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Tunze or Vortech (1 Viewer)

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FISHSTICK

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I'm thinking about upgrading my powerheads. Right now I have three Tunze 6060s. I've always had Tunze, b/c I like the warranty and the tech support. I like the look of the Vortechs and they don't take up alot of space or look bulky, as the Tunze. I don't know too much about Vortech pumps and would like some input. What is the difference between the MP20 and MP40w? How good is the design of the pump and warranty? How many would I need for a 270 gallon tank?

Thanks.
Mike
 

AquaNerd

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i would get a pair of vortechs and some tunze 6105s on a 7096 controller :D . that's what i'm doing.
 

Hurdicuss

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This is the same decision I am trying to make. The difference between the 20 & the 40 is the maximum output. According to the specs both pump outputs start at 500gph and the 20 tops out @ 2,000 and the 40 @ 3,000gph. You can also purchase the wireless driver separately which would essentially upgrade a 20 to a 40w.

As for the pro's & con's between the two...I like the Ecotech's because with the 40 you have controllability right out of the box with several different programmed modes to choose from (and of course you can upgrade a 20 to a 40 very easily). I have been reading many positive reviews and experiences from reefers who had problems with the 1st generation models that are now very happy with the new ones. Some people would argue that a drawback of the Ecotech's is the lack of pivotal control of the assembly but the output is so great and dispersed that because of the design and capabilities of the powerhead there really is no need to direct the flow. In addition, the powerhead creates a noticeable undertow to provide good flow along the sand bed/bottom. I have also heard and read very good customer support results from this product. Low energy consumption, battery back up and no motor heat within the tank are more pluses for this product.

I like the Tunze's because they have a reliable, quality product in addition to a well-established name and reputation in the reef hobby. Their support & tech is great and they are releasing improved products with a lower price tag and lower energy consumption. I prefer the controllable streams, over the non-controllable, and even more so a pair with the multi controller and I think the new USB multi controller will be bad @$$. Overall, I think the Ecotech would be less expensive than the Tunze mainly because you have to purchase the multi controller separately and I think it would require less units to achieve optimal flow conditions (but of course this can differ depending on what coral/livestock one is keeping).

These are some of the angles that I am considering and am still undecided but I am leaning more towards the Ecotech at this point...but of course as Brandon pointed out above, you could always use both and decide which one you like better! Hope this helps.
 
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FISHSTICK

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Ok...so the MP20 is 2000gph max and the MP40w is 3000gph max. What is the price difference? I think I'll most likely go with the Vortechs b/c of the appearance and comes with the controllers.
 

andrew7b

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I just bought 2 vortech gen2 for my son tank new set-up. After using gen1 I decided to upgrade for him. I love them very little space and no heat in the tank. I never own a tunze but heard it a great pump also. I just don't care for look of it. It's big and bulky. You could never go wrong w/ those two choices.
 

AquaNerd

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hey mike, have you checked out the new tunzes...6105, 6205, 6305? they are just a little bit bigger than the nano streams and the new 7096 controller is $100 cheaper than the older 7095 controller.

the new tunzes look identical to the nano streams and can pivot/turn better than koralias.
 

i_am_poor

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I would def go for (4) MP40w since you can dial down the mp40. Why the odd #? You have a huge tank and 2 at each end is great =)
 
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FISHSTICK

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i_am_poor said:
I would def go for (4) MP40w since you can dial down the mp40. Why the odd #? You have a huge tank and 2 at each end is great =)

Mike...you've seen my set-up. I have the 3 Tunzes placed so the water is moving one direction at the back and other direction at the front. The water is moving in a circle around the rocks. I have two pumps at the back on the right side of the tank and one at the front on opposite side. this works pretty good. Better flow than I've ever had doing it this way and no sand blowing everywhere. I saw a tank on Reef central and the guy had 4 Vortechs on the right in the back and 4 Vortechs on the left in the front...the water was moving like crazy. I need some more input before I spend all this money.:D I also heard sometimes they make a loud vibration noise... is this true?
 

AquaNerd

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the vortechs can make some noise when they are at higher gph, but i'm not sure if the gen 2 is quieter or not.
 

i_am_poor

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He has a fishroom so noise is not an issue =) Lucky guy! I have gen1 and I barely hear it with return/skimmer off.
 
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FISHSTICK

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camaroracer214 said:
hey mike, have you checked out the new tunzes...6105, 6205, 6305? they are just a little bit bigger than the nano streams and the new 7096 controller is $100 cheaper than the older 7095 controller.

the new tunzes look identical to the nano streams and can pivot/turn better than koralias.


I have'nt seen those yet...I'm going to check it out, but I still like the look of the Vortechs. Still waiting on more input.
 

decimal

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they have the vortechs set up @ tnt and they look nice and move ALOT of water. i dont think you can really go wrong one way or the other. i like tunze but that is only because they are profilux controllable.
 
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