Opinions on Vortech power head

[xenon]

I am ready to place my order for one but I want to be 100% sure before I whip the CC out.

I really like the clean look of this power head and I also like that the motor is outside of the tank so no heat is transfered.

http://www.ecotechmarine.com/products/vortech.htm

[xenon]

anyone?

[Rouselb]

I run a single vortech with the battery backup by icecap. It has great flow, small unit, no wires inside. Only issue i have had is stalling. This was a big issue when i first got it, and many others, but they revised the design, and it runs pretty good. It does stall out if you have it at low power unless you clean and align it back to the magnet often. Overall its a good unit, and great when the power goes out.

[xenon]

Good stuff!!!

Thanks

[HBtank]

Absolutely love them. Mine are not stalling at all (just got them). I have the battery as well on one pump, and may get another for the other.

THe flow is incredibly dispersed. I had koralia 4's in the same spot and I had to mess with them a bunch at different angles. Even though it is obviuos there is a huge increase in flow and the random turbulence is awesome (the first 24 hours were crazy to see what gunk was pulled from deadspots and into the water), I have had no real problems with sandstorms in a DSB tank (even at max flow).

Can't wait for the WWD.

[kev apsley]

Love mine!

[xenon]

Does the pump include a controller?

I will need to throttle it down a little. 3000 GPH is a little much for a 90g FOWLR tank.

[Rouselb]

There is a new controller coming out right now. the old one let you set the flow manually, the new controller is programable.

[xenon]

Ok but is a controller included with the pump for free?

[HBtank]

Of course, and can control the pump at a constant rate where you choose from 300-3000 GPH

[xenon]

Ok great!

I don't need any fancy wavemakers. It's for a FOWLR tank.

[gws3]

I would highly recommend. I run one an a 90 gallon full blast and will most likely get a second. No need to throttle it down for you tank, you will love it running at full speed.

[SDguy]

Originally posted by xenon
Ok but is a controller included with the pump for free?

Originally posted by HBtank
Of course, and can control the pump at a constant rate where you choose from 300-3000 GPH

Wait, wait, just to be clear, all the current vortechs come with a manual controller. That is, simply a device that runs the DC motor and has a manual knob that can be turned to change the flow. This is not to be confused with the wireless controller they are developing, that will have progams which automatoically change the flow, and wirelessly communicate with other vortech wireless controllers, if you have more than one. They have taken pre orders for this, which DOES cost extra, but have not released it yet.

I borrowed a vortech from a local reefer. Loved it!! But have decided to wait for the wireless controller to be available before buying my own.

[OliverM3]

Love them as well. You'll be surprised how high you can run them.
I started out low but now I'm up to full speed in my 76g
The fish seem to enjoy it, always swimming on the side that I have my Vortech.
Or I'm clueless and the fish are swimming for their lives and fighting not to get sucked in to it
I don't know how my clowns sleep 5" from it.

It also helps me when I'm feeding frozen mysid.
I kill the power but the battery backup keeps the vortech running.
It blows them around nicely. My mandarin must think that they're alive because he started eating them.

As far as stalling I haven't had any issues and have never cleaned the pump.

[skeeter-doc]

when will the wireless controller be out?

[tkeracer619]

I have a friends tank in my guest room. It has a Koralia 4, Tunze Nano, MaxiMod, and a Vortec.

The vortec is really nice. If you have the money and want to spend it on a pump then by all means get the vortec.

[sirjohn]

Consider getting 2 for your 90g. I have 2 for my 92 gallon and love them because it allows me to operate them at less than full speed (hence, they are quieter and run cooler), as well as to alternate currents in my tank or provide a turbulent flow right in the middle.

Oh and btw, I believe the lowest setting on the current controller moves 900 gph, not 300 gph, but I could be wrong...

[Macimage]

If I buy the Vortech now with the manuel control, can I buy and use the wireless controller on it when it comes out?

Or will my unit always be manually controlled and not upgradable?

Thanks!
Joyce

[oohmiller]

hey was wondering how these stack up with the tunzes or say a wave2k

[oohmiller]

oh and where is the best place to buy one

[victor_c3]

Originally posted by xenon
Does the pump include a controller?

I will need to throttle it down a little. 3000 GPH is a little much for a 90g FOWLR tank.

As was already mentioned, running it at 3000 GPH might not be that bad. The Vortech I have in my 30 gallon is on about 40-50%. If the water level was a little lower in my display tank, I'd crank it up even more (If I crank it up anymore the waves hitting my overflow would end up going over the side of hte tank).

The dispersion of the flow of the Vortech is awesome. Even at full flow, the current is very well dispersed and gentle.

[melev]

I have three on my reef, and all three of them are set to roughly 60% flow or 2000gph.

If you have a current VorTech, you'll be able to buy the Wireless Driver later. It is an easy conversion from what you have now, plus you can keep the old driver as a back up if for some reason you need it one day.

After the new wireless driver is out for a while, you'll be able to buy a new pump with it already installed.

I'm waiting for my wireless drivers to come in, which will be soon I hope. The FCC has to approve that they are safe, then they should ship out ASAP. Many of us are in the EcoTech forum waiting for the news.