jebao vs vortech

[dkeller_nc]

I am saving up to buy a Vortech quiet drive to replace my 3 year old jebao WP40 but I am having doubts and wondering if my tank would do better with two jebaos instead of one vortech. I have a 5 foot long 187 gallon softy tank. What do you think?

To get the subject back on track, the correct answer to your dilemma depends a good bit on what you want to keep. If you want to keep SPS, yes, you will absolutely require a minimum of 2 pumps that are relatively powerful. It's essential that you be able to reverse the flow field every few minutes to completely cover all sides of SPS colonies, and you just can't do that with one pump, regardless of its power.

If you're going to keep softies or LPS, then the flow should be considerably reduced from an SPS tank. Most softies and LPS corals don't appreciate really high flow fields. And while reversing the flow field is still a good idea to prevent detritus from accumulating in dead spots in the tank, you can get away with one controllable pump that has capabilities of random or pulse flow.

From the standpoint of build quality, yes, there is definitely a difference between Tunze or EcoTech pumps and Jebaos, Hydors, etc... Whether it's worth it to you to spend the extra $$$ for higher quality and better warranty is subjective.

With respect to your tank, you would need 2 Ecotech MP40wQDs, 2 Tunze Stream 6105s, or 2 Maxspect Gyre XF150s if you wish to keep a mainly SPS reef. Note that these are the minimums - most of us run at least 4 pumps, albeit smaller, in a tank that's 4-5' long. If you're keeping softies, you might be able to get away with one of those pump options placed on one tank end.

Another option, by the way, is to buy 2 or more fixed-speed pumps and put them on timers. There are several good (and a lot less expensive) options out there for this scheme, including Hydors, Sicces and Tunzes.

 

[DOGGIE750]

2 or more is better than 1, regardless the brand.

 

[RedStangGA]

I've owned Jebao and Vortech. Vortech hands down was better overall. Yes, Jebao's could be a bit quieter. Jebao's required monthly cleaning or I could visibly see the drop in flow. I only cleaned my vortech every 6 months because it felt good too.

I never had what I considered a loud vortech, even the used ones, and these were the previous generation ones. They never quit. They never broke. The flow they provide is outstanding if sized properly for the tank.

Do you have an Apex? Have you considered the WAV's? The only reason I'm considering going with the WAV is because I have about 74" to fit a 72" tank lol! I'll probably still put my MP40 on the back wall.

 

[ca1ore]

For a softie tank, a single MP40 will be sufficient; LPS too. For SPS, you'd need more flow.

 

[davehead86]

Bought my Radions used for the price of your new black boxes. Better light, same price. #winning

 

[Mrs. Music]

To get the subject back on track, the correct answer to your dilemma depends a good bit on what you want to keep. If you want to keep SPS, yes, you will absolutely require a minimum of 2 pumps that are relatively powerful. It's essential that you be able to reverse the flow field every few minutes to completely cover all sides of SPS colonies, and you just can't do that with one pump, regardless of its power.

If you're going to keep softies or LPS, then the flow should be considerably reduced from an SPS tank. Most softies and LPS corals don't appreciate really high flow fields. And while reversing the flow field is still a good idea to prevent detritus from accumulating in dead spots in the tank, you can get away with one controllable pump that has capabilities of random or pulse flow.

From the standpoint of build quality, yes, there is definitely a difference between Tunze or EcoTech pumps and Jebaos, Hydors, etc... Whether it's worth it to you to spend the extra $$$ for higher quality and better warranty is subjective.

With respect to your tank, you would need 2 Ecotech MP40wQDs, 2 Tunze Stream 6105s, or 2 Maxspect Gyre XF150s if you wish to keep a mainly SPS reef. Note that these are the minimums - most of us run at least 4 pumps, albeit smaller, in a tank that's 4-5' long. If you're keeping softies, you might be able to get away with one of those pump options placed on one tank end.

Another option, by the way, is to buy 2 or more fixed-speed pumps and put them on timers. There are several good (and a lot less expensive) options out there for this scheme, including Hydors, Sicces and Tunzes.

