Ecotech MP Knockoffs Released

[Reefing102]

Jebao has finally released a knock off of the MP line of ecotech pumps on AliExpress -

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKGRIas

Saw this over on R2R. While I’m not going to comment on the patent infringement side of things, it appears the “original” patent was scheduled to run out in 2024 or 2026 or so, so I think that’s why it’s available now.

Regardless, there seems to be no experiences with this pump yet and appears to sell out quickly after restock (sold out in a couple hours yesterday of all of them, got restocked sometime this morning and most are sold out again).

If I had spare money, I’d be willing to test them as I run most only Jebao stuff on my 65 now.

 

[griss]

Interesting. I didn't know those were in the works.

 

[Reefing102]

Interesting. I didn't know those were in the works.

I’ve heard rumors but Ecotech seemed to have things locked down patent wise (heard they renewed the patent but I don’t know enough about it to know for certain).

 

[ironwill723]

I may give these a try too. I currently run the MP60s but the new ones only last a couple years it seems. Quality has gone way down.

 

[griss]

You have to wonder how many of these knockoffs are made in the same factory or a, "factory next door" to the name brand products.

ETA - I have no idea where Ecotechs are made.

 

[wvned]

I may give these a try too. I currently run the MP60s but the new ones only last a couple years it seems. Quality has gone way down.

I use 40s and 60 and this has been my experience as well. They come with what look like cheap laptop power supplies now.
40s seem to still work fine but they are less stressed when they run.

I am using a lot of Jebao pumps and the newer ones are 100x better than the first ones I bought. In some ways they are better engineered too. Talking them apart and putting them together is simple and repeatable. They are as good as any pump of the same type and better than few of the high dollar ones.

I will probably pick up some of the clones if they review well when they are available.

I do not believe you can renew a patent. You can improve the device in some minor way and re-patent that new version. Companies can copy the old model while you can claim the new one is better. I think that is about all you can do. Resting on your past glory while letting quality slip is not sound business practice. I stopped replacing Vortechs because of what came in the box and not because what they cost. They have always been pricy but old ones ran forever with a westside replacement occasionally required.

 

[Reefing102]

I think that’s what it may be is they “improved” it and got a new one

 

[ironwill723]

You have to wonder how many of these knockoffs are made in the same factory or a, "factory next door" to the name brand products.

ETA - I have no idea where Ecotechs are made.

Most of the parts are from China I believe. "Assembled in the USA". Pennsylvania is Ecotech's HQ. For me they usually last about a month past warranty these days. Which is only one year long.

 

[wvned]

My old ones ran a decade. The newer ones run but are noisy as heck and 2 wetsides have started shooting off the tank. First they spin on the glass and then fall off.

A show on guns talked about Smith and Wesson and the drilled through cylinder and the patent infringes with it. A drilled through cylinder is the typical revolver we know today where you stick cartridges in the back of the cylinder and the bullet enter the barrel through the front. Until the patent expired they had a monopoly on gun sales and sued infringers defending the patent.

This is similar to a Vortech where no wires in the tank is miles ahead of competitors in that way.
and now that is coming to an end. It's kind of exciting to see what others can add to that and make the next miles ahead device into.
A device with strong enough bearings in it would be a nice start. Go back to the strong nylon filled plastics that were tough. I believe that is what wetsides used to be made of.

And in general go back to things that you can buy parts and fix instead of pitch when the little tiny dingleholder cracks. That would be green of you.

 

[kharmaguru]

Frankly I love my MLW's (way easier to disassemble/clean than Nero's) and the app and networking is great once you get past their Spanglish. I will definitely try these when more widely available.

 

[MNtadpole]

So it appears that the product is "Jebao DMP". I can't seem to find any domestic retailers advertising anything about this product. I would be curious to hear more. It would be nice to have some wet/dry-split sided powerhead competition.

 

[lvanderbeck]

Looks like they are out of stock everywhere on aliexpress already.. bummed i didn't grab a couple on monday

 

[MNtadpole]

Looks like they are out of stock everywhere on aliexpress already.. bummed i didn't grab a couple on monday

Were you able to see it on the english site, or was it only on the link posted above?

 

[Reefing102]

Looks like they are out of stock everywhere on aliexpress already.. bummed i didn't grab a couple on monday

At the link above, it appears only the large (40) one is available. A “new” provider posted some and they’re available in the 10 and 20 here -

Jebao Jecod Neue intelligente Bluetooth-App-Steuerung, kabelloses Süßwasser-Salzwasser-Aquarium DMP-10/20/30/40 Aquarium-Wavemaker-Pumpe - AliExpress 15

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

If you want bulk (10+) they can be bought on alibaba.

Jebao Jecod New Smart Bluetooth App Control Cordless DMP-10/20/30/40 Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Wavemaker Pump

m.alibaba.com

 

[Reefing102]

So it appears that the product is "Jebao DMP". I can't seem to find any domestic retailers advertising anything about this product. I would be curious to hear more. It would be nice to have some wet/dry-split sided powerhead competition.

I have a feeling we won’t see any domestic retailers for at least another year or so. I believe the patent is still active into 2026 and that’s just a patent lawsuit waiting to happen.

 

[MNtadpole]

At the link above, it appears only the large (40) one is available. A “new” provider posted some and they’re available in the 10 and 20 here -

Jebao Jecod Neue intelligente Bluetooth-App-Steuerung, kabelloses Süßwasser-Salzwasser-Aquarium DMP-10/20/30/40 Aquarium-Wavemaker-Pumpe - AliExpress 15

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

If you want bulk (10+) they can be bought on alibaba.

Jebao Jecod New Smart Bluetooth App Control Cordless DMP-10/20/30/40 Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Wavemaker Pump

m.alibaba.com

Awww bummer, the 10's look like they're sold out of the US-type plug. :-(

 

[lvanderbeck]

At the link above, it appears only the large (40) one is available. A “new” provider posted some and they’re available in the 10 and 20 here -

Jebao Jecod Neue intelligente Bluetooth-App-Steuerung, kabelloses Süßwasser-Salzwasser-Aquarium DMP-10/20/30/40 Aquarium-Wavemaker-Pumpe - AliExpress 15

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

If you want bulk (10+) they can be bought on alibaba.

Jebao Jecod New Smart Bluetooth App Control Cordless DMP-10/20/30/40 Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Wavemaker Pump

m.alibaba.com

Those are sold out on the US plug. have another link?

 

[MNtadpole]

Is it just me or does it look like the dry-side/wet-side are held on by suction cups? If so, I can't imagine that would work well long term.

 

[Reefing102]

Is it just me or does it look like the dry-side/wet-side are held on by suction cups? If so, I can't imagine that would work well long term.

That’s one of the biggest “issues” being brought up. Though no one seems to have one in hand yet, the rumor is that this is what makes them “different” enough to avoid the patent issue. It’s also rumored they are there simply to help with vibration and noise. Again no one has posted on the threads I’m watching they have them in hand yet.

@lvanderbeck those are the only ones I’ve found so far

 

[MrClean]

I ordered 2 DMP-20s. I'll let you know my first impressions when they arrive on or near Oct 8.

In general, I've had very good experiences with Jebao so I'm hopeful for these