Closed Loop or VorTech?

[dogfrog]

So here is the dilemma. My system is a 220 gal that can run 2 closed loops on it. I can either set it up to have 2 separate pumps running their own close loop with timers on them. Set up to where one pump is on for X amount of hours with the other off at the same time. Each pump could either have its own 2” feed or I can plumb to have each pump feed off of both 2” feeds by a common 4” feed pipe. Each pump would have 4 X 1” returns. Or I can set it up to use only one pump and use a motorized 3-way ball valve. Cost for this system would run around $900

Power for me is about $0.11 per KW so its going to cost me about $20 per month to run the pumps

Now I can also drop the close loop idea and use 2 X MP40W and get the same flow and the cost would be about the same with the exception of the power bill. Lets just say it should be less then $5.00 per mo

No with all of that said my problem with the warranty that comes with either product (will I have to buy another MP40W in the next 1 to 3 years) comes into play. Most of the Xname pumps come with 3 to 5 year warranty. VorTech only 1 year?

So what type of life range can I expect from a VorTech? At a $15 per month power difference it would take just less then 3 years to make up the difference if I have to replace one?

So help me out and put your $0.02 out here. I am also not completely sold on having power heads in the main display. But for Power loss I will have to have at least one power head in there on a UPS.

 

[jbanks]

I'd go with the Vortech's for a few reasons... For one, the money you will save monthly. With the money you saved, you won't be so miffed when it's time to replace it a few years down the line... if it goes.. Next, there are less holes drilled in your tank with the possibility of leaking down the line... Last but not least, the battery backup for the Vortech's is waaay cool and can save you from a power failure disaster... Last but not least, the wave crest mode sounds great on the Vortechs. Owners have reported that this mode has helped to keep detritus off the bottom of the tank...

 

[davocean]

I'll tell ya, after having a loop pump fail, and getting bad replacements, thus losing livestock, I'm all about easily replaceable components.
Another thing to consider is heat transfer, cause most CL pumps will transfer heat, even ones that say they don't.
I have a vort right now, and my heater has to work to keep my tank up to 78.
Wave modes rock, and the battery back, LOL, I just resold myself!LOL

 

[FishGuy5]

I replaced my Close Loop system w/ 2 Vortechs. Don't regret it at all. Did not get the flow i wanted from the close loop system

 

[jmking33]

I just bought a vortech for my 150..waiting on it now...Im amped to see how it performs!

 

[DGee]

I had planned on doing a CL this time around on my shallow tank, right before drilling I thought I'd give the Vortech a try and needless to say I'm VERY happy I didn't swiss cheese my tank.

Lots of water movement, easy to clean and not THAT noticeable... the only thing I liked about the CL on my old tank was that the returns were hidden in the bottom of the tank.

 

[DaveG99]

vortech all the way

 

[Reefski's]

my tank is 1" thick. none of the powerheads will attach. so i have closed loops.

 

[dogfrog]

I should have added that the tank is already drilled for the close loops. 2 x 2” outs on the back with 8 x 1” returns. 4 on back and 4 on the bottom. Along with 2 x 2” for the overflow.

 

[JasonD]

Two Vortechs on my 120 gallon, couldn't be happier. Water movement is not an issue anymore.

Jason

 

[chads120]

If it's already drilled for a closed loop, I would use it and in the future if you need more flow add a vortech or two. Better than not using it and later having wished you had. At the very least I would plumb the holes for future use.

 

[jmking33]

ok...my lfs just got my vortech in today..gonna turn of the seios(goodnight my seio friends) and setup the beast.(its very exciting, my wife looks at me like im crazy, and no she dosnt know how much they cost)

 

[dean1977]

closed loop for sure, esp if its already drilled. Vortechs are nice but overrated. Sure the cord doesnt actually go in the water but they hang from the side which is just as bad if not worse IMO. Everyone says they have a small in tank footprint, but you cant move them around at all and they just point straight out. You can get an oceansmotions 4 way on you closed loop for dynamic flow. Two super dart golds would be awesome; quiet, powerful, great customer service, easy to get parts, fan cooled(not water cooled), multiple and spread out returns.

Is your tank 6' long? would you put 2 vtechs on one side? Usually people that do this need something more.

 

[LeviChar1]

vortech. both choices are limited in similar ways. vortechs also eliminate the chance of stray voltage in your tank.

I have a 6' 150 with 1 vortech on each side, offset to create a gentle circular motion....very gentle. i use 4 return nozzles (with valves) that all hang from the top and point down at various angles to create different current speed areas for different coral types.

There is zero chance of stray voltage in my tank. My sump, in the basement, is grounded with a probe.

GL, and go vortech!

 

[LeviChar1]

oh yeah...and all my rock is in a central "island" form..

 

[chem-e]

I'd go with the Vortechs. I just like simplicity because I feel like it makes my life easier in the long run. But as Dean mentioned, I also don't think 2 Vortech is going to cut it for a 220 gal.

 

[dogfrog]

Was only think on using two Vortechs . One on each end at only 3200 gph. Have planed on using a Reeflo Hammerhead (or 2) and figure the flow for that should be able to push over 4800 gph depending on final head if I want. But have to make sure my outflow can handle that much first. I can always throttle down the flow.. Running a Dart might put me at the same flow rate of the Vortechs. I like the double close loop the best just want to make sure I am spending my $$ thinking out all the angles.

 

[dean1977]

If you go with 2 CLs then I would go with 2 super dart golds instead of 2 hammerheads. 2 darts pull less watts than 1 hammerhead without a big reduction in GPH. Not to mention the noise and heat which is a big difference.

 

[dogfrog]

Dean.

Thanks for that. Never saw it that way. But after looking at the flow rates the Hammerhead at 4’ of head puts out 5500 gph and the SuperDart gold puts out 3400 gph. That’s over 2000 gph difference for a 200 watt difference. And I could end up with more head pressure then that when all is said and done. At 9’ head the hammerhead is 4880 gph and at 8’ the dart is 2440 gph. So if I am reading Reeflo’s charts right the hammerhead almost pushes 2 times more if your head pressure is greater then 6 ' or 7'. Hum need to think more now…..

 

[bradleyj]

On my 225g, I have 2 darts running, 1 for return and 1 on a closed loop. I added 2 vortechs 6 weeks ago and love the upgrade. Tons of random flow and my sps love it. Best of both worlds.