FAQs about Ecotech Marine VorTech Pumps for Circulation
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Selection by Brand/Manufacturer: Eheim Pumps, Dolphin, Hydor/Koralia Pumps, Mag (Supreme) Pumps, OceanRunner, Quiet One (Pentair) Pumps,
RK2 Pumps, Sequence (Dart), Tunze, Vortech, Rio Pumps
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Control yourself!
ecotechmarine.com
EcoTech Marine, 1349 Lynn Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18015 |
Two mp40's sufficient for a 180 gallon (6-foot long) reef
tank? 5/29/12
Hi, Crew!
<Hello Kevin>
Sorry to bug you with this. On paper, it seems up to 6400 gph (up
to 35x turnover per hour) would suffice here, but I received a reply on
my local reef forum that two mp40's would not be enough for a tank of
this size.
<Need to factor in rock-work and livestock as well.>
I know to take forum responses with a grain of salt, but wanted to check
with you folks. I have done some research while acquiring my gear
slowly over the last 6 months, and the turnover, even when alternating
from max to lower output between the two pumps, seems adequate according
to info on your wonderful site and others. But, with this being my
first experience with a tank of the size, I want to know if I should
consider adding more pumps or bumping up to mp60's if necessary.
<I would step up to the MP-60s; they will provide many more options when
it comes time to program. Two 40s may work with minimal rock work but
flow in the middle of the tank is going to suffer.>
As always, a huge thanks to the Crew and WetWebMedia. Your site
has been a tremendous tool and has guided what gear I have chosen as I
prepare to begin setup on this tank. Cheers,
<Happy planning>
Kevin
<Jordan>
Ecotech mp10 or mp40 on cube tank/Water Flow/Pumps 5/10/12 |
Hi Crew,
|
wwm: Hello
Steve
|
I am setting up a new cube tank, the dimensions are 32" X 32" X 20". I will have
a sump return pump running between 800 and 1200 gph. I have a 2" drain and a
1.5" drain down to a 30 gallon sump and 30 gallon refugium in cabinet. I have
already tested the return pump out and the flow is fine through the tank. It
will be an mainly an sps tank so I will want high flow. My return pump is going
to be split into 2 returns up over the back of tank so they are adjustable for
flow direction. I wanted to have to vortechs in the upper back corners of the
tank. My question is which pumps to get. Since they will both be facing forward
and wireless. Would I be good with 2 mp10's or should I go with 2 mp 40's?
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wwm: I would
go with MP40s, the MP10s would be pushing it a bit. In the event you go to a
larger system, you will not have to upgrade the Vortechs as they are quite
expensive.
|
There is only 31" of space from front to back and with 2 mp10's I would have a
little less than 3000 gph depending on programming and also 800 to 1200 with my
return pump. I am asking because of mainly the price difference and the need for
higher flow in sps systems. I have never owned a Vortech pump and im a little
hesitant of two mp 40s pushing to much water to the front of the tank and
possibly overflowing out the top.
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wwm: These
great pumps are completely programmable, you can always lower the flow rate if
needed. With your unique tank you will want to use the "create your own wave"
feature of the Vortech controller. It's quite easy to do and the harmonics will
match your tank perfectly. Because your system is perfectly square, it won't
make much difference whether the pumps are on the back or the sides.
|
Thank you for the time you spend reading all these questions.
|
wwm: You're
welcome. James (Salty Dog)
|
final opinion on powerhead debate - 4/17/12
Hello, Crew!
<Hello Kevin, Bobby here> What an incredible database of
information. I love you guys.
<Thanks! We feel loved!>
I am finally almost complete with my 180 gal reef tank, gear acquisition
stage. My last pieces are my powerheads. My tank is 6x2x2,
and will be a mixed reef, including some SPS. A quick summary of
the rest, if needed: LifeReef Berlin-style sump with attached ~ 20
gallon dsb refugium, return via a BlueLine HDX 40, in-sump Reef Dynamics
180 protein skimmer (rated up to 600 gallons), lighting is SunPod 3 x
250W 14,000K HQI. The tank will have live rock and live sand, and
all water will be RO/DI.
