90 Gallon Setup - Vortech or Tunze?

[MikeAshworth]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I checked out the jebao pumps and am not completely sold on them. If I don't side with the mp40's I will be going with Tunze.. However I would like the minimize the amount of powerheads in my tank and I think going with the vortech is my best choice. I also like the fact that they are completely wireless. Is it possible to still have a "clean" looking tank if i were to go with the Tunze?

[Reef Supplies]

They both have pro's and cons BUT they are both fantastic brands with, more importantly, GREAT warranty and customer service.

Here is my take as a hobbiest…

Vortech

Pros

- No motors in the water (no heat, no electricity)
- Mp40 is a monster at full power. We were getting a nice wave with 1 in a 90G
- Super small foot-print

Cons

- Wet side needs bi weekly / monthly cleaning
- Tends to get noisy if you don't keep it clean
- Wet-side wares out but parts are cheap.

Tunze

Pros

- Set it and forget it. They'll run in mud lol
- New wide flow (6105 and 6095) have a great flow pattern.

Cons

- Larger footprint than the Vortech
- Heat and electricity in the water
- You need the better USB controller or an aquarium controller to take full advantage of it. The base $79 controller is lacking (but its only $79)

Ferrari or Lambo? You will be happy with what ever choice you make.

[Borderjumper]

I often wonder if the sounds of the MP40s running dont just drive the fish nuts! Stick your ear up to the tank!

I've used both the MO40s and the tunzes. Stuck with the mp's because of the lesser heat issue.. But the tunzes are fool proof!

[apexifd]

Originally Posted by Borderjumper

I often wonder if the sounds of the MP40s running dont just drive the fish nuts! Stick your ear up to the tank!

I've used both the MO40s and the tunzes. Stuck with the mp's because of the lesser heat issue.. But the tunzes are fool proof!

IMO, all pump makes noise. submerge pump/power make the noise in the water and we can't hear it, if we do, something is wrong. I turn on my 6105 out of the water, it's a lot louder than my mp40, but it makes a good handheld fan though.

External pump like vortech keeps the heat away from water, but also the noise out of the water.

I personally can't stand having wires going into the display,

[MikeAshworth]

Originally Posted by apexifd

IMO, all pump makes noise. submerge pump/power make the noise in the water and we can't hear it, if we do, something is wrong. I turn on my 6105 out of the water, it's a lot louder than my mp40, but it makes a good handheld fan though.

External pump like vortech keeps the heat away from water, but also the noise out of the water.

I personally can't stand having wires going into the display,

I can definitely agree with you on the wires, i like a clean looking display.
I'm pretty much committed to the Vortech's at this point.. now I'm wondering if x2Mp40's would be overkill (or necessary for that matter)? I'm planning on doing a mixed reef setup, should i just go with x1Mp40 and x1Mp10?

[mike31154]

I use 3 x MP40WES on my 77 gallon which is pretty much a mixed reef. The two on the ends of the tank run anti-sync in Tidal Swell mode limited to about 75%-80% power, while the one on the back glass runs at a lower speed set independently since my tank is fairly narrow. Ideally, I'd prefer to have an MP10 on the back glass, but when I was looking for a used one, all I was able to scare up was another MP40. They all enter night mode together. If you are thinking VorTech, then at least two of the wireless models on a tank your size is the way to go.

On a 90 gallon tank it would be difficult to overkill the flow with two MP40 VorTech since they are so very controllable. You can limit the speed to 25% if you wish and at that speed you would probably barely hear them. Where the sound or noise is more prevalent is when they are ramping from a slow speed up to maximum speed quickly, such as in the short pulse mode. That's fine for creating waves & I've tried that mode, but it gets old pretty quick. A random flow setting using the EcoSmart Tidal Swell or original Reefcrest mode is a lot easier on the pumps, ears and IMO does a better job of mimicking an actual reef environment. In TSM, with a push of a button, you can switch to Nutrient Transport Mode which will kick up detritus & other funk you probably didn't know was hiding in the rockwork. I use this mode usually just before a water change. It's a good idea to 'tune' a wave with your pumps when you set them up, this will make NTM most effective. Another advantage of using TSM is that during the cycle, both pumps are rarely running at the maximum 80% setting at the same time & when they are it's only for a short time. The remainder of the cycle has them running at different speeds anywhere from about 25 to 80%, creating a truly random flow environment throughout the tank.

Even if you don't own a VorTech yet, you can download the user manual from their website. Get ready for a fairly long read, but at the end of it, you'll be well informed on the capability of these pumps. Personally I have no idea why anyone would need a separate controller for VorTechs, the controllers that come with them & their ability to communicate with each other pretty much cover any scenario that I can envision.

I have no experience with Tunze but from most of the info found in forums they are also a great product. Not sure they have quite the flexibility in flow options with their controllers as the VorTechs do though.

[MikeAshworth]

Thanks for your input mike31154, it was quite informative! I have decided to go with the VorTech's. I'm going to start out with x2 Mp40w Es and then later on, when my wallet permits me, pick up an additional Mp10w Es. Once my tank arrives I'll make sure to post a journal so anyone can follow

Ps: mike31154 may i pm you in the future if i have any questions regarding the VorTech's? It seems like you're quite familiar with the product.