Can you make a decision for me, please ?

[mike31154]

Been running two MP40s for a few years now, one for 4, one for 3. They've both been very reliable. The first I bought new just before they changed the wet side magnet to the newer ones (the original Gen 1 had a poor plastic coating & would start rusting after a while). A $10 upgrade kit fixed that. It was still working fine even with a rusty magnet, but who wants that in their water. Anyhow, been running like a champ since then. Second I got slightly used a year later & it's also been running with no issues. Both also came with the 1st Gen wireless drivers, that is, non ES. I upgraded that feature as well a year or so ago when the ES drivers were initially offered at a pretty good discount.

Just relating my own experience here. There are plenty of different experiences with them out there, but they work for me. I've found you need to set them up properly & handle them with a little bit of care. All of the wet side parts are easily user replaceable & generally not that costly, so you should be able to keep any VorTech running for many years. Don't think you'll see that kind of longevity with the average Koralia. Something goes wrong with any of the other pumps & you pretty much have to send the whole unit back. I've snatched up two more used MP40s over the past couple of years, so have them as spares in case I need to service my currently running pumps. Also will come in handy for a tank upgrade. I don't mess with my pumps that much, only clean the wet sides when they really get grunged up bad. Never soaked them in vinegar, just use a toothbrush & scrub in old salt water.

Long story short, VorTech wet sides have not been a problem for me. No experience with Tunze, but from what I've seen on most forums, they're a very good product. Have also read about issues with them as well, however. I prefer the smaller footprint of a VorTech & the fact that there isn't an electrical power cord submerged in the water.

[tang daddy]

Yes very good point Mike made, less space taken up inside is more space for coral!!

I use to have a wavebox in my tank but it took up lots of room, much happier with the space saving Vortech now.

On a larger tank no big deal as space is not an issue, but with a small 75g space is always an issue....