Vortech Getting Louder and Louder

[Creade]

I recently (within the last month) added a new Vortech to one of my tanks.

It seems to be getting louder and louder.

Has anyone else had this problem?

It is on 3/4" glass, so the spacer is removed.

If the vortechs are normally fairly loud, I guess Ill live with it, or see if i can come up with a fix. If nobody else has had the problem, maybe Ill give Ecotech a call Monday.

 

[sditch]

They can be if the aligment is not right on or if the wet side needs to be cleaned or rebuilt. Other then that they should be just a slight hum......

 

[DarG]

Supposed to quiet down over the first few days or week, not get louder.

Ive had one for close to two years. Just bought a second maybe 2 months ago along with the new magnet and related upgrades for the older one. The older one is still quiet, every bit as the new one. The new one hasnt given me any issues at all as of yet.

I was nervous about buying the second one because there were some reports of problems with the new version so I delayed buying one for several months and finally pulled the trigger when the complaint posts stopped. But I dont think noise was an issue ... it was simply the pumps not working. I was able to flash the old driver with the new firmware from the new driver ... (something others also had problems with when the new versions came out).

Basically, what Im saying is that you shouldnt have problems and if you are, you should take advantage of their excellent support.

If yours is getting louder and you have it aligned properly and there is no damage to the propeller that would throw it off balance, I would definitely send it in for repair or replacement. The company is absolutely fantastic at taking care of warranty issues and problems with the products. You may lose it for a few days but they will take care of it.

 

[Creade]

I appreciate the thoughts.

I do have a Stream that I can replace it with for a week if need be.

I may just send it in this week then.

Thanks

 

[sditch]

Sorry I did not mention this but they are very easy to clean, just keep track of the pieces and thier order. I disasemble and place all the parts in about 9 oz of viniger for about 7 hours then scub and rinse then down, dry and reasemable.

If something looks like a problem then I would send it in but I would try the cleaning first. The 8-10 Hour turn around is kinda cool compared to about 4-5 buisness days if thats whats needed.

 

[DarG]

Ive never had to break the entire thing down to clean it. I just leave it assembled and clean with a toothbrush. Havent found any calcium deposit binding anything up in the two years I have had it. I do use some vinegar on the brush and sometimes vinegard and a scrub pad to clean the cage, and soak the cage in vinegar. But never found the need to disassemble and soak the small parts. My calcium isnt super high but in the low 400's.

Not saying the suggestion isnt a good one. Just that I havent had any issues with not being as detailed in cleaning it. But I would agree with a thorough cleaning to make sure before sending it in for service. It cant hurt.

 

[sjm817]

I would also try cleaning first. Just soak the whole wet side in vinegar. Mine started getting louder after a month and a cleaning fixed it. After it has soaked, take it apart and inspect it. Its very simple to work on. They will never be quiet though. You will always hear the whir of the dry side.

 

[sditch]

DarG,

You should try it sometime, the better the wet side is working the better the flow

They have some plasic bearings that could benifet from a bare soaking from time to time.....

Also make sure the Tension is just right, the propler and mangnet should have just a little wiggle.