Tunze vs. Vortech for 180 Gallon Setup

[oscar.millan]

I'm sure there has been discussion regarding this topic, any expert advise is welcomed. I have some experience with Tunze, but I've used a Vortech MP40w most recently on my smaller reef tank.

A couple of variables I've isolated for those seeking a similar comparison:

Tunze's 2 year warranty
Vortech's 1 year warranty

Not all Tunze's are controllable, but if you do wish to control them, a separate controller must be purchased. Vortech's on the other hand are controllable out of the box.

Tunze's however can be pointed directionally, whereas Vortech's basically point straight out with no further adjustments.

From experience Vortech's are very easy to clean, since the wet-side is easily removable (magnets) which makes it ideal for keeping the pump up and running at optimal conditions. I would lazy with Tunze's since I had to un-plug and find the right cord.

By my estimates, I believe once you add it all up, Vortech's will be more cost effective when compared to Tunze's of similar flow.

Food for thought. Thanks for your comments and insight.

 

[oscar.millan]

Too long of a post? Perhaps some pictures would help?

 

[matan_grin]

i think you should post pictures of your tank and rockwork for the best advice on pump choice.

 

[DolphinLVR]

I am going to be going with 2 Tunze 6100's with the multicontroller in my 180 mainly due to the cost! My tank is going to be predominately LPS and softie and i can always add more Tunzes if needed.

 

[Eel-byte]

I woud say Tunzes, the Vortech still have some longevity issues.

 

[OkR33Fer]

I am using 2 mp40 and a dart CL on my 240 cube tank.

 

[JOSE CASAS]

Really will depend on how long you tank is, rock work, placement of pumps. Tunzes shoot a longer stream where the vortecs travel less but wider.

 

[oscar.millan]

I will try to take some pictures during my lunch break. To give you an idea for now, I have three pillars of live rock. Left, rigth, and center that come up pretty high.

Pictures coming soon.

i think you should post pictures of your tank and rockwork for the best advice on pump choice.

 

[oscar.millan]

I thought about going 2 x MP40w for my tank.

I might be mistaken, but my mental math told me that it would be cheaper to go with the Vortech's than Tunze's. Once you add the price of both Tunze's and the multi-controller, it would be more expensive than the vortech's. Correct me if I'm wrong.

In any case, if the Tunze's are cheaper that might be the deciding factor.

Thanks for your post and insight.

I am going to be going with 2 Tunze 6100's with the multicontroller in my 180 mainly due to the cost! My tank is going to be predominately LPS and softie and i can always add more Tunzes if needed.

 

[oscar.millan]

If the warranty is any indication of this, I would agree. Vortech's only have a one year warranty vs. two year for Tunze's.

I will say however, my MP40 has been with me for well over a year without any major issues. I did change the Wet-side assembly, but it was covered under warranty and MD took care of it quickly.

Thanks for your reply.

I woud say Tunzes, the Vortech still have some longevity issues.

 

[oscar.millan]

Any insight into how the MP40's are working out? Any major issues? How do you like them? If you had to do it again, would you still purchase the same pumps?

Too many questions?

Thanks for your post.

I am using 2 mp40 and a dart CL on my 240 cube tank.

 

[frank40]

i am currently switching over to Tunzes'. i am tired of my vortechs' making noise, falling off the glass and every 4-6 months i have to send them back to Ecotech to replace magnets. Eco-tech has been great with service on these pumps but for the $ they cost, i expect more.

 

[DolphinLVR]

If the warranty is any indication of this, I would agree. Vortech's only have a one year warranty vs. two year for Tunze's.

I will say however, my MP40 has been with me for well over a year without any major issues. I did change the Wet-side assembly, but it was covered under warranty and MD took care of it quickly.

Thanks for your reply.

If you watch the classifieds closely, you can pick up the multicontrooler and a pair of Tunzes for about the same price as 1 MP40.

Also, just food for thought, I have read too many instances where the wetside has had to be replaced as well as the noise factor of the MP40's when they are ramping up and down.

