Vortech MP40W modes on 12 Volts.

[homesick fisho]

Hi, I could have posted this in the Ecotech forum but it seems many questions do not get any answered and there are some savvy people on here

I have an MP40W that is running in a shallow 2 foot cube (Well its not a cube now as I had it cut down to 14 inches depth and love it). I originally bought this pump for a 4 foot tank and it was great in that. Suffice to say even on the lowest setting the MP40W is too much gun for the little tank and given its mainly an LPS tank creates too much water movement.

My question is, "What is the behaviour of this pump on 12 Volts as when it's on the backup battery?" "Does it run at a reduced speed?" "Are all the modes still operable albeit at a reduced flow output?"

I like the wide flow of the bigger unit and if I can slow it down a bit then it would be perfect. I'd like about half the speed of the current lowest as the minimum and the ability to cycle up to the current or past the current lowest setting in the modes available in the unit.

I know a MP10 would be a better fit on this tank, actually 2 would be perfect but I would rather not sell the current unit and make do if I can with another power supply. What would be the required current rating of a 12 Volt power supply?

Many thanks for your comments on this.

 

[homesick fisho]

OK, answered my own question. For those who are interested.

In battery backup mode, the VorTech will operate at half the maximum speed for 50% of its run time and at minimum speed for 50% of its run time, alternating every few minutes. If the speed control knob is set below half speed, the VorTech will operate at that speed in battery backup mode for 50% of its run time and at minimum speed for 50% of its run time, alternating every few minutes. Upon return of wall power, the VorTech will automatically return to normal operation.

Connecting a 12V supply into the 24 volt port results in the green light flashing on the controller and the pump speed running at the same speed as minimum. Not really workable and the same speed as on 25 volts. Tempted to lower the voltage to 9 volts and see what happens