can get it to work like a wavebox as well (1-1.5" waves!). I get flow all over the tank, in many directions with just this one pump though. I have it right in front of my corner overflow, which is black... so I dont even see it really. If I planned on having the tank set up for any length of time, I would find a way to hide it in a aragacrete rock pillar or something... but its not a pressing concern.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Rich......all i can say is come over to my house some day and watch as i turn my vortech on and the temp. doesn't raise 0.2F.