Apex/VorTech Help/Questions (1 Viewer)

[SCUBAFreaky]

At the end of last year I picked up two VorTech MP10 Quiet Drive pumps from a fellow MARSHian. Due to the holidays and a busy schedule the pumps ended up in a box in the back of my aquarium closet. Now I'm ready to use my MP10s and I also want to use my Apex to control their features. As far as I can tell the Apex WXM module is the way to go where you can control the pumps through the built in wireless feature of the pumps and the WXM module. HOWEVER, the WXM has been discontinued and no longer available. It looks there's a VDM module available now, which does not use the wireless feature. So it is unclear to me how to use the VDM module to control my MP10s.

I guess my main question, is anybody controlling their VorTech pumps with their Apex without using the WXM module? If so, can you point me in the right direction?? A quick google search didn't really reveal anything useful so far. Everyone seems to still be using the WXM module. Sigh.

And does anyone know by chance if the discontinuation of the WXM module was a decision made BRS once they bought Apex? Just curious.

 

[Corlish16]

Hi,
You can run Mobius with out Apex WXM, All you need to RF Module Upgrade for Mobius it cost $22 for unit. it temporary sold out

Replacement RF Module​

Replacement RF Module

This RF Module is compatible with all Vectra and QuietDrive VorTech pumps. Mobius Compatible *** Orders larger than 10 units will be canceled. If more than 10 RF Modules are required, please email service@ecotechmarine.zendesk.com***

store2.ecotechmarine.com

Here is how to upgrade:
https://support.ecotechmarine.com/h...-Procedure-for-VorTech-and-Vectra-Controllers

 

[foos]

You only need the new module if you have an old mp10. I have a wxm and stopped using it since the pumps work better on mobius. I believe the wxm was dropped due to the new radio not working if it has the mobius firmware.

I used to use the wxm so I could turn the pumps lower than you can on the controller. Mobius lets you do that with more control on the speed and you can update firmware and what have you.

 

[SCUBAFreaky]

Huh. I'll be buggered (always loved that expression). So it would seem that both of my VorTech controllers already have the newer, Mobius compatible RF chips installed in them.



So it doesn't bug you that you have to use Mobius while you also have an Apex controlling everything else? Obviously I am going to check it out, but we like Mobius? It's a good, friendly tool to use?

 

[Corlish16]

Hi,
it will be not have problem if you use Mobius while you also have an Apex controlling everything else.

* Also you may need to Hard Reset

https://support.ecotechmarine.com/hc/en-us/articles/206231098-VorTech-Propeller-Pump-Controller-Reset

* Try this first, it may alown you to update VorTech Legacy Updates in Mobius, Just make sure you pump Model MP10wQD


* If it not recognize your pump than Swap out RF Module Upgrade than go to Mobius App.

 

[foos]

Huh. I'll be buggered (always loved that expression). So it would seem that both of my VorTech controllers already have the newer, Mobius compatible RF chips installed in them.



So it doesn't bug you that you have to use Mobius while you also have an Apex controlling everything else? Obviously I am going to check it out, but we like Mobius? It's a good, friendly tool to use?

It annoyed me at first but I almost never change anything on them or my lights so having that stuff separate is not that bad in the long run. Can still plug them into the apex to get power usage and set alerts.

If you turn pumps off to feed, it could be a bit annoying to hit two feed buttons. Personally I like the pumps in the tank stirring the food so it gets everywhere. When I did turn them off for feeding all the food would be in one spot and the meanest fish got most of it.

 

[soymilk]

after using mobius to set up the vortechs, i haven't used it since.

i connect a power strip to one of the energy bar spots and cut off that slot for feeding. cuts off all the powerheads.

 

[foos]

after using mobius to set up the vortechs, i haven't used it since.

i connect a power strip to one of the energy bar spots and cut off that slot for feeding. cuts off all the powerheads.

yar, what I do for water changes. They are on a splitter so they use one outlet in apex and I just turn them off with the skimmer, ato, return, and lights to change water.

 

[soymilk]

nice. I do the same, but minus the skimmer. i like that 5 mins wait time when the returns kicks on before the skimmer kicks on to make sure it doesn't overflow

 

[foos]

nice. I do the same, but minus the skimmer. i like that 5 mins wait time when the returns kicks on before the skimmer kicks on to make sure it doesn't overflow

I have a timeout on the skimmer outlet of 5 min. Just set it to auto instead of on. I have it set up so if on battery the skimmer turns off and that 5 min timeout in case battery dies and return stops as well, don't want it and the return turning back on at the same time. Less of an issue now though since I have pwerwalls as well.

 

[Stickboy97]

Get on R2R and buy an older WXM. I do not like Mobius at all

 

[SCUBAFreaky]

Can you elaborate a little bit? What is it specifically do you not like about Mobius?

 

[Stickboy97]

The programming of the pumps was basically the same, I just already control so many things with my apex I didn’t want 1 more to deal with. Plus I found the apex easier to program than working on an app.

 

[decimal]

i switched from MP10 to RS Reefwave. I do not mind using the RS software to control the pump. Its the same with lights. Once you have them dialed in the way you like, you really don't change much anyways. At least that's the way it works for me.

Controllers nice for turning off selected groups of stuff, monitoring water parameters (driving you to pull out your hair chasing non existent problems that are causing the numbers to be off) and if you have reactors. Other than that, Everything comes with its own controller these days. You are paying for it whether you use it or not and most are actually not too bad.

 

[SCUBAFreaky]

So I still haven't set up Mobius or checked to see if either of my MP10's will communicate with the app. However, I do have an additional question(s). One of the pumps was damaged at the shaft so I decided to replace the base plate on both units. When I bought the parts I also bought a spare entire wet side assembly. I was surprised to discover that when I spun the impeller on the new unit that it did not spin freely and had quite a bit of resistance. After taking it apart I found a large blob of grease between the impeller magnet and the base plate. That surprised me actually. My questions...do I just leave that grease in place and let it disperse into my aquarium? Not sure how I feel about that. And two, when I install the old magnet/impeller onto the new base plates, do I need to be using some sort of grease? Documentation on that seems to be limited...and varied.

 

[SCUBAFreaky]

Bump. Still looking to see if folks add lubricant to their Vortech pumps after they clean them.

 

[RR-MAN]

Bump. Still looking to see if folks add lubricant to their Vortech pumps after they clean them.

I clean them every 3-6 months and that's it no lubrication.

I have 3 old version ES W since 2011 replaced wet side few years ago and no other issue.