Vortech Pump Modes - Which is everyones favorite?

[JayinToronto]

Just curious to see what everyone seems to use the most. I have 4 MP40s in a 400g mixed reef and seem to default to the reef-crest mode for my day to day operation. I like the variability in it. I also use the nutrient transport due to the fact that it does in fact generate a standing wave but only run that on the weekends. Would love to hear what everyone else uses and why.

 

[Grant W]

Reef crest most of the time and ntm occasionally

 

[bif24701]

reef crest most of the time and ntm occasionally

+1

 

[Reefnub]

+1

+2 and sometimes short pulse mode.

 

[award212]

+ 3

 

[reefernutz]

I've got 2 MP10s and I put them both on the reef crest mode. I put them on the pulse mode and the dry side got so hot I could barely stand to touch it.

 

[chercm]

one mp60W at ntm mode

 

[username in use]

MP40 on lagoon mode almost full power. I don't like how the reefcrest drops lower, the lagoon varies but keeps it all nice and strong.

Once a week I make a standing wave for 10 minutes, then put it on constant at full power for about 30 minutes to "storm" the tank and get settled stuff up and out.

 

[twiddle]

Vortechs

Vortechs

This is a great thread. I just got my first Vortech last week, and mp40 and have not figured out which modes work the best for me. I only have one for a 72 gal so I do not think I am getting the most out of the Vortechs....would an additional help? I really can't afford another mp40 right now.

 

[emooring37]

120 gallon 2 mp40 reef crest all the way!

 

[krshlln300]

you may be able to make due with a mp10 in the 72 if yuo already have a 40.

 

[Garage1217]

Is reef crest mode the one that shakes all the fish back and forth every other second? I hate seeing tanks that are setup that way (if that is the mode) poor fish. NOTHING like the ocean with long, strong surges.

 

[SkullV]

Two MP40wES on a 75g. NTM at 90% mode all the time. I wish it would long pulse then flush instead of short pulse then flush but it definitely gives the best polyp extension and cleanest sand.

 

[JayinToronto]

Is reef crest mode the one that shakes all the fish back and forth every other second? I hate seeing tanks that are setup that way (if that is the mode) poor fish. NOTHING like the ocean with long, strong surges.

Reef crest is quite variable with both long and short variations on left-right, right-left flow as well a frequent chaos of sort. There are great diagrams on the website to show this. The pulse modes are the ones that can generate the standing waves that kind of shakes the fish (and the aquarium, and the stand :crazy1.

 

[JayinToronto]

The ecosmart tidal swell mode seems like the one that the company thinks is best if you read the manual. They tout it as most reminiscent of nature. NO ONE seems to use it. I wonder if the company, or anyone, has any real data as to the effect each of the modes have on aquarium health (I would imagine it would be different for SPS vs LPS etc). Also, does anyone have one of these on their back wall as the company suggests as the "optimal setup". I could move one of them to my back wall, but it just seems a bit wacky to me.

 

[JayinToronto]

How about night mode? Does anyone slow down their pumps at night?

 

[bif24701]

Is reef crest mode the one that shakes all the fish back and forth every other second? I hate seeing tanks that are setup that way (if that is the mode) poor fish. NOTHING like the ocean with long, strong surges.

No, that would be NTM, Reef crest is a random gradual rise and fall in flow, more genital yet very effective.

 

[bif24701]

How about night mode? Does anyone slow down their pumps at night?

Nope, does the reef slow down at night?

 

[bif24701]

Two MP40wES on a 75g. NTM at 90% mode all the time. I wish it would long pulse then flush instead of short pulse then flush but it definitely gives the best polyp extension and cleanest sand.

Agreed, however it gets very hot and loud, I have one in a 120. Love reef crest, though I use NTM a day or two a week for a couple hours.

 

[hvacman250]

mp60wes on left, mp40wes on right, mp40wes on back
ecosmart running ntm@~60% in a 6' 210 gallon