Thank you for the response. I have had the hydors on timers but had magnet explosions from 3 different ones prior to the jebao. But I have never owned a Tunze or Sicces . So you feel the Sicces and Tunzes are better than Jebaos, but less expensive option than the Vortech? More to research, thank you.
I have an all softy tank and love it. Going on 10 years. I do not see myself changing over to an sps tank. I do not have an apex or any controller, and really do not plan to get one.
I would love to just hear "YEP!, 1 Vortech MP40QD is the way to go" I just WANT a Vortech. I think they are so cool. But two is just not going to be feasible. There are just too many other things in this world that need the funds too. LOL! So thanks again. I am now going to start looking at tunze, and sicce
What do you mean by "reverse the flow"? that sounds interesting.

 

[C3hutson]

Thank you for the response. I have had the hydors on timers but had magnet explosions from 3 different ones prior to the jebao. But I have never owned a Tunze or Sicces . So you feel the Sicces and Tunzes are better than Jebaos, but less expensive option than the Vortech? More to research, thank you.
I have an all softy tank and love it. Going on 10 years. I do not see myself changing over to an sps tank. I do not have an apex or any controller, and really do not plan to get one.
I would love to just hear "YEP!, 1 Vortech MP40QD is the way to go" I just WANT a Vortech. I think they are so cool. But two is just not going to be feasible. There are just too many other things in this world that need the funds too. LOL! So thanks again. I am now going to start looking at tunze, and sicce
What do you mean by "reverse the flow"? that sounds interesting.

Tunzes are said to be bulletproof.

 

[C3hutson]

Also, if you haven't already seen it, this is a must watch IMO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Oc1LYgVbo&list=PLBaMLrfToJyybUT18OE3fMomFb9XU0ffC&index=9

 

[Mrs. Music]

Some of you think that Vortechs don't 'break down' either?

Personally, I like the cleaner outer surface (w/o vortech), and the fact that I can virtually adjust the flow in ANY direction. The controller on the WP/RW,

Oh, and did I mention the PRICE savings?

So do you have a jeboe rw40? What kind of controllable features allow it to adjust flow in any direction? That sounds interesting.

 

[Spectorman]

I use SUNSUN pumps. Cheap Chinese pumps ranging between $20 and 26.00 a piece. I even have them hooked up to a Hydor wave maker. They work awesome! They're quiet and I get 2 years out of them with a cleaning in vinegar every 6-8 months. The pumps I am using are (1)800gph. (1)1360gph and (1)1600gph. The 800 is on all the time pointed at the surface the others pump water VERY hard on the wavenaker. I've had Hydor Koralia's and other expensive pumps. They last just as long as my cheap ones so, I'm happy. Oh,the sunsun's are magnetic too. No,suction cups and operate with relatively low wattage.

 

[dkeller_nc]

Thank you for the response. I have had the hydors on timers but had magnet explosions from 3 different ones prior to the jebao. But I have never owned a Tunze or Sicces . So you feel the Sicces and Tunzes are better than Jebaos, but less expensive option than the Vortech? More to research, thank you.
I have an all softy tank and love it. Going on 10 years. I do not see myself changing over to an sps tank. I do not have an apex or any controller, and really do not plan to get one.
I would love to just hear "YEP!, 1 Vortech MP40QD is the way to go" I just WANT a Vortech. I think they are so cool. But two is just not going to be feasible. There are just too many other things in this world that need the funds too. LOL! So thanks again. I am now going to start looking at tunze, and sicce
What do you mean by "reverse the flow"? that sounds interesting.

With an all softie tank, then you'd be OK with one MP40wQD. And if that's what you want, then I'd strongly suggest that you get it.

A controllable Tunze pump is going to be about as expensive as a Vortech MP40. What I was referring to with the comment about using Hydors/Tunzes/Sicces on a switcher being cheaper was using non-controllable AC pumps. Both Tunze and Sicce make several models of constant-flow AC pumps at a price point that is far less than the DC-powered controllable models.

To make this work, you'll want two of the AC-powered, constant flow pumps and a basic switching controller like the Hydor Smartwave controller or the Sicce Wavesurfer controller.

I've never had a Hydor fail in the manner you describe, but I'll take your word for it. Hopefully it was still under warranty and you at least got your money back.

What I mean by "reversing the flow field" is simply placing two powerheads on either side of the tank, and running one for a few seconds to a few minutes, then having a switcher like the controllers mentioned above switch to the other powerhead on the opposite side.

