To Vortech owners....
- Thread starter Stuginski
- Start date
rbredding
I HEART BUILD THREADS!!!
is it worth the price?
NO...
I prefer Tunze controllable nanostreams for their price.. (new, you can get two 6055s and a 7096 controller for the same price as a single mp40..) and they'll do NEARLY all the same settings.. (dont have the ecosmart settings)
BUT:
*they are truly silent, (not "Vortech Silent" - which is most noticeable when utilizing any of the pulsing modes)
*they're attractive (not more so that the Vortech, but they are good looking pumps)
*they dont get hot (EVER).. the dry side of a vortech, even an MP10, gets pretty hot
*they run on about 36w (for BOTH of them)..
and I CURRENTLY own both...
MP10 on my fish only (30L)
6055s and a nano wavebox on my 90gal reef
NO...
I prefer Tunze controllable nanostreams for their price.. (new, you can get two 6055s and a 7096 controller for the same price as a single mp40..) and they'll do NEARLY all the same settings.. (dont have the ecosmart settings)
BUT:
*they are truly silent, (not "Vortech Silent" - which is most noticeable when utilizing any of the pulsing modes)
*they're attractive (not more so that the Vortech, but they are good looking pumps)
*they dont get hot (EVER).. the dry side of a vortech, even an MP10, gets pretty hot
*they run on about 36w (for BOTH of them)..
and I CURRENTLY own both...
MP10 on my fish only (30L)
6055s and a nano wavebox on my 90gal reef
Last edited:
jcolletteiii
New member
Worth the price? NO.
they do some cool stuff, but IMO it's not necessary. If you like gadgety, overpriced stuff, then by all means. I switched to Korallia pumps. Some differenced I've noticed...
1) Korallias are nine million percent cheaper.
2) Korallias are MUCH, MUCH quieter, (silent).
3) Korallias take up more space in teh tank.
4) Did I mention Korallias are HUMONGOUSLY cheaper?
You don't NEED all the stuff Vortechs do for a thriving, successful reef. Sold mine 'casue I couldn't stand the sound it made - and no, my MP40 was not defective - it wasn't any louder than a standard MP40, was only a year old when I sold it. Waves are cool, but you can do the same thing with Korallias and a $40 wavemaker - and it will be quiet enough to have your tank next to your television - and still be able to hear what they're saying on your favorite program!
they do some cool stuff, but IMO it's not necessary. If you like gadgety, overpriced stuff, then by all means. I switched to Korallia pumps. Some differenced I've noticed...
1) Korallias are nine million percent cheaper.
2) Korallias are MUCH, MUCH quieter, (silent).
3) Korallias take up more space in teh tank.
4) Did I mention Korallias are HUMONGOUSLY cheaper?
You don't NEED all the stuff Vortechs do for a thriving, successful reef. Sold mine 'casue I couldn't stand the sound it made - and no, my MP40 was not defective - it wasn't any louder than a standard MP40, was only a year old when I sold it. Waves are cool, but you can do the same thing with Korallias and a $40 wavemaker - and it will be quiet enough to have your tank next to your television - and still be able to hear what they're saying on your favorite program!
I used to use 2 koralia magnum 8s and they don't even touch what my vortecs do in the same tank...
U get what u pay for in this hobby... if u buy cheap, that is what u get... if u buy quality, u usually dont look back...
The undertow effect itself and the healthy coral enviroment they create, is priceless...
U get what u pay for in this hobby... if u buy cheap, that is what u get... if u buy quality, u usually dont look back...
The undertow effect itself and the healthy coral enviroment they create, is priceless...
lordofthereef
One reef to rule them all
"Worth the price" is up to you. You are getting a marginal bump in quality of water flow (IMO), for a premium price. I use vortechs and am happy with them, but it's not going to work miracles. If your tank is doing well now, I don't suspect you will see an overwhelming difference after the fact. The thing I like the most is the dispersion of the flow, though the koralia EVOs are pretty decent in that field too.
yehchien
New member
I like my MP40's. I have them set to reef crest mode and synced. It creates periods of dead calm and then turbulence. I've seen Tunzes work as well but they're pretty big compared to vortechs. In a small tank, I would recommend the smallest footprint. Are they worth the price? Depends, I haven't seen anything else out there that can do what they do in such a small footprint. So EcoMarine can charge whatever they want they want. Try to get them used if you can.
