Why pick VorTech?
- Thread starter t5Nitro
- Start date
t5Nitro
New member
So, can anyone that has the controller explain a bit more what it does? I have heard that the reef crest mode isn't that chaotic and the lagoon doesn't do much? Seems like people that own the VorTechs really like it though, I'm kind of confused as what it is now :lol:
I really like the VorTech sleek design and the coords outside the tank. What I would like would be able to aim the powerheads, which VorTech cannot, but my current powerheads are on the ends of the tank right now anyway, but tilted a little.
They are smaller than tunze it seems, which is also really nice.
So, I guess I'm wondering how it is when you can't aim the powerhead and how the controller is (detailed please). Thanks.
Are the controllers like the tunze controllers? I like the options the tunze controller has with the night mode, the pulse, and whatever else.
I really like the VorTech sleek design and the coords outside the tank. What I would like would be able to aim the powerheads, which VorTech cannot, but my current powerheads are on the ends of the tank right now anyway, but tilted a little.
They are smaller than tunze it seems, which is also really nice.
So, I guess I'm wondering how it is when you can't aim the powerhead and how the controller is (detailed please). Thanks.
Are the controllers like the tunze controllers? I like the options the tunze controller has with the night mode, the pulse, and whatever else.
I've had my 2 vt's for about 6 mos. and just got the controller. I can't really compare them to the tunzee since I haven't owned them before.
With that- the flow of the vt's are very wide, and more gentle than a traditional powerhead, imo better for the tank's inhabitants.
The ability to point the powerhead really isn't an issue for the vt, with such a sweeping flow pattern.
I'm still figuring out the new controller, but it's definitely worth having for the various modes. (reef crest, lagoon, pulse, all with synch or anti synch modes)
You need one controller per pump.
With that- the flow of the vt's are very wide, and more gentle than a traditional powerhead, imo better for the tank's inhabitants.
The ability to point the powerhead really isn't an issue for the vt, with such a sweeping flow pattern.
I'm still figuring out the new controller, but it's definitely worth having for the various modes. (reef crest, lagoon, pulse, all with synch or anti synch modes)
You need one controller per pump.
sfsuphysics
Active member
I recently was making this decision to put some QUALITY flow into my tank (i.e. ditch the "I'm a cheapskate" SEIO pumps).
I liked the ability to control via the tunze (the wireless controller device was still in testing phases), but people kept warning me about huge honking pumps inside the tank. As mentioned the cost of a 6100 (equivalent of the Vortech in terms of flow) is very similar to a Vortech. But the controller cost a bunch as it stands. Ultimately I decided on the Vortech because locally their more available that tunze pumps, and I got a kick-arse price on it.
Now all this being said, I really like the low profile of the Vortech, it's still a large system, but compared to Tunze (which I've seen in person) this is nothing. The lack of aiming really becomes a non factor at this level as well, the flow of both is really dispersed and you don't want to lose that energy by aiming it towards a piece of glass anyways. Having everything electrical outside of the tank is a wonder too, not so much for the scare of electricity in the tank but more for the asthetics of not having wires going into the tank.
Now does that mean a vortech is for anyone? Nah, if you had some situation where you'd want to hide the pumps from normal view, and as a result needed to aim them at an angle, then maybe a tunze would be better suited, or if you have rather thick glass/acrylic, then a Vortech (at present) would not work. Either way you go they're both great products. However for my applications I'm happy I went with the Vortech, not to mention the controller comes with the drivers (now), so if I want to upgrade in the future with another vortech I can do so easily, with the Tunze setup you have to plan ahead if you're thinking of more than one pump on a controller.
I liked the ability to control via the tunze (the wireless controller device was still in testing phases), but people kept warning me about huge honking pumps inside the tank. As mentioned the cost of a 6100 (equivalent of the Vortech in terms of flow) is very similar to a Vortech. But the controller cost a bunch as it stands. Ultimately I decided on the Vortech because locally their more available that tunze pumps, and I got a kick-arse price on it.
Now all this being said, I really like the low profile of the Vortech, it's still a large system, but compared to Tunze (which I've seen in person) this is nothing. The lack of aiming really becomes a non factor at this level as well, the flow of both is really dispersed and you don't want to lose that energy by aiming it towards a piece of glass anyways. Having everything electrical outside of the tank is a wonder too, not so much for the scare of electricity in the tank but more for the asthetics of not having wires going into the tank.
Now does that mean a vortech is for anyone? Nah, if you had some situation where you'd want to hide the pumps from normal view, and as a result needed to aim them at an angle, then maybe a tunze would be better suited, or if you have rather thick glass/acrylic, then a Vortech (at present) would not work. Either way you go they're both great products. However for my applications I'm happy I went with the Vortech, not to mention the controller comes with the drivers (now), so if I want to upgrade in the future with another vortech I can do so easily, with the Tunze setup you have to plan ahead if you're thinking of more than one pump on a controller.
t5Nitro
New member
I'm thinking of this though too, on the right side of the tank, in front of the VorTech a bit would be some xenia about 8" in front of it. On the other side, the closest thing to the VorTech is a birdsnest maybe 7" away. Now, being this close, will I almost need to get a powerhead that can aim or is the VorTech so wide of a flow it doesn't matter?
EcoTech Marine
.Registered Member
3" diameter and 2.25" long, both halves. You will need about 3" clearance behind the tank (or on the sides) for the dry side of the vortech.
-Tim
-Tim
EcoTech Marine
.Registered Member
I think you'll be fine. The pump only actually requires roughly 2.75" or so of clearance. We just recommend 3" so that you have a little extra wiggle room.
-Tim
-Tim
Excellent question.
Way back when the Vortechs first cam eout it was believed you could use them on a wave timer with 5 min cycles. I ran mine on the Ac jr. Soon therafter we found out that increases the likelihood of code corruption in the driver so basically the Vortechs needed 20 min cycles or were essentially always on.
At first I saw no issues when I could use the wave timers. However over the course of 8 mos. with nearly direct flow running from a VT at 50%; 2 corals, one a yellow tort and the other a pulchra, both showed definite signs of flesh erosion and flattening from the laminar flow. These were 9-10" away and about 30 degrees down from the main flow.
So I'm hoping going back to controlled pumps eliminates this problem. Having said this on the other side of the tank a VT running 100% had a loissettae grow right into the flow 7" away and had no issues. Go figure.
Giovanni
AKA Flippa
t5Nitro,
I have had both Tunze and Vortech. I much prefer the Vortech due to the very wide flow, no wires in the tank, no heat in the tank, no big clunky pump in the tank and the support I have received. I have had several corals right in front of, first the vortech, then the tunze, then the vortech again. With the tunze, in order to have enough flow to the rest of the tank, I was blowing flesh off my samoensis that was like 5 inches in front of it. I do not have that problem with the vortech no matter how high I turn them due to the wide flow. Also I felt the Tunze magnet mount system let them flop around a bit. I did not like that.
If you get them and are not happy with the control, you can always DIY an Aquasurf to them.
Either way you will be happy with them.
I have had both Tunze and Vortech. I much prefer the Vortech due to the very wide flow, no wires in the tank, no heat in the tank, no big clunky pump in the tank and the support I have received. I have had several corals right in front of, first the vortech, then the tunze, then the vortech again. With the tunze, in order to have enough flow to the rest of the tank, I was blowing flesh off my samoensis that was like 5 inches in front of it. I do not have that problem with the vortech no matter how high I turn them due to the wide flow. Also I felt the Tunze magnet mount system let them flop around a bit. I did not like that.
If you get them and are not happy with the control, you can always DIY an Aquasurf to them.
Either way you will be happy with them.
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