Very Intresting Article about flow & pumps

[RTMA]

Check it out.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/7/aafeature

Great article with some very good findings in the end.

If you are looking to add flow or buy more flow - this article will show you the light.

Going to be interesting to see how Tunze handles this - as the results for their pumps could be potentially damaging for sales and reputation.

The pump flow efficiencies (gph / watt) diagram is awesome.

 

[terahz]

Very interesting. Too bad it is technically sponsored by EcoTech. Would have been nice to be independent, but the tests seem fairly trustworthy.

 

[srusso]

Laminar Flow is a term I herd used once before. Googled it again today when I found it used in this article, found this very cool demonstration.

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[RTMA]

Very interesting. Too bad it is technically sponsored by EcoTech. Would have been nice to be independent, but the tests seem fairly trustworthy.

Ha, that was the first thing I thought also. Then I read that Tunze themselves confirmed the findings.

 

[zhangg3]

It is a very interesting read indeed. However, personally (non-scientifically) my Tunze 6105 feels so much more powerful when compared to my MP40. Now kind of don't know what to get next....maybe Hydor?

 

[thefuz]

I'm still so new, so take my opinion as you will - but I think if you're going to get more than one for the same tank you should stick to the same brands. The main reason being they're more often engineered to work together with one another to create varying waveforms.

It is a little shady that the test is sponsored by Ecotech; but as RTMA says - the article reports that Tunze confirmed the results themselves.

 

[scolley]

Well... With Echotech funding the work it certainly calls conclusions into question. But to their credit, the report was reasonably specific as to both their methods, and their observations.

That puts other vendors on the defensive. it will be interesting to see the reactions.

FWIW - I find it interesting that I got an email today from Echotech, showing how they deliver more flow than they promise.

IMO its an excellent article, and it makes me feel a WHOLE lot better about my current plan to put a 2nd MP10 on my little nano.

 

[srusso]

I also thought it was done fairly, they didn't seem to mess with the results.

 

[slapshot]

Here we go again...fastening my seatbelt. this has been discussed and discussed and answered in another thread. I still love my Tunzes! :deadhorse:

 

[thefuz]

I don't think anyone was bashing per se... just sharing an interesting study. Some of us are new and don't have strong feelings either way. I don't think it's fair to offer up one solution as the perfect fit for each and every case. As with all things in this hobby - there are a vast number of solutions to each reef challenge. What's the harm in more data?

If you're going to offer up smarmy commentary and emoticons, at least back up your post with a reference. That's the point of this one... for reference.

 

[slapshot]

Look, I not flaming but there are at least two threads out there that have turned into Flamefests. I'm shocked you have not found them. The information is already out there, Tunze has already responded that was my only point. Sorry if you took offense. As for my use emoticans.....it is approprate in this case. :deadhorse:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2043601

Rodger answered multiple times in this one:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2043590&highlight=tunze+flow+problems

 

[thefuz]

No offense taken. I have MP40s and will probably stick with them for a while since they do the job (certainly overkill given my current critters) and it could cost a bunch to replace them (unless I went with Korallia, of course).

If you want directed flow, Tunze certainly provides where Vortech doesn't. It's great to see the effort the Tunze folks are going through to boost pump efficiency and address any other concerns customers may have. However, it's possible they may not have done anything w/out conversations like this making the rounds. Free market system doing something positive for real customers.

 

[RTMA]

Tunze owners are going to be on the defensive. And that is to be expected. Tunze owners are seemingly very loyal to their brand ( Just ask Steve about his Osmolator! ) We all have our own opinions and budget and that is what makes this forum great.

As most owners are loyal to what they choose or do (in fact we all are about something or another (try to get steve to ditch his ATS for a skimmer! ) - they research and make decisions and feel that it may be the best choice for them. Ecotech owners are just as loyal. Koralia owners can be also. You'll see a lot of this in regards to Digital Aquatics vs Neptune too.

I posted this here because I wanted to discuss this with my local reefers and club members. I am sure there are hundreds of other posts about this subject because of the results. As there are hundreds of beautiful reefs running Tunze pumps.

One thing is clear, Tunze will stand behind their product, so what ever shortcomings they have, I'm sure Tunze will resolve it.

What I found most valuable was the efficiency findings - I want to know what pump provides the most flow for the least amount of watts consumed. Now obviously you have to factor in the quality and the price. But for anyone concerned with the total cost of ownership (at this exact moment in time) - this is a great article.

 

[slapshot]

However, it's possible they may not have done anything w/out conversations like this making the rounds. Free market system doing something positive for real customers.

True

 

[Obi-dad]

Not only paid for Ecotech, but also 'The data was collected by Mike Sandford during his summer internship at EcoTech Marine.'. Not saying anything was done improperly, just noting that the person collecting the data had possible incentive. I wonder if he ended up getting a job there.

 

[srusso]

Check it out.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/7/aafeature

Great article with some very good findings in the end.

If you are looking to add flow or buy more flow - this article will show you the light.

Going to be interesting to see how Tunze handles this - as the results for their pumps could be potentially damaging for sales and reputation.

The pump flow efficiencies (gph / watt) diagram is awesome.

Well Tunze had something to say about this...

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blo...ase-explaining-their-flow-vs-turbulence-video

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I love the intense music once the tests start! hahaha
Without saying it, Tunze basically said screw you, here is how you test this!

The final statement says it all...

"...the lessons we have learned will result in substantial improvements and options for wider flow over the next 6-9 months. Bottom line, the pumps are the same, but different and we need another descriptor besides gph to have any real world value."

 

[slapshot]

Well Tunze had something to say about this...

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blo...ase-explaining-their-flow-vs-turbulence-video

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I love the intense music once the tests start! hahaha
Without saying it, Tunze basically said screw you, here is how you test this!

The final statement says it all...

"...the lessons we have learned will result in substantial improvements and options for wider flow over the next 6-9 months. Bottom line, the pumps are the same, but different and we need another descriptor besides gph to have any real world value."

I found the video compelling. The object for me is to move water in the most effecient way. It would appear that the Tunze pump does that far better than the Vortex. Kind of like counting watts per gallon for lighting. We no longer find that statistic relavent. I can tell you the water movement from my wavemaker or the vortex in wave mode is far greater than the actual gallons per hour of movement. Anyone with SPS knows they react way better to that movement then just blasting them with flow. We shall see as I'm sure this is not the last we shall hear of this.

 

[srusso]

The plot thickens... Seems like tunze is under fire now...

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/law-firm-announces-investigation-on-tunze

 

[scolley]

Wow!

 

[tyler91913]

So I understand that flow is important to corals' health, and I see that different pumps will give you different dispersal patterns, wave-maker capabilities, and flow rates, etc. etc.

but can somebody tell me what makes these $400 Tunze and Vortech powerheads that much more awesome than the $40 Koralia ones? This is not a jab at people who've bought those expensive pumps; I honestly want to know!