 

[Mrs. Music]

I've owned Jebao and Vortech. Vortech hands down was better overall. Yes, Jebao's could be a bit quieter. Jebao's required monthly cleaning or I could visibly see the drop in flow. I only cleaned my vortech every 6 months because it felt good too.

I never had what I considered a loud vortech, even the used ones, and these were the previous generation ones. They never quit. They never broke. The flow they provide is outstanding if sized properly for the tank.

Do you have an Apex? Have you considered the WAV's? The only reason I'm considering going with the WAV is because I have about 74" to fit a 72" tank lol! I'll probably still put my MP40 on the back wall.

The WAV does look like a nice option if you have an apex. sign. Now I want an Apex.

 

[Mrs. Music]

With an all softie tank, then you'd be OK with one MP40wQD. And if that's what you want, then I'd strongly suggest that you get it.

A controllable Tunze pump is going to be about as expensive as a Vortech MP40. What I was referring to with the comment about using Hydors/Tunzes/Sicces on a switcher being cheaper was using non-controllable AC pumps. Both Tunze and Sicce make several models of constant-flow AC pumps at a price point that is far less than the DC-powered controllable models.

To make this work, you'll want two of the AC-powered, constant flow pumps and a basic switching controller like the Hydor Smartwave controller or the Sicce Wavesurfer controller.

I've never had a Hydor fail in the manner you describe, but I'll take your word for it. Hopefully it was still under warranty and you at least got your money back.

What I mean by "reversing the flow field" is simply placing two powerheads on either side of the tank, and running one for a few seconds to a few minutes, then having a switcher like the controllers mentioned above switch to the other powerhead on the opposite side.

ok. So that makes sense now. And would require some sort of wave maker, or controller. I just watched that video. It was pretty cool to see how those pumps worked in real time.

So now I am researching Tunze pumps and different controlers too. Thank you for your time. I appreciate the help.

 

[bayoupr]

The new Controllable Tunze Pumps come with their own controller.

 

[Portsie]

jebao vs vortech

Have you considered buying a pair of used mp40's. I currently have 4 mp40's and 2 mp10's, all bought used, and all working great. You may have to purchase a few new parts to get them working like new, but they are for sale all the time and easily fixed up.

 

[minus9]

I have two rw4's in a nano and I love these pumps for the price, but I had one stop after 9 months, but bought a replacement motor (just the pump w/o holder/mount) for $25, so it was a cost effective replacement. But, the fact that it failed in such a short time has me on the fence. I did buy a Tunze 6040 w/aqua stream cable (I have an apex) to put in the tank until I got my replacement motor/pump and really like it. I"ve since put both rw4's back to work and they are doing fine (I would clean them once a month though). I'm in the process of upgrading to a larger tank (45g shallow) and will buy another Tunze 6040 and use two of them and probably the jebao's as well (until they die). Tunze have a stellar record for reliability and longevity. Also, Tunze's come with controllers, as mentioned above and can work with an apex without adding a module (wxm) which is needed for Vortechs. I'm in a similar situation going back and forth between Tunze and Vortech, but after purchasing the Tunze, the decision is easy for me.
Good luck!

 

[RedStangGA]

The WAV does look like a nice option if you have an apex. sign. Now I want an Apex.

Sorry lol!

As was posted earlier, with a softy tank one MP40 will do you well. Go for it. Best powerhead out there and I doubt you'd be disappointed. If you ever feel like you need more flow, then go the jebao route to supplement. But I doubt you'd need to.

 

[doradosteve]

Vortech=unbeatable workhorse

 

[dkeller_nc]

ok. So that makes sense now. And would require some sort of wave maker, or controller. I just watched that video. It was pretty cool to see how those pumps worked in real time.

So now I am researching Tunze pumps and different controlers too. Thank you for your time. I appreciate the help.

I should note that I don't necessarily prefer Tunze over Vortechs, I have a 50g cube that has 4 MP10wQDs on it, and as others noted, they're workhorses.

I also have recently picked up and installed 4 DC-controllable Tunzes on a couple of smaller tanks. They're also really, really nice pumps, and at least in the DC controllable version, incredibly powerful. They were simply a great deal less expensive than the Vortechs during the black Friday sales last fall, so that's why I selected them instead of the Vortechs.

 

[HalekasG]

2 Tunze 6095 will do the job and last for years.