VorTech MP 40 vs Tunze Nano Wavebox

[Pete_the_Puma]

Hello everyone,


I recently decided I needed more flow in my 65G reef tank. I've seen a friends tank with a Tunze wavebox (not teh Nano) and was really impressed by the swaying motion of his corals and fish and want to reproduce that look in my tank, not to mention the benfits of resuspending all the debris that gather in low flow areas of my tank currently (moslty one corner).

Current specs:

65G reef with small-moderate amout of rocks ( I like the open look)
Flow:
- 700-800 GPH from return pump
- 600 GPH from old SEIO 620 on one side
- 660 GPH from tunze Nanostream


So I'm not sure I need more flow per se, I just want the wave motion. I was intent on buying a tunze wavebox Nano as I really like both waveboxes I've seen in action and generally love the stuff from Tunze, then I saw some videos about te VorTech Mp40 that can be pulsed into creating a wave. The one problem with the Tunze is that it is rated up to 120G tanks and I am thinking of upgrading to a bigger tank (200-300G) in the not too distant future (aren't we all?).


So my questions are will the 2 devices cause a similar wave in a 65G tank and which would be better in terms of eventual upgrading to a bigger tank?

Any input is appreciated, especially from someone who would have owned one or both of these.

Thanks,


Pete

 

[Pete_the_Puma]

Anyone?

 

[derek4real]

If your upgrading in the near future, I would go with a TUNZE Wavebox, The MP40 used for a wave seems to be a waste, most people using Vortech for powerhead for VERY Random flow.

 

[DarG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14829390#post14829390 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by derek4real
If your upgrading in the near future, I would go with a TUNZE Wavebox, The MP40 used for a wave seems to be a waste, most people using Vortech for powerhead for VERY Random flow.

You have more versatility with the Vortech because you arent locked into a wave motion with the different modes they have.
I have two Vortechs in a 90 gallon. I am also upgrading tank size, hopefully sooner rather than later so I bought the second Vortech. Two Vortechs in the 90 can make a pretty darn impressive wave. Higher than I am comfortable with. But I didnt buy them for creating a wave and dont use them for that. Just playing with the different modes including the pulse mode, I know they can create the wave just like in the video. So you do have the versatility for the wave OR other modes of flow. I love the Vortechs ... some really like them, others dont.

And I dont know how many Vortechs you would need to create a wave in a 300 gallon tank. But if all I was interested in was a wave, I would probably go with the Tunze Wavebox. However, seeing you are upping tank size, maybe you should consider the regular wavebox, not the nano. I have never owned the wavebox myself. As is, I think you have to add the wavebox extensions if you go up to the larger tanks you are considering so I dont think you'd want the nano wavebox with the tank upgrade in your future.

 

[E.intheC]

one other thing to add here.. although I like Tunze quite a bit.. the wavebox is pretty loud in my opinion.. and a large box sitting in your tank at that. If it were me, I'd get a Vortech

 

[BigJay]

Two completely different products IMO.

Nothing, and I mean nothing can make and hold a 1" standing wave like a tunze box. It's a sight to behold, since the wave has a huge effect on everything in the tank.

Vortech is the absolute best at creating random flow, and a hell of a lot of it. It just so happens that you can set it up to make a wave too, but it's not as good as a tunze box.

 

[Pete_the_Puma]

Thanks for all the replies,


Think I'll go for the wavebox, probably the nano for now mainly because it is much smaller and less of an eyesore in the tank. If I like it i'll no doubt get the big brother when I upgrade to a 200+ Gal tank when I get a real job (still in training at this time, 3 more years...)



Pete