Okay, I really have researched my needed circulation. I have been
on many forums, checked on here (Tunze seems well respected), checked
with local reefers and the experienced staff at my LFS, as well as
having read books by both Bob Fenner, Anthony Calfo, Julian Sprung,
among others. After all of this, I am down to two possible setups
for circulation on my tank. Both of these will put a significant
dent in my wallet so I just wanted to check with the educated crew
before (gulp) taking the plunge here.
Option 1- Two Tunze Turbelle Stream 6105 controllable pumps with
the newer 7096 controller. The pumps are rated at
740-3400 gph and can be controlled anywhere in between, with multiple
"modes" like tidal, lagoon, pulse, etc. The controller connects to
my computer and everything is managed with the software. Night
mode can also be set by ramping down the pumps at night to whatever
power % desired.
Pros: Tunze quality and customer service, can be directed in any
direction, supposedly considerably quieter than option 2 Cons: compared
to option 2, heat production w/ motor in the water, but I hear this is
negligible, cord in water.
<You are correct in all regards and I agree the any heat put out is
negligible as they use so few watts in general>
Option 2- Two EcoTech Marine wireless mp40's with built-in
controller.
These have very similar gph ratings and can apparently be fine tuned in
all the same ways as the Tunze setup, directly on the included
controller. I know many swear by these, but I have no experience
with either myself, as I only had a FOWLR with maxi jets many years ago.
Pros: supposed great quality and customer service as with Tunze.
Every known option in fine-tuning circulation, exterior motor so
no/minimal heat added to the tank, no cord inside the water.
Cons: non-directional, supposedly a good deal louder than the
Tunze when ramped up toward full power, and my tank is my living room
one the same wall as our big screen.
Any help here is much appreciated. I will feel better with either
purchase once I hear from you folks. Thanks!
<OK Kevin, i will try to give you some feedback as I use and own both of
the products you are referring to. Let me start by saying as you
suggest, you cant go wrong with either option. That being said, I
am going to suggest the MP40's for a few reasons I will list, but mainly
as it is what I have done and I always try to provide a question like
this with real world feedback. 1. The Vortechs will provide a
broader 'wall' of flow.
The Tunzes have a more acute angle in the way the flow exits the unit.
2. Variability of flow options. Although the Tunzes can be
adjusted to what ever output you want, the pre programmed modes on the
Vortech are really nice. Especially when you consider they can be
linked to work together without the need of an additional controller or
the PC like the Tunzes need. 3. Aesthetics. Quite simply, you
don't realize how distracting cords in the water are until you don't
have them anymore. On the negative, yes they are a bit louder than
the Tunzes, but I cannot hear them over my TV which is also in the same
room as my 220g which uses them. In the dead of night when the
house is quiet though, yes you can hear them. I hope that helps
with some real world experience. Again, I would use either on a
tank, but If I were to choose between the 2, the Vortechs win for me.>
Kevin
<Bobby)
EcoTech Marine - Vortech MP40 Pump And
Controller 4/27/11
Hi Bob,
<Monsieur Gasta>
Expecting delivery of the subject pump today and planning on doing a
review on this also. I had a hard time clicking on the "submit
order" button as these babies run $450.00 each. It is suppose to
be the Midas of all pumps and I might add that the user manual is 44
pages in length covering every conceivable programming option.
James
<We'll see. B>
EcoTech Pump System 4/27/11
Too tired to play with it now as I'm under the weather pretty good
with a nasty head cold. But, my first impression upon opening the box
was, "I paid 450 bucks for that". We'll see how it
performs once I download and print the operating manual sometime
tomorrow. Just don't feel like screwing around with anything the
way I feel. I just got it hooked up and set it to one of their
pre-programmed modes. I'll say one thing, it moves a hell of a lot
of water and the build quality appears to be very good if not
excellent.