Regardless of what you decide, you're tank looks like its doing awesome.
Regardless of what you decide, you're tank looks like its doing awesome.
pmrossetti
Active member
3 big reasons they're worth it not including flow.
1. no power cords in water
2 no added heat
3 easy battery back up available which could save your tank.
not favoring them over Tunze, just sayin'
1. no power cords in water
2 no added heat
3 easy battery back up available which could save your tank.
not favoring them over Tunze, just sayin'
Crkbaby
New member
I guess it depends on what you really want I have 2 mp 40 on antisync on my 120 gallon they are tuned pretty far down. 2 on a 55 gallon would be a rediculous waist of money in my opinion. 2 mp 10s would be much better and quieter, the vortechs have a break in period, they generally are louder at first and will quiet down after a good month. also I run fans for my MH in my canopy the fans are louder then the powerheads so I don't even notice them I see you don't. I had korilias in my old 41 gallon and they are fine also. so I guess it all depends on how nuts you want to go. I see in the pics you have your powerheads pointing to the surface people do this for gas exchange If you have a sump the water should be flowing down breaking up this causes gas exchange also so don't feel that you have to. I also use them because I love hammer corals and soft corals the pulsing is nice for movement. With this being said I have seen beautiful tanks with and without so I guarantee they are not needed. So its your call buy them and possibly regret it. Or don't and wonder with a pocket full of cash lol. also I see they are 220 for the mp10 thats 440 for both I paid 495 each for mine so Yes I would do it lol. ask yourself if you plan on upgrading in the future though because then you are wasting money
lordofthereef
One reef to rule them all
I'm with you on the power cord thing. On a larger tank, circulation pumps are going to add a negligible amount of heat though. I know a koralia will last about as long on a "normal" battery backup as will a vortech on their own branded backups.
ccalabro
New member
I agree, but perhaps with the possible exception of Tunze's.
i have a maricultured tabling piece that i had a korilia 3 pointed at to keep happy, now the undertow of my mp40 (at 70%) keeps it happy. my old tunze nano or 6000 series (or 6100)pumps never had as good of undertow, and while they had geat flow it was no where near as broad and the 6000 was so direct it would blow the skin of a sps a foot away.
Dono
Member
Going from the Koralia to the Vortech you will notice a HUGE improvement in your tank. Not saying there aren't other great brands out there, but the Vortechs get great spread, amazing functionality (between their programmability and wireless control), and so on. I would definitely recommend 2 MP10's for your tank. I'm running a 75gal (which could have benefitted from 2 MP40s) but because of my budget I got 2 MP10s, and they are amazing. My tank is mixed reef and Im still getting great turnover rates with my return included.
tl dr;
-MP10s are the way to go
-Improved health of corals and detritus export
-very versatile (wireless control)
-yes they are worth the money imo
tl dr;
-MP10s are the way to go
-Improved health of corals and detritus export
-very versatile (wireless control)
-yes they are worth the money imo
naterealbig
Premium Member
I just set up three MP60W's on my 150 gallon tank, and considering everything that has already been mentioned in this thread (with emphasis on AMAZING customer service) they have been well worth the investment.
PROS:
1) very wide spread flow. They move enormous amounts of water at a relatively low velocity.
2) Watching the Ecosmart modes in action is wonderful. The standing waves that these pumps can create I have not seem matched by ANY other pump OR wave box.
3) They just look cool
4) Customer service is the best in the industry ( I know, because I have taken advantage of it)
5)"Upgradeability" - Ecotech has done an outstanding job of building their pumps such that you can upgrade and repair them as necessary. They are making new controllers that you can put on their old pumps to make them better. What other companies do this? There are very few.
6) Resale value; take a look on the used drygoods forum. You typically can get about 2/3rds what you originally paid for this pump. Even more if you bought it used. This is unheard of.
7) No heat transfer to the tank. Most would consider this a moot point, as most powerheads have a negligible watt-draw and thus a negligible heat transfer. Never-the-less, comparing watts to heat added to tank, the Vortechs are very low.
Cons
1) Price, although this is subjective. They are expensive, but your paying for the package deal. Think about it. Your buying pumps that talk to eachother. Wirelessly. Your paying for the customer service, the warranty, the research it takes to build and improve them, and the forethought to keep them upgradable in the future.
