I took a hard look at my options when it comes to current generation at MACNA. I seemed to be most impressed with the EcoTech Vortech unit with the new "yet to be released" controller. With the addition of the new controller you have the ability to wirelessly connect multiple pumps.
I took a hard look at my options when it comes to current generation at MACNA. I seemed to be most impressed with the EcoTech Vortech unit with the new "yet to be released" controller. With the addition of the new controller you have the ability to wirelessly connect multiple pumps.
Anyone have a Vortech? What do you think of them?
I just bought one for my new 55g setup. Haven't set it up quite yet. I was thinking of doing an "executive overview" type report with pics during the install. Perhaps in the next two weeks I will get that posted.
Initial reactions is that it is 50% bigger than I guessed it would be (from product pics) and the manual has some interesting wording regarding the handling and care of the pump that indicates (to me) that the device may be more fragile and error prone than I assumed before the purchase. Specifically, warnings not to damage the pins when adjusting the spacing collar, notes about stalling and eventual wear requiring replacement of the driver all perked up my ears. Lastly, the manufacturer insists that the cord be mounted upward, with an adhesive band attaching the cord to the tank to prevent the pump from falling and hitting the tank. Sounds like a good precaution, but the install will not be as clean since I wanted the cord just to hang vertically. This also makes me wonder, does this pump routinely fall off or become detached?!?
My install report will hopefully bear some of this out. I am pretty excited about the pump. I also splurged for the battery backup, and may even get the wireless controller when available in quantity.
Please note that although the manual hints at several "achilles heel" aspects of the pump, the pump itself seems very solid and well built in the hand.
You might also want to dig through the Ecotech vendor forum on RC if you want to get some feedback.
Just thought I would chime in since I have owned an EcoTech Marine VorTech Propellor for over 6 months and it definitely a gift from the Reef Gods themselves. I have never had this pump fall off once from the Aquarium. It's a good precaution from the manufacturers though. The flow is awesome and reaches all aspects of my 90 gallon. I'm actually going to purchase another to face each other for maximum flow and I can throttle down my existing VorTech.
__________________ My marriage is perfect! My job is great! But why are my tank parameters all out of whack???
i have not used one of these, so please dont take this as experience.. BUT the main reason why i have not given this pump much thought is the fact that is its stuck in a fixed position, and can not be aimed. i know that the movement of my pumps is very important to me. i would be interested in others thoughts on this.
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That is a good point Rob, hadn't thought of that. I mainly liked what I saw as far as the new controller that is yet to be released. I really want something that will generate a slight wave in the tank and then I could spot powerheads in other spots. I also liked the fact that once released, the new controller will wirelessly talk to another controller to generate specific patterns. So if I upgrade to a larger tank I can add more pumps.
i have not used one of these, so please dont take this as experience.. BUT the main reason why i have not given this pump much thought is the fact that is its stuck in a fixed position, and can not be aimed. i know that the movement of my pumps is very important to me. i would be interested in others thoughts on this.
Rob, the flow that is created from the pump is dramatically intense and covers all areas of the aquarium even those that it is not directly aimed at. I can say that this does not to be aimed at a particular area because if it placed in you tank the water is moving everywhere!
__________________ My marriage is perfect! My job is great! But why are my tank parameters all out of whack???
i did see them at macna, and they looked cool, but it just seems they would have a directional flow and i would have to place it in the front of the side pane of glass just to keep it from knocking my stuff over ya know..
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Just to add what Jason just said, the manual describes the pump as producing "3000gph of low velocity flow", which to me insinuates how broad the flow is. I have read several users on RC who switched out their Tunze pumps with Vortechs state that the flow is indeed much broader.
I have only purchased one for my 55g, and will install it on the center back of my DT. The Vortech and the return pump will provide all the flow, unless this proves to be insufficient. This is the same setup as flyingPhish on RC.
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Linear Mode
