Tunze vs. Eco Tech

[bagz727]

Vortech all the way!!!

 

[Ricardo_Jorge]

So guys,

in terms of controlability on a APEX, which is the best?

Hug

 

[James77]

So guys,

in terms of controlability on a APEX, which is the best?

Hug

I'd say either...the Apex allows alot of versatility as far as flow and the times you would like them to happen. The plus for the Tunze is that the control is built into the main Apex package, whereas you have to buy the Vortech module.

 

[James77]

And my Vortechs are completely silent. Have to literally put my ear next to the dry side to hear the hum.

What other audible equipment do you run....like fans, etc?

The motor on the Vortech makes a whirring sound that is pretty easily masked by other equipment on the typical tank. When I was running my last Vortech and a PowerModule....when I set the PMs fan to the 10 or 12v setting, the noise of the Vortech was all but drowned out.

 

[James77]

Safe for humans perhaps. What about inverts?
I agree that 12V DC is better than 120V AC, and the risk is minimal with Tunze but there is zero risk with Ecotech.
When mixing electricity and saltwater, I'll take zero risk over minimal risk every time.

Ive not heard of anyone losing inverts or getting shocked from Tunzes, that is after many years and countless owners. Any risk is negligible, far more risk from heaters, lights, skimmers etc.

 

[Zebodog]

... Any risk is negligible...

I don't agree - always respect electricity.

... far more risk from heaters, lights, skimmers etc.

I do agree with this.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to both Tunze and Ecotech however the simple fact is that the Vortech does not introduce any electricity into the aquarium and is, in this area, superior to the Tunze.

 

[Zebodog]

So guys,

in terms of controlability on a APEX, which is the best?

Hug

I'd say both are pretty even in this regard.

The Ecotech does require an additional WXM module, however you can offset the additional cost by going with an Apex Lite instead of the Apex.

 

[James77]

I don't agree - always respect electricity.
.

Maybe negligible is the wrong word...it is just an extremely mininal risk of shock for DC pumps.....but I guess anything can happen . But between GFI outlets, double insulated pumps, and DC current...I have never worried.

 

[pblogic]

I doubt there's a whole lot of risk with the powerheads, but it is a nice feature of the vortech. I read alot about people wanting massive flow for some reason and they end up with a tsunami in their tanks. I think this has a lot to do with what you're stocking and the enviroment you want to create. In my 75G I've got 4 Koralia evos... 2x1050 2x750 on a jbj wave maker. I thought this was fantastic until I turned off the tens for an evening to introduce some new livestock to calm enviroment. All of my corals looked so much better. I have a mix of SPS, LPS, and softies. The soft corals and the anemones were much happer, much better extension etc. Nutrient transport isn't all about blasting your corals with a focused stream of water. This is why I'm interested in the vortech.... broad flow in more natural patterns...... Just something else to think about. Too many people get the idea in their heads that every setup needs massive GPH to be successful. There definitley is a point at which you reach so much flow it's detrimental.

 

[Chris27]

I don't agree - always respect electricity.




I do agree with this.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to both Tunze and Ecotech however the simple fact is that the Vortech does not introduce any electricity into the aquarium and is, in this area, superior to the Tunze.

There is no need to respect the low voltage DC that is supplied to the Tunze pumps....

 

[Chris27]

FWIW, I have a pair of Vortechs, and wish I would have gotten a pair of Tunze's instead.

Maintenance is easier, reliability is better, and you can go a good long time between cleanings, plus German Engineers are just plain better at mechanical design then anyone out there. They may not take much time to wire anything properly, but in this application the DC power system is hardly complicated.

 

[tjw00]

What other audible equipment do you run....like fans, etc?

The motor on the Vortech makes a whirring sound that is pretty easily masked by other equipment on the typical tank. When I was running my last Vortech and a PowerModule....when I set the PMs fan to the 10 or 12v setting, the noise of the Vortech was all but drowned out.

I run a lot of other noisemaking equipment, but what I said referred to when I have everything else powered down. For example , when I feed cyclopeeze I do so when lights/fans are off and the Apex feed mode turns off return pump, skimmer, etc. The only thing running on the tank at this time are the Vortechs (3 of them) and I cannot hear them at all unless I put my ear right next to the dry side.

 

[bayoupr]

Maintenance is easier, reliability is better, and you can go a good long time between cleanings, plus German Engineers are just plain better at mechanical design then anyone out there. They may not take much time to wire anything properly, but in this application the DC power system is hardly complicated.

I fail to see how maintenance is easier than a vortech

 

[reefkeeps]

The Vortechs are louder..

I have two MP40s and an MP60 on a 5 foot tank, I can create a hell of a wave, yes the MP60 is loud at times. I have no regrets,

I have owned the Tunze's as well, other than taking up space and the heat I liked them alot.

 

[tjw00]

Or if you have spare wet side like me; remove wet side, replace with clean one and start back up while you are cleaning the dirty wet side. Priceless.

+1

Absolutely. I don't even shut the dry side down. Nothing easier than swapping a wet side while the dry side is still powered up. Done it about a dozen times so far on my 3 vortechs. Fish and corals never even know I was there.

 

[karsseboom]

FWIW, I have a pair of Vortechs, and wish I would have gotten a pair of Tunze's instead.

Maintenance is easier, reliability is better, and you can go a good long time between cleanings, plus German Engineers are just plain better at mechanical design then anyone out there. They may not take much time to wire anything properly, but in this application the DC power system is hardly complicated.

German engineers better? i hope your not tlaking about there cars. Bmw audi vw horriable reliablity...