vortec info?

[jjoos99]

Hello
I am looking at adding another pump to my 180. By the time I buy a 6100 tunze and multicontroller I could buy a vortec. I have seen mentioned first and second generation. What is the difference and should the first be avoided? Also when it is wireless, does that mean the controller has no wires running to the pump drive or there are no wires at all going to the pump. Are there separate controllers needed for the pump or is it all one unit? sorry about what might seem like moroon questions but I have no experience with these. I seem to remember seeing one of these running on a tank and it was rattling some. Are these pumps prone to wear on the moving parts?
Thanks
Jeff

 

[DarG]

Re: vortec info?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14998564#post14998564 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjoos99
Hello
I am looking at adding another pump to my 180. By the time I buy a 6100 tunze and multicontroller I could buy a vortec. I have seen mentioned first and second generation. What is the difference and should the first be avoided? Also when it is wireless, does that mean the controller has no wires running to the pump drive or there are no wires at all going to the pump. Are there separate controllers needed for the pump or is it all one unit? sorry about what might seem like moroon questions but I have no experience with these. I seem to remember seeing one of these running on a tank and it was rattling some. Are these pumps prone to wear on the moving parts?
Thanks
Jeff

The controller/driver is wired to the external motor. It wirelessly can communicate with other Vortech drivers so one driver can control multiple Vortechs. Gen 2 apparentley had some issues when they first were released. Not everyone had a problem. I see far less posts about them now so I think they are resolved for the most part. Not sure if Gen 1 had any problems. I have a Gen 1 and Gen 2. Neither has or have had any problems.

A rattle is usually a misaligned unit. They make a whirring sound on some high settings. Some users describe it as "loud". I cant hear it from more than a couple of feet away. My external pump and sump are far louder. I have even shut off every thing else but the Vortechs and still wouldnt describe them as loud by any stretch but I Guess it depends on what one considers "loud".

I love them, some dont.

 

[driftin]

I have one, it is only "loud" at one particular speed, other than that it's a pretty quiet whirring. I probably have it ever so slightly misaligned. Not what I (or my wife) would consider loud either, and the rest of our tank is darn near silent.

I believe the shaft is designed to be the wear item in the pump, but the Vortech guys could confirm that for you. They have a forum here on RC.

I don't think you'd be able to even find a 1st generation at this point unless you were buying used.

 

[jjoos99]

Yes I did see a 1st gen. used here on rc. Priced pretty good I thought at $240. It sold pretty quick. I have seemed to have read several posts on different parts being replaced recently. So with the different pumps being wireless and able to talk to each other what kindof options can you do with the controls?
Thanks
Jeff

 

[HBtank]

Most of the questions have been answered...

I love mine.

They are inherently louder than a fully submersible pump, but like others I would not call them loud and can not hear them over the other parts of my system, which is relatively quiet.

A rattle should not be present, some small adjustment would have removed that rattle you heard.

Overall they have run very solid. I love them and they are the best thing I ever added to my tank. Being a 80, I could not have really fit Tunze anyways. But even on a larger tank I would go with them again.

Cons:

Limited adjustment. Restricted viewing on sides or where you place them. Louder than a submersible pump, so if you have that ultra silent tank, then these are not for you (but I have yet to see a tank like this, only read here) in the real world we have fans, multiple pumps, skimmers, etc etc etc... that far "out-loud" them

Pros:

Awesome design and superb flow. Well made and good support. Great for tanks that want to maximize interior viewing space and don't mind restricting viewing from side panels (A must for tanks < 100g that want real SPS flow IMO). Very cool battery backup system that you can add on (I have and it works well). Awesome wavemaking system, that IS capable of a standing wave if you like that (I don't). VERY EZ cleaning.

 

[JasonD]

For me I really like the small foot print inside the tank and it really moves the water in my 120 new SPS tank. I would get again. The only downside is the initial investment cost, but like I said I would do it again.


Jason

 

[DarG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14999475#post14999475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjoos99
Yes I did see a 1st gen. used here on rc. Priced pretty good I thought at $240. It sold pretty quick. I have seemed to have read several posts on different parts being replaced recently. So with the different pumps being wireless and able to talk to each other what kindof options can you do with the controls?
Thanks
Jeff

Their website has an online manual that describes the different modes and all other features.

The first gen units had the internal magnet coated with a waterproof coating. This needed to be replaced as eventually it begins to rust. The second generation adresses this by completely encapsulating the internal magnet. The new magnet is available to replace the Gen 1 magnets with. Also required a redesign of the back/mounting plate of the internal unit which was no big deal. I replaced my Gen 1 mag with the new design when I bought the Gen 2. They also replaced the stainless steel nut and bolt for the shaft/propeller assembly with some type of resin/plastic nut and bolt. I never experienced and rust with the stainless parts. The magnet, back plate and nut/bolt came as a kit for all of 12 bucks. The internal wear parts are easy to replace and with the magnet now being completely encapsulated, the biggest "issue" regarding the wet side assembly is no longer an issue. I think that the old magnet needing replacement 0ccassionally was the biggest criticism.

My Gen 1 has been in service for probably close to 2 years and I have only replaced the magnet and the old nut and bolt. I have had no issues. There is the shaft, prop and some small bearings (I think) that could potentially need replacement but seems that cleaning the unit keeps them running fine. An entire new wet side assembly is around 75 dollars but one wouldnt normally need to replace the entire unit. The individual wet side parts are available if needed and again, arent expensive.

The company has continued to upgrade and update the units which is one of the things that I really like about them. They didnt just put out a product and leave it as is. They continued to improve the product and made upgrade and replacement parts available available and reasonable in price. The service is also top notch ... fast turnaround, no hassles for warranty issues. I have never had to use it but others who have report how efficient it is.