2) It is too bad that they can't be pointed in different directions. This is not an oversight however. Just something that is inherent in the design. Most of this is compensated in their incredibly wide flow.
3) There are no cords in the tank, but if you run the pumps in their recommended ecosmart configuration, there will be pump cords attached to the side of your tank. It is a touch unsightly, but an easy tradeoff for me. It is a big deal to some.
Some Things to Note:
a) There are many who will tell you that their Koralia's are just as good as any other power head. This is simply not true. Right before I purchased my vortechs, I had bought 2 Koralia II's (new style AC). Out of the box, one was extremely loud (louder than all 3 or my MP60's at 100%), and the other would spin the wrong direction half of the time it started. Koralias are ok pumps, and with enough, and assuming that your luck to get one that actually works, you can set up sufficient flow for any reef system. You have to compare apples to apples here, and comparing a Koralia (even the controllable one's) to a Vortech is just silly.
b) If you buy 2 MP40's now, you can upgrade your tank to about 150gallons and not have to buy another powerhead. This will save you money in the future. If you don't have the $$ for 2, just buy one, and replace one of your Koralias with it. Buy the second when ever you can.
c) If you know anyone with a vortech, stop by their place. Listen to them and see if the noise will bother you (probably won't). Watch them in different modes, and listen to what the owners have to say about them.
d) Do some research on the Tunze pumps too. I have never used them, but I am sure they are outstanding pumps as well.
e) Keep in mind that although 2 MP10's will be sufficient for your tank now, if you go any larger than a 55 you will either need another MP10 or you will have to go up in size on one of your Vortech's. Again, I would suggest buying a single 40 now, and buy a second one when you can afford it. Also keep in mind the tank wall thickness during your research. Different sizes have different maximum tank thicknesses on which they can operate.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your decision.
Nate
PROS:
1) very wide spread flow. They move enormous amounts of water at a relatively low velocity.
2) Watching the Ecosmart modes in action is wonderful. The standing waves that these pumps can create I have not seem matched by ANY other pump OR wave box.
3) They just look cool
4) Customer service is the best in the industry ( I know, because I have taken advantage of it)
5)"Upgradeability" - Ecotech has done an outstanding job of building their pumps such that you can upgrade and repair them as necessary. They are making new controllers that you can put on their old pumps to make them better. What other companies do this? There are very few.
6) Resale value; take a look on the used drygoods forum. You typically can get about 2/3rds what you originally paid for this pump. Even more if you bought it used. This is unheard of.
7) No heat transfer to the tank. Most would consider this a moot point, as most powerheads have a negligible watt-draw and thus a negligible heat transfer. Never-the-less, comparing watts to heat added to tank, the Vortechs are very low.
Cons
1) Price, although this is subjective. They are expensive, but your paying for the package deal. Think about it. Your buying pumps that talk to eachother. Wirelessly. Your paying for the customer service, the warranty, the research it takes to build and improve them, and the forethought to keep them upgradable in the future.
2) It is too bad that they can't be pointed in different directions. This is not an oversight however. Just something that is inherent in the design. Most of this is compensated in their incredibly wide flow.
3) There are no cords in the tank, but if you run the pumps in their recommended ecosmart configuration, there will be pump cords attached to the side of your tank. It is a touch unsightly, but an easy tradeoff for me. It is a big deal to some.
Some Things to Note:
a) There are many who will tell you that their Koralia's are just as good as any other power head. This is simply not true. Right before I purchased my vortechs, I had bought 2 Koralia II's (new style AC). Out of the box, one was extremely loud (louder than all 3 or my MP60's at 100%), and the other would spin the wrong direction half of the time it started. Koralias are ok pumps, and with enough, and assuming that your luck to get one that actually works, you can set up sufficient flow for any reef system. You have to compare apples to apples here, and comparing a Koralia (even the controllable one's) to a Vortech is just silly.
b) If you buy 2 MP40's now, you can upgrade your tank to about 150gallons and not have to buy another powerhead. This will save you money in the future. If you don't have the $$ for 2, just buy one, and replace one of your Koralias with it. Buy the second when ever you can.
c) If you know anyone with a vortech, stop by their place. Listen to them and see if the noise will bother you (probably won't). Watch them in different modes, and listen to what the owners have to say about them.
d) Do some research on the Tunze pumps too. I have never used them, but I am sure they are outstanding pumps as well.
e) Keep in mind that although 2 MP10's will be sufficient for your tank now, if you go any larger than a 55 you will either need another MP10 or you will have to go up in size on one of your Vortech's. Again, I would suggest buying a single 40 now, and buy a second one when you can afford it. Also keep in mind the tank wall thickness during your research. Different sizes have different maximum tank thicknesses on which they can operate.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your decision.
