shandy_say
New member
Most probably a vortech mp40w. However this will take time as I have to have it shipped from abroad cause there's no one selling that here.
My 70gal almost-cube rimless tank (Soon to be SPS Dominated)
- Thread starter shandy_say
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Most probably a vortech mp40w. However this will take time as I have to have it shipped from abroad cause there's no one selling that here.
shandy_say
New member
Has anyone tried using phosban by tlf? Which one is better for an SPS tank? Rowaphos or Phosban? Rowaphos is much more expensive than Phosban but a friend of mine who imports Phosban asked me to try it out cause its better at absorbing silica according to him. Is this true?
shandy_say
New member
Thanks! Really? Tunzes are better? How come?
Well corals here are cheap however there are very few stores that sell corals and great corals are pretty hard to come by. Getting from the wild is also difficult as many places where there are nice coral reefs are sanctuaries and are protected by the Government. Getting caught in these areas is punishable by law. This is mainly because many areas have already been destroyed due to dynamite fishing and cyanide fishing before which was pretty much rampant then.
Well corals here are cheap however there are very few stores that sell corals and great corals are pretty hard to come by. Getting from the wild is also difficult as many places where there are nice coral reefs are sanctuaries and are protected by the Government. Getting caught in these areas is punishable by law. This is mainly because many areas have already been destroyed due to dynamite fishing and cyanide fishing before which was pretty much rampant then.
91yota
New member
basically, on the vortechs... i never could keep mine running properly and went through several wet-side assemblies within a year due to various issues that all caused excessive rattles, vibrations, etc... everything from magnets (the original style and epoxy coated gen2 style), ceramic bushings, wet-side frames, driveshaft issues, you name it... i always heard the pump running, at it's worst i even heard it over the TV which is in the same room... the only way it was tolerable for me was when the pump was set to run at a set speed, constantly which defeated the whole purpose of having the WWD in the first place... if i wanted a set speed pump, there are many cheaper options that run quieter than that vortech ever did... i also never liked not being able to aim the vortech... after my last replacement parts came in, i sold it and got a tunze and never looked back...
the tunze has been 100% trouble free and dead silent in the 9-10 months ive been using it with very minimal maintenance (regular vinegar soaks only) and was even a used pump when i got it... it's got a larger footprint in the tank and the tunze controller doesnt have all the fancy wave programs like the vortech's WWD but it works, it's quiet, and i can aim it wherever i want to
the tunze has been 100% trouble free and dead silent in the 9-10 months ive been using it with very minimal maintenance (regular vinegar soaks only) and was even a used pump when i got it... it's got a larger footprint in the tank and the tunze controller doesnt have all the fancy wave programs like the vortech's WWD but it works, it's quiet, and i can aim it wherever i want to
mixer911
New member
+1 on the Tunzes! Used both and over all experience with my tunzes has been a whole lot better than with my vortech's. Vortech's are a nice concept, but there are still some R&D issues to be worked out with them. I had issues with the motor side on mine. it was 2.5 yrs old and I had to pretty much buy a new motor for it. That's a lot of money for a pump to have to re-buy.
shandy_say
New member
I see. Ive reading up and researching on the comments of people in RC as well as in other forums and both sides have points. Its just so confusing which one to go with. Ive also read that many people complain about the noise the vortechs produce but at the same time some say they have never experienced this noise. I really don't know anymore. The reason why im planning on using a vortech is that it takes up less space in the tank as well as the fact that there are no available tunze's here running on 220V @ 60hz. Ive checked with ecotech regarding this issue and they said that the vortechs can run both at 50hz and 60hz which makes it workable here.
There are only 2 local reefers here I know of who use vortechs and both of them say that it is such a great product and just 1 of it can provide enough flow for my whole tank. Is this true?
shandy_say
New member
Even the gen2? I thought they already worked out the kinks from the 1st gen?
nivram
New member
Nice tank. I have a vortech and love it. However I did have some initial issues with it making noises. I sent it in and it was repaired. About a month later it started separating. I noticed it had quite a bit of algae build up on it and completely cleaned it. After this, all has been well for well over 6 months. It might make a little noise as it ramps up in RPMs. It is a quiet pump, but not completely silent.
