Vortech QuietDrive

[D-Nak]

Just FYI, another reef blog is reporting that Ecotech Marine is getting ready to launch their new Vortech "QuietDrive". I can't link to the site, so just go here instead:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Vortech+QuietDrive

What do you guys think?

 

[arc eye]

It would certainly be nice if they are quiet. It's the number one reason why I went with Tunze.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

Innovation is always good. I don't see me buying one for a year or two after initial launch until after all the bugs are worked out though. I think my current MP-40's will do me fine till then. I only run mine at 20% and they are near silent. That said, if these prove to be a significant advance forward, I'd be open to upgrading at some point.

 

[D-Nak]

Some folks are whispering that it will be more powerful as well as quiet. I'm happy with my MP40s as well, but it would be really nice if they were silent. If this new version is relatively cheap (meaning in the $300 range) I may be interested, and will move my MP40s onto smaller tanks and run them at lower power.

I considered the Gyre as a replacement, but am still not convinced that they will last for the long term. I've had my MP40s for 3 years with no major issues.

 

[Dapg8gt]

I hadn't heard that this was even on the horizon Thanks for the heads up.

I currently own 7 still working as they have the day I bought them ( well 3 have had a bearing swap) and at one time had 9. I'm glad they are advancing although I don't see myself forking over the cash just for it to be quieter. The noise on mine don't really bother me so I guess I'm the minority in that dept.

I also am seriously looking at the gyre but have my doubts on longevity and the maintenance aspect of them seem pretty tedious. I'm used to swapping out a spare wetside and keeping it moving =).

 

[DivingTheWorld]

What I'd be looking for in a new Vortech would be:

* Shallower footprint inside, but especially outside the tank
* Smaller diameter exterior power cord
* Quieter (I think we all want this)
* Less maintenance (sounds like they are on this track)
* Directional flow. They should have a cage kit, or available cages for purchase that can direct flow different ways or even create a Gyre effect if wanted.

The last piece should be available to existing owners as well.

As far as power, these seem plenty powerful, at least for my size tank.

 

[jthao]

Just a very good guess here: it's going to be a "new" style MP40wes, but it's not a completely new design from ecotech. The mp40 is a very old design, same exact pump has been used since the original mp40, only thing that changed over the years was the driver. So it's about time the mp40wes gets a makeover. But It's going to basically be a pump with the same technology as the MP10/MP60. The inside will be same as those two, the outside will be like the mp60wes, except maybe no vent holes, kinda like the mp10. I've always wondered why they didn't change the mp40 design to look like the mp10/mp60, now they're probably going to be doing that. Just my .02

 

[D-Nak]

Just a very good guess here: it's going to be a "new" style MP40wes, but it's not a completely new design from ecotech. The mp40 is a very old design, same exact pump has been used since the original mp40, only thing that changed over the years was the driver. So it's about time the mp40wes gets a makeover. But It's going to basically be a pump with the same technology as the MP10/MP60. The inside will be same as those two, the outside will be like the mp60wes, except maybe no vent holes, kinda like the mp10. I've always wondered why they didn't change the mp40 design to look like the mp10/mp60, now they're probably going to be doing that. Just my .02

If you read some of the articles, it sounds like it may look similar, but the way the pump physically operates will be completely different.

 

[D-Nak]

A photo and speculation here:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2478629

 

[Chris155hp]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/ecotech-introduces-a-new-generation-of-vortech-pumps

here it is so much for solid state lol

 

[D-Nak]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/ecotech-introduces-a-new-generation-of-vortech-pumps

here it is so much for solid state lol

I still want to know how it works. I wonder what this whole dual bearing thing is about. The wet sides don't look much different.

 

[Chris155hp]

I still want to know how it works. I wonder what this whole dual bearing thing is about. The wet sides don't look much different.

It says dual bearing is on the wet side. All three pieces of the pump have been upgraded

 

[D-Nak]

It says dual bearing is on the wet side. All three pieces of the pump have been upgraded

Lol yah I read the same article you did. It didn't offer much information. Upgraded how? At this point it could be anything.

 

[D-Nak]

...and he just pulled the article. He said it's not supposed to be public yet, and that he'll finalize the article by the end of the week.

 

[D-Nak]

The first shots of it in action...

https://www.facebook.com/scasilli/posts/10204026012237647:0?fref=nf

 

[GHill762]

lol.. nice.

 

[BeanMachine]

Some folks are whispering that it will be more powerful as well as quiet. I'm happy with my MP40s as well, but it would be really nice if they were silent. If this new version is relatively cheap (meaning in the $300 range) I may be interested, and will move my MP40s onto smaller tanks and run them at lower power.

I considered the Gyre as a replacement, but am still not convinced that they will last for the long term. I've had my MP40s for 3 years with no major issues.

**Edit found this-

All new driver included with the VorTech MP10, MP40 and MP60
6+ Available continuous operational modes
Wave Auto Tune, Feed Mode & Night Mode
90% Less motor noise*
Up to 40% more output* (seems like just for mp40)
Dual bearing wet side
Communicates with existing WWD and “w” EcoSmart pumps
Fully compatible with EcoSmart Live via ReefLink
Compatible with wireless EcoSmart VorTechs
Available as an upgrade for WWD and EcoSmart Drivers

 

[BeanMachine]

The first shots of it in action...

https://www.facebook.com/scasilli/posts/10204026012237647:0?fref=nf

"I'm the first one to get one!" hahaha

 

[Maximus]

Sign me up for a pair! Can't wait to get the newer mp40's. I absolutely hated the older style and have been waiting on the newer style for a long time!

 

[Mark SF]

Personally, I am still ****ed they dropped their pants on these pumps. Same thing happen to me when I purchased the original Radion Pro for $900.00

I don't see myself buying anymore EcoTech products anytime soon. The idea of using a solid state drive would be smart! But, I have taken a big hit on resale value and has left a sour taste in my mouth. Hell, most of the LFS in the area feel the same way, I am sure most of us new about the price drop before they did.

For the money, I think the Gyre is a good investment. I will wait another six months before making a decision on that pump I think, let them work out the kinks.

-Mark