Nate
rbredding
I HEART BUILD THREADS!!!
I know you said you weren't favoring them over tunze, but I'd like to point out something that most people dont know..
when purchasing a tunze controllable pump, if you buy a "safety connector - $40" you can use your own direct current battery (like a 24v radioshak battery - $50) as the backup..
so Tunze has a battery backup for less than $90...
Hi reefers...
Wow...so many opinions!!!!
Today I put 1 MP40 on my reef (a friend lent me)...I removed the the 2 koralias from the tank and turned on the mp40 in one side....it´s soon to say something...I will use this pump for a week to test....but I have to down the pump to 50%...because the flow is absurd...I´m operating in a mode.....and tomorrow I will try other modes to test (what do you recomend???)
First impressions:
estetic:
1-No wire in the tank -good!
2- Just one pump....the other side is empty now - very good!!! (if I buy two mp10...I will loose this effect)
3- little noise at 50%
flow:
1- Strong and wide....it´s obvious that the lower parts of my tank now are recieving much more flow ( yes I know that my evos was pointing to the top). I don´t know if this is really good...because I have Euphyllias and a bubble coral at the bottom...let´s see the polyp extension tomorrow...
modes:
I can´t evaluate this yet...what do you use????
Effect on my corals:
I can´t evaluate this yet too
Tomorrow I will try to ramp up a litle more maybe run in 70%....
Honestly I don´t want to use a vortech and a koralia in the other side...or I will use 1 Mp40...or 2 mp10....or I will continue with my koralias...at 50% I have some flow at the other extreme of the tank (I don´t know if its enough...let´s see the polyp extension tomorrow)
I like the evos...but obviously...they are different things...
I can´t decide yet.....
Thanks for everyone that helped me in this thread!!!! I read and respect all the opinions!!!! And you are helping me to much...to decide!
I think its almost a consensus that 2 mp10 are better than 1 mp40...but if I have a sufficient GOOD flow to my corals with just one pump...It will be great...because my reef is a two side view reef (front and lateral) and I will be happy with a glass without pump!!!!
Thanks for the words about my tank too!!!
Sorry for my terrible english...and please keep helping me!!!!
Hails from Brazil
D.
Wow...so many opinions!!!!
Today I put 1 MP40 on my reef (a friend lent me)...I removed the the 2 koralias from the tank and turned on the mp40 in one side....it´s soon to say something...I will use this pump for a week to test....but I have to down the pump to 50%...because the flow is absurd...I´m operating in a mode.....and tomorrow I will try other modes to test (what do you recomend???)
First impressions:
estetic:
1-No wire in the tank -good!
2- Just one pump....the other side is empty now - very good!!! (if I buy two mp10...I will loose this effect)
3- little noise at 50%
flow:
1- Strong and wide....it´s obvious that the lower parts of my tank now are recieving much more flow ( yes I know that my evos was pointing to the top). I don´t know if this is really good...because I have Euphyllias and a bubble coral at the bottom...let´s see the polyp extension tomorrow...
modes:
I can´t evaluate this yet...what do you use????
Effect on my corals:
I can´t evaluate this yet too
Tomorrow I will try to ramp up a litle more maybe run in 70%....
Honestly I don´t want to use a vortech and a koralia in the other side...or I will use 1 Mp40...or 2 mp10....or I will continue with my koralias...at 50% I have some flow at the other extreme of the tank (I don´t know if its enough...let´s see the polyp extension tomorrow)
I like the evos...but obviously...they are different things...
I can´t decide yet.....
Thanks for everyone that helped me in this thread!!!! I read and respect all the opinions!!!! And you are helping me to much...to decide!
I think its almost a consensus that 2 mp10 are better than 1 mp40...but if I have a sufficient GOOD flow to my corals with just one pump...It will be great...because my reef is a two side view reef (front and lateral) and I will be happy with a glass without pump!!!!
Thanks for the words about my tank too!!!
Sorry for my terrible english...and please keep helping me!!!!
Hails from Brazil
D.
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