EcoTech MP40wes QD -driver only- upgrade review

[WarDog]

Ok, thought I would start a new thread for this.

Originally I purchased one MP40wes (last gen) for my 36" long 65 gallon tank. Had it on Short Pulse wave mode at 100% power that created a 2 inch wave crest that made the LPS sway awesome. Looked so natural... until the wife asked "What the hell was all that noise?"
Needless to say, that didn't last long. Tried to turn Short Pulse down to 50% and then 30% but the Whir... whir... whir... was still driving the wife mental. It's been on Surf Crest at 75% for the last 4 months.
As you can see, the tank isn't far from the couch, or our heads.

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7659/17650519789_8bc2ed7435_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sTHwAH)

Enter the upgrade from EcoTech!

Purchased one from Reef Supplies a couple weeks back and just got around to installing it today.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5452/17810466306_f91fb0d489_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/t8Ri8h) https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8770/17216398453_9ec79b31c1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/semxs6)

Installation was simple, so I won't be getting into that.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8836/17650517999_81bf79bd88_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sTHw4R)

So let's see some test results.

For testing purposes, I downloaded a free app. I tested the ambient noise of the room, at around 6 feet from the tank.
The spike at 70dB was a car driving by. I think it was Gregzz4 in his truck!

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5329/17836781095_8d72970c5c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tbbaAx)

Then I set up the old MP40wes on Short Pulse wave mode at 100% power. The phone was literally 12 inches from the dry side. 73dB.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5349/17650519159_4b7c369d7a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sTHwpR)

After installing the new driver, I once again set it to Short Pulse wave mode, 100% power. 12 inches from the dry side.
The spikes are cars driving past the house.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5465/17837249721_83c96d0479_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tbdyUi)

Long story short, I would say the new driver does make the old MP40 quieter. This is using a free app downloaded on the phone. Not sure of the quality next to a stand alone noise meter.
Another note is, I have never touched the wet side of the MP40 since its first installation into the tank 5 months ago. It was straight out of the box and I have never cleaned it or applied fresh lube. That could have some bearing for those who do this regularly.
At this point I cannot say whether the investment is worth it or not. $117 is by no means a lot, compared to a new MP40wesQD.
To my ear, it does sound quieter, but the true test will come if the wife hears it.

I hope some of you can find this helpful. Happy Reefing!

[mike31154]

Thanks for the review & getting in there as an early tester! So the difference is roughly 7 dB for $117? I guess the key is, as you say, that you can hear a difference & if it appeases the significant other. I've had 3 MP40WES running on my 77 gal 4 ft tank for years & also not done much to the wet sides. Never lubed them yet, I didn't even know there was a lube interval for the wet sides? Ceramic bearing, teflon washer, replace every few years when worn out. Only time I run mine in short pulse is before a water change & don't run them at 100%. Most of the time my 3 run in TSM up to about 85%, the one on the back wall is limited to an even lower speed because the tank is narrow.

Again thanks for making the purchase of the new drive. Even though you've spent that money, if I may, I'd recommend you consider a second MP40 for the other side of the tank, then you won't need to run the 2 of them anywhere near 100% to have sufficient flow everywhere in the tank. Doesn't need to be a new one, used would work just fine. Your review has confirmed for me that I really don't want or need to switch out my current WES drives. I'm getting old & deaf anyway, mine are not that noisy running as they are & I have a monster air pump running 24/7 and LED light cooling fans running during the day to drown out any peeps from the EcoTech MP pumps.

[WarDog]

Thanks for the review & getting in there as an early tester! So the difference is roughly 7 dB for $117? I guess the key is, as you say, that you can hear a difference & if it appeases the significant other. I've had 3 MP40WES running on my 77 gal 4 ft tank for years & also not done much to the wet sides. Never lubed them yet, I didn't even know there was a lube interval for the wet sides? Ceramic bearing, teflon washer, replace every few years when worn out. Only time I run mine in short pulse is before a water change & don't run them at 100%. Most of the time my 3 run in TSM up to about 85%, the one on the back wall is limited to an even lower speed because the tank is narrow.

Again thanks for making the purchase of the new drive. Even though you've spent that money, if I may, I'd recommend you consider a second MP40 for the other side of the tank, then you won't need to run the 2 of them anywhere near 100% to have sufficient flow everywhere in the tank. Doesn't need to be a new one, used would work just fine. Your review has confirmed for me that I really don't want or need to switch out my current WES drives. I'm getting old & deaf anyway, mine are not that noisy running as they are & I have a monster air pump running 24/7 and LED light cooling fans running during the day to drown out any peeps from the EcoTech MP pumps.

I do agree with all your points. My test results are by no means accurate, and I am sure they are flawed in some aspects, as I am no expert.

I would think others would get different results... these are just mine, with the new driver running for literally minutes.

I am planning for additional water movement in the tank once the SPS grow out a bit and are mounted. MP10QD, Tunze, new or used, not decided.