Cheers,
James
<And you. B>
EcoTech Marine Introduces the EcoSmart
Driver 3/12/10
EcoTech Marine, the company that revolutionized the reef aquarium
propeller pump, has launched the EcoSmart driver. The latest in a
series of groundbreaking technological advancements for the market, the
EcoSmart driver has exciting new modes and a wider wireless range.
EcoTech Marine expects the new driver to begin shipping with VorTech
pumps by the end of March 2010.
�EcoSmart is the culmination of 18 months of
development and our efforts at complimenting the best pump technology
on the market with the most versatile, controllable and customizable
driver ever manufactured,� said Tim Marks, president
of EcoTech Marine. �The current VorTech wave driver is
ground-breaking in its ability to deliver high performance and
extensive functionality right out of the box. EcoSmart takes things to
new heights.�
With EcoSmart, EcoTech Marine has taken the guesswork out of
positioning and setting up pumps, and automated the process of creating
the best environment for a coral reef. Position pumps according to
EcoSmart�s instructions, select an EcoSmart mode and
EcoSmart does the rest, orchestrating pumps to work together, providing
the most efficient flow and wave conditions. EcoSmart creates results:
less detritus accumulating within aquariums and increased coral
growth.
The EcoSmart driver, with its sleek LED interface and dial controlled
speed adjustment, offers unprecedented fine-tuning to enable reef
enthusiasts to set the perfect environment for their aquarium.
A limited number of review units are available for testing. Please
contact Amanda Dickson, marketing@ecotechmarine.com with requests.
Major features of the EcoSmart Controller include:
� Convert any MP10 and MP40 to an EcoSmart driver, and
to wireless
� Increased master-slave pump relationship
functionality
� Easily auto-tune and program customized waves
� New modes including tidal swell and nutrient
transport for an even more realistic reef experience
� Time and speed adjustable for feed and night
modes
� Sleek LED interface with on/off switch
� Auto-dim automatically turns the LED's off after
a user-set amount of time
�Adjustable battery backup speed and remaining power
indicator
Pricing and Availability
The EcoSmart driver will begin shipping with all new VorTech pumps this
spring. Owners of existing VorTech MP10 and MP40s who wish to upgrade
may purchase an upgrade kit.
Visit ecotechmarine.com/EcoSmart for more product details,
specifications and information on the manufacturer's rebate.
This message was sent by: EcoTech Marine, 1349 Lynn Ave, Bethlehem, PA
18015
<You folks interested in advertising, sponsoring WWM? Bob
Fenner>
EcoTech Marine Service Parts Store Now
Available Online (Vortech pumps) -- 2/23/10
EcoTech Marine is pleased to announce that its new online service parts
store is now open. The parts store is accessible at
ecotechmarine.com/parts-store. The parts store includes the most
commonly ordered service parts for EcoTech Marine's Vortech line of
products.
�We are excited to have the parts store up and
running,� said Tim Marks, president of EcoTech Marine.
�At EcoTech, we are always looking to improve the
experience for our customers, and this was something we've worked
on for quite some time. The store will continue to evolve as we add
more parts.�
EcoTech Marine Vortech pumps are still available only through the
company's retail network. Pumps will not be sold through the
service parts store.
�The great thing about the store is that replacement
parts can be purchased there, any time of day, at a customer's
convenience,� added Marks. �We are
committed to raising the bar in customer service and this was the next
step. If a customer needs something, they can order it 24 hours a day
online.�
EcoTech Marine previously took orders for replacement parts through its
800 number. Note that the parts store is currently only available to
domestic customers in the United States.
Visit ecotechmarine.com for news, information, product descriptions,
customer images and more.
