Newbie question: Do you use the different modes in the vortech powerheads?

L

laguest

Member
We are starting up our first reef, standard 75 gallon tank.

Right now we are looking at running 2 x MP10WQD powerheads for flow. Thinking on buying new since we want as little noise as possible from the tank. I really like all the different modes these pumps have, but since we are new to this I don't know if we would use them. I like the idea of running a lower flow at night to simulate a calmer reef. During the day I could see running a wave and maybe cycling between each one on/off, etc But like I said, I have no real point of reference here. I would hate to drop $600.00 and end up running them in a simple flow that I could get with normal powerheads and a simple timer.

I am also getting wrapped up into thoughts on an Apex controller for feed mode, Kessil light control, Lunar lights.

Any thoughts? Am I going overboard here?

Thanks
 
I switch it up throughout the day but mostly keep them in lagoon then reef crest midday then back to lagoon

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I'm assuming you have a Reeflink?

I run lagoon at lights out and various other modes during the day, including reef crest, tidal swell, nutrient transport. With transition zones in between.


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No, I was not planning on using the Reeflink.

I wanted to use the 2 pumps in a master - slave setup to start with. Then try and pick up an Apex controller around Dec and use that to control them.
 
I ran mine on either reef crest or nutrient transport for years. No rhyme or reason to it -- occasionally I would switch between the two but that was about it. Also did the night mode.

Have to say, I switched a cross flow and like it more. Only negative imo is the lack of a night time mode -- but my fish don't seem to complain. 1 cross flow on my 36" long 66g seems to work great.
 
I run mine reefcrest anti-synch 24/7. I dive and where ever there are corals, there's lots of water movement, daytime and nighttime.
 
I had 2 MP10's in a 37 gal. I ran both on reefcrest, night mode starts 10pm.
I timed it where as one starting to ramp up, the other ramps down.
 
Thanks for all the info!!

I need to find time to call EcoTech, but in reading the manual it seems you can set one cycle and the night mode? I don't see that I can use multiple cycles in a 24 hour period (Reef Crest > Feed > Nutrient Transport > Lagoon > Night) with just the pump and normal controller.

It could be I need to use a ReefLink and EcoSmart. To me if I need software to do this then I would lean toward a controller like an Apex to tie in the rest of the tank.

So many decisions
 
laguest said:
Thanks for all the info!!



I need to find time to call EcoTech, but in reading the manual it seems you can set one cycle and the night mode? I don't see that I can use multiple cycles in a 24 hour period (Reef Crest > Feed > Nutrient Transport > Lagoon > Night) with just the pump and normal controller.



It could be I need to use a ReefLink and EcoSmart. To me if I need software to do this then I would lean toward a controller like an Apex to tie in the rest of the tank.



So many decisions
Click to expand...



Which is why I asked if you were going to use a Reeflink.

Ecotech products with Apex is a mixed bag at the moment depending on if you are using any other Ecotech products.


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vhuang168 said:
Which is why I asked if you were going to use a Reeflink.

Ecotech products with Apex is a mixed bag at the moment depending on if you are using any other Ecotech products.
Click to expand...

Right now I think the only EcoTech product we would use would be the Vortech pumps. I could use the Reeflink, its not over priced. We are looking at Kessil for lights so that is why we are leaning toward an Apex for control (flow, lights, heater, feeding, etc)

What do you mean by mixed bag?

Thanks again for all the info!
 
For the most part I keep it on reef crest anti sync mode and every now and then turn it up just to get all of the debri to the top of the water column
 
Does Apex have nutrient transport mode, or that's with Reeflink. Already own an APEX and WMX module with total control of Vortech and Radion.
 
laguest said:
Right now I think the only EcoTech product we would use would be the Vortech pumps. I could use the Reeflink, its not over priced. We are looking at Kessil for lights so that is why we are leaning toward an Apex for control (flow, lights, heater, feeding, etc)

What do you mean by mixed bag?

Thanks again for all the info!
Click to expand...

MP pumps and the G3 lights can be controlled by the Apex through the WXM module but not the Vectra pumps or the G4 lights.

The new Apex will be able to control the G4 lights wirelessly but not the MP pumps and the G3 lights. Not sure about the Vectra pumps. Operative word being 'will'. It is not implemented yet and there is no time frame.

I believe the Reeflink is able to control everything.
 
vhuang168 said:
MP pumps and the G3 lights can be controlled by the Apex through the WXM module but not the Vectra pumps or the G4 lights.

The new Apex will be able to control the G4 lights wirelessly but not the MP pumps and the G3 lights. Not sure about the Vectra pumps. Operative word being 'will'. It is not implemented yet and there is no time frame.

I believe the Reeflink is able to control everything.
Click to expand...

From what I've read on the forums, the G3 lights are working with either old or new Apex. The G4 lights work with both as well, but the two new channels on the G4 Pro lights are not yet supported by Apex. But Neptune is planning an update which will get those working.

I haven't read anything regarding incompatibility with the MP pumps. Here's what BRS says for the New Apex:

"Backwards Compatible

If you have any old modules, head units, energy bars, or other Apex accessory it will work flawlessly with the new Apex Controller."
 
I guess I should have been more specific.

The G3 lights and the MP pumps will work with wxm module. The G4 lights will work but have no control over the 2 new channels.

BUT, the new G4 lights are supposed to be compatible with the new Apex WITHOUT the wxm module in the near future.

No idea if the other Ecotech products will follow suit.


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