 

[psykobowler]

I use both tunzes, vortech in my tanks 150 gallon and 300 gallon - no need to decide which one is better. I have 4 vortechs break on me but replaced with parts under warranty. Takes 5 days to be operational again. With the tunzes in the tank I do not worry about the mp40s breaking down and losing flow. I even have a closed loop on my 300. I believe tanks should have both directional and wave
motions. You just can't rely on Just one equipment to do 100 percent of the job. In fact I also use 2 skimmers per tank.

 

[OkR33Fer]

Any insight into how the MP40's are working out? Any major issues? How do you like them? If you had to do it again, would you still purchase the same pumps?

Too many questions?

Thanks for your post.

I started with one in a 6ft 150 and added the 2nd just before I broke down the tank to make way for a larger setup. I had to replace a wetside as well, but that was due to the previous owner having the spacer setup up wrong and causing premature wear. I am contemplatiny selling the dart and adding another mp40 and skipping the CL all together.

 

[bag151]

I have had both pumps, first with two vortech's in my 180 and then 4 vortech's in my 336g and now 4 Tunze 6105's in my 336. I did have to replace all of my wetsides and one of the drivers for the vortechs, but the ramping noise and lack of ability to direct the flow urged me to switch. Yes the Tunze's are a bit of a pain to clean cause you got to pull the whole unit, but they are a lot quieter for the same reason. If you just want wave action the Vortech's will be fine on either side of your tank, but you will need some other form of flow at some point to make up for lack of flow in the middle of the tank, esp when your forest starts to grow in. The Tunze's in my case are a better fit in combination with my Sequence Barracuda CL.

 

[oscar.millan]

Dolphin,

Only issue with classifieds is the warranty, but I agree, if the price is right it might be worth the risk. That being said, and based on what I'm hearing here - I would be inclined to purchase Tunze instead of Vortech especially if purchasing used. I was not aware that Vortech's were known for issues with the wet-side assembly, but come to think of it (as I mentioned in a previous post) my wet-side assembly was replaced as well.

As far as the noise, that's very true. I hear a humming on my MP40w, but I'll take that over heat in the tank. The noise of my cooling fans is louder than that of my MP40w. I guess it's a trade-off either way.

Thanks for posting.

If you watch the classifieds closely, you can pick up the multicontrooler and a pair of Tunzes for about the same price as 1 MP40.

Also, just food for thought, I have read too many instances where the wetside has had to be replaced as well as the noise factor of the MP40's when they are ramping up and down.

 

[oscar.millan]

Frank,

Sorry to hear about all the bad experiences with Vortech pumps. Sounds like Ecotech Marine needs to improve quality control.

Thanks for your input, very valuable insight.

Anyone out there who is willing to stick up for Vortech with a flawless experience? Tunze's appear to be the clear winner on this one. I'm not surprised since Tunze's are known for quality, but didn't know the problems were this common with the Vortech.

i am currently switching over to Tunzes'. i am tired of my vortechs' making noise, falling off the glass and every 4-6 months i have to send them back to Ecotech to replace magnets. Eco-tech has been great with service on these pumps but for the $ they cost, i expect more.

 

[oscar.millan]

Both used in tandem, not a bad idea.

Check out the tank of the month, they are using a combination of Tunze's and Vortech's as well. Sounds like you get the best of both worlds, but yet you still have another replacement of the wet side.

Thanks for sharing.

I use both tunzes, vortech in my tanks 150 gallon and 300 gallon - no need to decide which one is better. I have 4 vortechs break on me but replaced with parts under warranty. Takes 5 days to be operational again. With the tunzes in the tank I do not worry about the mp40s breaking down and losing flow. I even have a closed loop on my 300. I believe tanks should have both directional and wave
motions. You just can't rely on Just one equipment to do 100 percent of the job. In fact I also use 2 skimmers per tank.

 

[Reefer Brian]

Tunze is the way to go. I have a pair of 6200's and a single 6100 (both the old school brown casing), and have never had a problem with them(6 years old). All you ever hear about the MP40 is how they need a new wet side or magnets....for $400 you shouldnt have to replace anything. Plus they are not directional and also noisy...wow all these setting and all they do is make a bunch of noise as they power up and down(how anoying)....reef crest, lagoon, high tide, low tide what a bunch of crap.... Go with the Tunze, you will be very happy. Good luck with your decision...