This message was sent by: EcoTech Marine, 1349 Lynn Ave, Bethlehem, PA
18015
Will post, share on WWM. Bob Fenner
EcoTech Marine New Product Announcement
EcoTech Marine Releases Development Kit for Third Party Aquarium
Controllers 11/14/09
November 13, 2009�Lehigh Valley, PA�
EcoTech Marine, the company that revolutionized the reef aquarium
propeller pump, has announced the release of a development kit for
third-party aquarium controller companies for its award-winning VorTech
line. Although no firm release date has been established by
manufacturers, stay tuned for announcements as controller companies
begin to bring this desired technology to market.
"We are extremely excited about this development," says Tim
Marks, president of EcoTech Marine. "While the VorTech wave driver
already provides extensive functionality right out of the box, this
enables customers to integrate our market-leading flow technology with
their lighting, dosing, pH and other systems. We look forward to
enabling VorTech customers to be able to fully customize and control
their pump using the aquarium controller of their choice."
In addition to offering customizable controllability of the VorTech
remotely through your controller, EcoTech customers will be able to
download firmware updates and be remotely updated as to the operating
conditions of the VorTech. The vast benefits of the controller are
emerging as companies take interest and start working with the
development kit.
EcoTech's development kit is now available to the industry's
leading controller companies and together we are making the necessary
arrangements to bring controller interfaces to production. "We
have heard our customers' request and have worked diligently to
bring a solution that will maintain the same level of quality and
technological superiority that you have come to expect from us,"
said Marks.
The patented VorTech technology produces unmatched broad yet gentle
flow while placing the motor outside the tank preserving the beauty of
the aquarium and enhancing the health of the tank's ecosystem. With
all the electrical components outside the aquarium and a variety of
easy-to-program modes, the VorTech is the safest, most versatile pump
on the market.
Visit http://ecotechmarine.com for news, information, product
descriptions, customer images and more.
This message was sent by: EcoTech Marine, 1349 Lynn Ave, Bethlehem, PA
18015
EcoTech Marine Shipping Highly-Anticipated
VorTech MP10 (ad sent in) 7/15/09
- [http://ecotechmarine.com/] EcoTech Marine, the company that
revolutionized reef aquarium propeller pumps, has begun shipping it
newest pump, the ultra-small
[http://ecotechmarine.com/products/vortech-mp10/]
VorTech MP10, to its family of retailers and distributors.
A limited number of review units will be provided to the reef aquarium
media. Please contact [mailto:%20amanda@altitudemarketing.com] Amanda
Dickson if interested in receiving an MP10 for review. Terms and
conditions apply.
Possessing the smallest in-tank footprint while providing unmatched
broad flow, the MP10 is a must-have for nano-reef enthusiasts around
the world.
Leveraging the patented and award-winning VorTech technology the MP10
is the premium pump that customers demand.
The MP10 is ideally suited for aquariums ranging from 2.5 gallons to 50
gallons. Like other EcoTech products, the MP10�s motor
is outside the tank preserving the beauty of the aquarium and enhancing
the health of the tanks ecosystem.
With all the electrical components outside the aquarium and a variety
of easy-to-program modes, the VorTech remains the safest, most
versatile pump on the market.
The MP10 has an MSRP of $195.
For complete specifications and a description of MP10 operational
modes,
visit
- [http://ecotechmarine.com/products/vortech-mp10/]
To see how small the MP10 is compared to other leading products,
visit
[http://www.ecotechmarine.com/SizeDoesMatter.com]-
To see the simple assembly of the MP10 and to watch its power in
action, visit
[http://ecotechmarine.com/news/mp10-videos/]
Product Inquires:
Tim Marks, EcoTech Marine
610.954.8480
sales@ecotechmarine.com
Closed Loop vs Vortech MP40w, Oceanic vs
Aqueon 11/4/08 Hello WWM, <Hello Ryan.> Let me start off
with you guys are great I spend days reading information on your
website, the information is truly overwhelming but super informative.