I have never used a Tunze and can't comment on them. My best advice would be to try and see the vortech in person if you know someone that is running them. I was running a single MP40 in my 65. But have since added another powerhead until I can afford another MP40. I'd personally get 2 MP40s and dial them back if needed.
I have never used a Tunze and can't comment on them. My best advice would be to try and see the vortech in person if you know someone that is running them. I was running a single MP40 in my 65. But have since added another powerhead until I can afford another MP40. I'd personally get 2 MP40s and dial them back if needed.
shandy_say
New member
Thanks for the info! Unfortunately only 2 people have vortechs here and ive never seen it in action. Its not actually being sold here so very very few people use that here. Im just amazed by the fact that such a small pump that takes up very little space inside the tank can be so powerful.
Are you using gen2?
Are you using gen2?
scaryperson27
New member
If you want reliability, get a Tunze.
If you want a cool gadget, get am Ecotech Vortech mo40.
Mine has had a lot of problems and has cost me a lot of money after I have posted it primarily.
I have an extra Tunze now laying around just in case the Ecotech breaks. That's how much confidence I have in their reliability. Again reliability over a cool concept. Which do you want?
If you want a cool gadget, get am Ecotech Vortech mo40.
Mine has had a lot of problems and has cost me a lot of money after I have posted it primarily.
I have an extra Tunze now laying around just in case the Ecotech breaks. That's how much confidence I have in their reliability. Again reliability over a cool concept. Which do you want?
shandy_say
New member
thanks scaryperson27. I put up a poll at the equipments section to find out the experiences of people with both. Thanks again for answering my questions.
nivram
New member
Yes and to Ecotech defense my pump was purchased used on ebay. Another benefit to me is the battery backup. Some will say you can just use a ups with any other pump. But the vortech will drop down to 50% to extend run time. I think its a great pump and their service is outstanding. Tunze make great stuff. But you can't beat the vortech for the amount of flow you get in such a small footprint imo.
shandy_say
New member
@nivram - Thanks bro! Cool! I like the vortech cause of that small foot print plus the fact that it will reduce heat in my tank cause the motor in external.
nivram
New member
Yes and to Ecotech defense my pump was purchased used on ebay. Another benefit to me is the battery backup. Some will say you can just use a ups with any other pump. But the vortech will drop down to 50% to extend run time. I think its a great pump and their service is outstanding. Tunze make great stuff. But you can't beat the vortech for the amount of flow you get in such a small footprint imo.
shandy_say
New member
November 1, 2009
Green hair algae growing already.
Green hair algae growing already.
reefer31
New member
In defense of ecotech, I have a gen 2 mp40w and I have never had any problems. I love it. The only sound I have ever heard is when the pump starts to go full blast. I also bought it from ebay, not sure if it was ever used but the box was opened. The amount of flow that comes from this pump is amazing. The undertow is crazy! I have it 4" from the surface of the tank and it pulls water from the bottom of the other side and across the sandbed of my 120. I used to only use the mp40w on my 120 but had to put in an mj mod pointing the other way to get a little bit more dynamic flow. I will certainly be buying another one in the future. I hope this helps!
also, I was also thinking about buying a tunze and I think they are excellent pumps but I like the look of my vortech alot better in my tank.
also, I was also thinking about buying a tunze and I think they are excellent pumps but I like the look of my vortech alot better in my tank.
flying_dutchman
New member
WOW the tank looks like an other planet :lolspin:
shandy_say
New member
@reefer31 - Thanks! Im planning to get one. I want to minimize any pump seen in the tank so it will look more natural. The mp40 has a small footprint which makes it an ideal pump for my tank. Plus the battery option would be great. But maybe a generator for the whole setup would be better. heheh! 
@flying_dutchman - Thanks bro! Took the pics right after the rain. So the sky was kinda red. Looks like im on mars! heheh!
@flying_dutchman - Thanks bro! Took the pics right after the rain. So the sky was kinda red.
Looks like im on mars! heheh!
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