FirstContact
Active member
True, but I think a too many people have too many issues with them early on for the price point IMO. And I've seen Vortechs for sale where the seller indicates needs new bearings or wet side.
Power heads
- Thread starter gonzalezvacaeli
- Start date
FirstContact
Active member
My gen 1 vortechs are still going strong
They have definitely improved them over the years too.
I'm glad they are working so well and so long for you!
RedStangGA
New member
Vortech's have their issues but they are minor compared to the benefits IMO. And this is coming from someone who was pretty ****ed that they stopped supporting MP40wES wet sides lol! MP's have been essentially maintenance free for me. I only had issues with mine after a move so very well could have been my fault.
Thinking about getting a few more for an upgrade build. Where I agree with you is the warranty. 1 year is too short for the cost. It has me considering the Rossmont's with their 3 year warranty to see if they're acceptable. I've considered the Gyre as well since build quality is apparently improving with them but they really aren't any cheaper than a Vortech and I'd trust a Vortech to last longer than a Maxspect. Guess time will tell. I'll probably end up with a mix since I can't make up my mind lol!
Thinking about getting a few more for an upgrade build. Where I agree with you is the warranty. 1 year is too short for the cost. It has me considering the Rossmont's with their 3 year warranty to see if they're acceptable. I've considered the Gyre as well since build quality is apparently improving with them but they really aren't any cheaper than a Vortech and I'd trust a Vortech to last longer than a Maxspect. Guess time will tell. I'll probably end up with a mix since I can't make up my mind lol!
If you end up getting the Rossmont could you do a brief review? They seem to move a lot of water for their price and with a 3 year warranty, you HAVE to consider them as an option at least.
BTW, I know the "feels" of not being able to decide. Since I couldn't decide, I went with a Carlson surge Device and omitted any powerheads, lol
FirstContact
Active member
Sicce products come with a 3 or 5 year warranty depending on where you purchase and how you register.
Also, to be fair, a pair of Vortechs is about $700 and the Tunzes about $1,000. I was using $1,000 as a base point for both in comparison.
Also, to be fair, a pair of Vortechs is about $700 and the Tunzes about $1,000. I was using $1,000 as a base point for both in comparison.
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RedStangGA
New member
I will but tank is probably at least 3-4 months from getting wet. We recently moved and new house projects keep occupying the budget. Thankfully, we're almost done with the really expensive ones lol!
I have 6100s and 6200s still that are as good as the day that they were new. I clean them about every other year and sometimes not even that often. Could this be 12-15 years by now? 6105s also going strong but not as old.
I don't consider Ecotech on Tunze level, but perhaps I am the only one.
The AquaMedic EcoDrift made in Poland appears to be better than the Chinese pumps - but neither have been out for long.
I have big tanks and larger power heads don't mean anything to me, so I pick up all of the used 6100s and 6200s that people sell to "upgrade." My many thanks to all of them...
I don't consider Ecotech on Tunze level, but perhaps I am the only one.
The AquaMedic EcoDrift made in Poland appears to be better than the Chinese pumps - but neither have been out for long.
I have big tanks and larger power heads don't mean anything to me, so I pick up all of the used 6100s and 6200s that people sell to "upgrade." My many thanks to all of them...
twon8
Formally registered membe
I paid $345 for the stream 3, so not sure how you get 1000, its 700, same as the vortechs.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
FirstContact
Active member
???????
6155s and 6255s $426 & $482 each at BRS is $852 & $964 each.
Not sure how the Stream 3 is comparable to a Vortech. If I wanted a Stream 3, I would just get a hydro wizard.
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FirstContact
Active member
FirstContact
Active member
rtparty
Raise The Reef!
What's your motivation and agenda here? You have to have one to hate certain companies so much.
If someone wants to spend the money on a Vortech or Tunze, they can. It's their money and choice. Ridiculing them proves nothing.
While I'm glad you've had luck with the Jebao stuff, many have not. I've seen FAR more stories of them dying after three months than your story of 3 years. So who do we believe?
In the end, I'd personally rather support a company that has always taken care of me and skip MACNA. Bunch of reef nerds in one place? No thanks [emoji1]
FirstContact
Active member
Just want to see Tunze and Vertex offer better warranties. I agree with the OP. 
rtparty
Raise The Reef!
I think we'd all like that. I find one year on any product (aquarium or not) is ridiculous. That shows me little to no faith in their quality. However, these companies won't change just because.Just want to see Tunze and Vertex offer better warranties. I agree with the OP.
I will say I've dealt with Ecotech twice after warranty and they handled both items with no questions or issues. Even the one where they didn't have to and I offered to buy the part. Jebao will NEVER offer that help. (Reef Breeders might though)
FirstContact
Active member
My hope is that Jebaos will get better and force more competition with Tunze and Vortech. I would really like to see Sicce come out with a high end powerhead that competes with Tunze and Vortech because of their 3-5 year warranty. If I could purchase Tunzes and Vortechs with a guarantee that they would last x number of years I would. The only problem for me is that x has to be a lot better than 1-2 years and more like 5.
Sounds like you received good customer service from Vortech.
Sounds like you received good customer service from Vortech.
rtparty
Raise The Reef!
I would bet that the average Tunze lasts 5 years or more.
Vortech? I'm not sure on average they go 5 years but it wouldn't surprise me either. I know that 2 of mine that I had in 2010 are still going on a buddy's tank. Only the wetsides have been replaced. Acceptable? For me it is. For others it isn't. That's okay too.
Have an old tunze wave box, a larger powerhead, and a stream. Have had all three for 5-10 years with the two larger ones being out of service due to a house move. Knocked the dead coralline off, plugged the in and no problems running them. Ready to go on my new project. Side note, even though they're ugly, probably won't have to buy a heater to malfunction as they will help heat the tank.
LOL @ reef nerds.
I'd also like to support a company that takes care of its customers, I just don't want to "need" to use their awesome customer service too soon or too often.
If they don't offer customer service they better be cheap and I assume reliability issues, i.e Jebao. But, if they are of "high value" I'd expect increased reliability, better customer service, and longer warranties. What price do you perceived as "high value" is up to the buyer, but in the current market it seems you can afford to replace some pumps every 1-2 years before they start having issues for what others cost for one pump with limited warranties and that doesn't seem right.
When cost, performance, reliability, customer service, warranties, and energy consumption are considered some pumps start distancing from the rest though it may or not be the most popular brand.
rtparty
Raise The Reef!
Agreed.
If I didn't get my MP10QD and Tunze 6045s for such a deal, I'd consider giving the Jebao line a shot.
I've had no luck with the Chinese (don't take that negatively) stuff. I learned my lessons early in the hobby that you get what you pay for. Are some things overpriced and ridiculous? Of course. That's life though. That's why we have Chevy, Honda, Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari, Apple, Huawei, Samsung, LG and a plethora of others. I find choices to be a great thing for all of us.
Again, I would really like to see Ecotech at least double their warranty for the prices they want. Maybe we need an after market aquarium pump insurance company?