One suggestion for your website'¦. Could you make it look more
like an excel spreadsheet? Then my boss will think I am working when I
am reading! <Ahhh, a good idea ? Glad you have found the site of so
much use!> I have had a 70 gallon reef running for 6 years and am
ready to take the plunge into a bigger tank. My current setup is a
disaster waiting to happen. I have two CPR over flows (the biggest ones
they make) off the back of the tank draining at full capacity into my
refugium/sump. And actually I to put one of the out puts of one of the
CPRs directly into the chamber of the refugium where the pump connects
because the refugium could not handle all of that water flow. My
Dolphin Amp Master 3000 pumps the water back into the tank with 4 -
½ inch nozzles and a manifold 1 ½ pvc with about
40 1/8 inch holes down behind 120 pounds of Fiji live rock. <That is
a lot of flow for the boxes to handle!> I know the tank is more rock
that anything. The water movement is great my fish and soft corals love
it but it took a lot of work to keep it from sand storming. This setup
did cure my hair algae battle I fought for a couple of years. The
Chaetomorpha in my refugium grows like a weed; I have to groom it down
all the time. Also the halimeda in my tank grows like no other as well.
I have some candy corals that I have split a few times, various polyps,
and Xenias that are growing like crazy. Along with a yellow tang, some
Chromis, and maroon clown. My snails and hermit crabs are doing great
and I have a Stomatella population thriving. The problem which I am
sure you have noticed is the overflow boxes, and the water levels to
keep the pump not blowing air are at capacity. I put a ball valve on
the return side of the pump to try and line it up with the overflows.
Yes it has resulted in a couple of floods, my wife not so happy.
<I'll bet.> I realize this potential disaster but have
figured the wrath can't be that bad'¦'¦ My wife
has limited my spending (like so many others) so I have been saving for
a while. I want to make sure I am heading down the right path. I
realize there are many different ways to accomplish the same thing but
I am sure your collective infinite wisdom will be priceless. <Will
try.> For the Tank I am looking at the Aqueon 180 with built in
overflows. Realizing it is not drillable for my Dolphin Amp Master
3000/4000, or the Oceanic 178 or 215 (with over overflows) that would
be drillable. <Do keep in mind the Aqueon can be drilled through the
back/sides.> I want to run the overflows down to my refugium/sump
and run a small pump (1200 GPH) back up for filtration. <These
overflows typically have 1" drains, which are in reality only good
for 300 gph per. You can special order any of these tanks with
larger/more holes predrilled for a small charge per hole.> Obviously
that will not be enough water turnover through those alone so I was
going to drill 2 inch bulkheads (Qty 2) for a closed loop with my
Dolphin Amp Master. Then at my LFS I found the Vortech MP40w's. I
could go with the cheaper Aqueon tank and not have to drill but still
keep the interior of the tank clean (No power heads/pumps visible.)
Also I would not void the warranty by drilling the Oceanic Tank.
<Reason to have them do it!> Realizing the money I save from
going with the Aqueon Tank I will be paying more for the set of
MP40w's with controller, but again would keep my warranty on the
tank. So really I need a shove in the direction of the best way to turn
over water in my tank between these two options????? I read up on your
website about these Vortech pumps and I didn't find
much'¦.. Any new experience on reliability and functionality
of this product? <They have vastly improved in quality over the few
years out on the market, you won't go wrong with these.> They
are pricey but if they get the job done maybe worth it long term??
<They are IMO, you savings in power monthly will be noticeable over
the Dolphin. More traditional powerheads can do the same for less, but
then you have powerheads!> My thought is 1200 GPH through the
refugium is plenty for filtration? <Or 600 gph, tis enough for
filtration.> So what is the best way to increase circulation?
<The Vortechs/powerheads.> Also is Oceanic tanks that much better
than Aqueon (both made by the same company) is it worth it and still go
with Vortech pumps requiring me to save a little longer? <Not IMO,
unless you want to spend the big bucks on the Oceanic Starphire
tanks.> Or is the versatility of a closed loop system (water flow in
any direction) better than the Vortechs? <It is a tradeoff, but
experimenting with the placement on the Vortechs, good flow can be
achieved.> Wow so I have reread this questions a few times I
apologize for its length. Any help and advice at all would be greatly
appreciated. Thanks. Ryan <Welcome, have fun, Scott
V.>
EcoTech Marine Begins Shipping the
MP20 -- 07/28/08 REVOLUTIONARY PUMP TECHNOLOGY FOR
REEF AQUARIUMS July 28, 2008 EcoTech Marine Begins Shipping MP20
EcoTech Marine, the company that revolutionized coral aquarium
propeller pumps with the VorTech MP40w, has begun shipping it newest
pump, the VorTech MP20, to its family of retailers and distributors.
Pre-order sales have been brisk and shipping is right on schedule. A
limited number of review units will be provided to the reef aquarium
media. Please contact Andrew Stanten, Altitude Marketing at
andrew@altitudemarketing.com if you are interested in receiving an MP20
for review. Some terms and conditions apply. The MP20 is ideally suited
for aquariums smaller than 70 gallons, and, like its big brother the
MP40w, produces unmatched broad yet gentle flow while placing the motor
outside the tank�preserving the beauty of your
aquarium and enhancing the health of your tank�s
ecosystem. MSRP on the MP20 is $295. To view a list of retailer
outlets, click the following link:
http://www.ecotechmarine.com/retailers/distributorlist.php The MP20
leverages the patented and award-winning technology of the MP40w and
offers many of the same features, including: - Feed More: Slows down
your pump for 10 minutes to allow you to feed your aquarium. - Constant
Speed Mode: The pump runs at a constant speed you set based on your
aquarium�s specific needs. - Reef Crest Mode: Simulate
the high energy conditions of a natural reef crest environment. -
Lagoon Mode: Simulate a calmer, lagoon reef environment. - Long Pulse
Mode: Allows for wave pulse timings of between 2 and 60 seconds,
enabling the creation of slow alternating flow throughout the tank. -
Short Pulse Mode: Allows for wave pulse timings of between 0.3 and 2
seconds, enabling the creation of resonant standing waves within the
tank. - Night Mode: Enables the pump to operate for 14 hours in
whichever mode is selected for the day and go back to Night Mode for 10
hours. - Pump Disconnect: Automatically shuts down the system if the
wet and dry sides become separated. - Optional Battery Backup: Keeps
the circulation going during power failure for 120 hours or longer.
MP20 specifications include: - Appropriate Tank Size: 20 to 70 gallons
- Dimensions: - Wet Side: 3� diameter by
2.25� long - Dry Side: 3� diameter by
2.25� long - Flow: 500 to 2,000 gallons per hour -
Power consumption: 6 to 18 watts - Aquarium Wall Thickness:
3/16� to 3/4� - Clearance needed
behind aquarium: 3� �We have on-going
dialogue with our customers, engage in frequent conversation with our
retailers, and the market has spoken,� says Tim Marks,
EcoTech director of production. �The interest in
VorTech technology, for smaller tanks, with a limited range of
functionality and at a lower price point, is huge. Not everyone
perceives the need to have wireless communication between their pumps
or is ready to purchase the high end model of the most superior product
line on the market.� The MP20 can easily upgrade to
the MP40w by purchasing a special upgrade kit which provides additional
functionality and flow and enables wireless communication between
pumps. With all the electrical components outside the aquarium and a
variety of easy-to-program modes, the VorTech remains the safest, most
versatile pump on the market. EcoTech Marine | 610.954.8480 |
sales@ecotechmarine.com This message was sent by: EcoTech Marine, 1349
Lynn Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18015
|
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