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View Full Version : Tunze 6201 vs. Vortech propeller powerheads


redavdrol
02/27/2008, 10:56 AM
I have had nothing but problems with powerheads since my tank was started a little over a year ago. I am tired of messing around with cheap equipment so I am ready to invest in some good powerheads. I am looking to upgrade to a 240 gallon tank in a couple of years so I want the powerheads to put out sufficient flow so I can use them in that tank also. I was looking a the Tunze 6201 powerheads with a Tunze controller or the Vortech propeller powerheads. I haven't heard anything bad about the tunze powerheads but a have read some bad reviews about the Vortechs. I wanted to get some feedback from people that have experience with these powerheads.

BreadmanMike
02/27/2008, 11:17 AM
I'm a Tunze user and I vote Tunze all the way. On my 240 (48x48x25) I have 2 x 6201, 2 x 6100, and 4 x mj900 suregrip mods. My tank is barebottom so I need lots of flow to keep the bottom clean. On most systems 2 x 6201's will be plenty. ;)

alanscott
02/27/2008, 11:25 AM
I love my vortec powerheads. I have two with the wireless wave controller, and no complaints what-so-ever. I really like the fact that you can control the flow. as well as the speed. And, in my opinion the less crap in the tank the better it looks.

BreadmanMike
02/27/2008, 11:29 AM
I'll add that the Tunze don't have any rusty parts that need to be replaced every year. :thumbsup: :lol:

Waxxiemann
02/27/2008, 11:47 AM
:eek1:

redavdrol
02/27/2008, 09:21 PM
Thanks for the feedback.

Shawn D
02/27/2008, 09:31 PM
Never used tunze, but hear all great reviews about them. I have the vortech and love it though.

old salty
02/27/2008, 09:33 PM
I have four Tunze streams. I had to send one to Tunze USA for repairs and no questions were asked; the repairs were made and pump was sent back under warranty. Tunze are expensive; no doubt about that. I have had my share of el cheapo powerheads and bit the bullet a while back.

I have no experience with the Vortechs, so I can't comment on them.

saltysupply
02/27/2008, 09:36 PM
they are both great pumps, just depends what you want really

sjm817
02/27/2008, 09:39 PM
I've used both and prefer the Tunze by a mile. The Vortechs are far too noisy for my tastes. I like the Tunze controller much better as well. As far as looks go, the Vortech is nice inside the tank, and not so great on the outside with the motor and large wire in plain view. The Tunzes have many more mounting and positioning options. Add to that the rusting magnets, and people having problems with the wet side separating for no reason, I'm glad I stayed with Tunze. Support wise, I have had very good experience with both companies.

Edit: I see you are looking at the 6201. I've never used that model. I've had 6000, 6100, 6101, and the Vortech MP40Ws. The 6201 will have a lot more flow than any of the above.

Limpit
02/28/2008, 02:04 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11961933#post11961933 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltysupply
they are both great pumps, just depends what you want really

What do you mean by "what you want"?
I am also looking to buy either Tunze or Vortech.

redavdrol
02/28/2008, 02:35 PM
I think I am definitely leaning towards the Tunze. I really like there controller and I don't mind paying the money if they are going to last. I know the 6201 powerheads will be a lot of flow in my 75 gallon (I will probably have to keep them turned all the way down) but I want to be able to keep them when I upgrade. I have been reading about the multicontroller and it sounds like it can cycle the powerheads on and off so they both will not have to run full blast constantly.

old salty
02/28/2008, 02:43 PM
With the 7095 controller, you will be able to control the flow from 30% to 100%. If you wanted them to pulse between 30% and 40%, you could do this. If you don't have the controller, there is a potentiometer that controls the flow, though it is not variable.

BreadmanMike
02/28/2008, 02:43 PM
Timeout!!!!

Get the 6101's. Even on the lowest level the 6201's will be too much for a 75. The 6101's will probably be too much, but you can switch the jumpers on them and turn them into 6001's. When you upgrade to the 240 add a couple of 6045's into the mix and you'll be happy.

Waxxiemann
02/28/2008, 02:52 PM
I'm using 2 6100's in my 90 (I know a guy who runs 3!) but the flow is a LOT. If you have sand, good luck keeping those 6200's down low enough.

Here is a good idea. Get 2 6100's now and then when you want to upgrade tanks, add 2 6200's. That would be a TON of flow. Add a wavebox to the mix and your cookin with gas baby.

2x 6100's is 6340 GPH
2x 6200's is 10560 GPH

That a total of 16900 GPH (if all 4 pumps are full on). That's 70.5 times turnover (in a 240). Plenty if you ask me.

BreadmanMike
02/28/2008, 02:56 PM
If you don't mind buying the older version 6000's and upgrading them to 6100's later on...

I know where you can get new ones for $220 each and free shipping. :)

Limpit
02/28/2008, 06:36 PM
Whats the difference between the 6000 and 6100 series?

sjm817
02/28/2008, 06:40 PM
Yikes, 6201s in a 75G? Stick with 6101. As others have posted, you will need to turn them down. You cant just use the raw flow numbers either unless you run both pumps 100% all the time. You usually use some sort of alternating, pulsing flow pattern.

reefsafe
02/28/2008, 06:40 PM
get one vortech. lots of flow, controller included. easier to mount and better looking in the tank

oldimpala
02/28/2008, 06:50 PM
I'm with SJM.....


Owned a Vortech; still own 2 6000's, a Wavebox, and a 7095.

Oh, and I second, or third, or whatever the 6100s; the 6200s are way too much flow. I ran two 6000s on a 72G Bow, and it was a LOT of flow; I couldn't imagine one or more 6200s.


When Vortechs run, they are far noisier. With the recent concerns/complaints, I'd stick with a full-sized Stream any day. I guess for $300+ I don't feel like being a beta-tester.


Just keep Tunzes clean, and they last forever... Oh, and Roger wrote the book on Customer Service. Period.


-Andy

sjm817
02/28/2008, 06:55 PM
The only thing I liked about the Vortech was the small footprint in the tank (which was negated by the unsightly look outside) and I did like the flow pattern. I disliked everything else, the controller is nowhere near as nice, the noise was terrible. I didn't own them long enough to experience the reliability issues.

redavdrol
02/29/2008, 10:27 AM
Thanks for the info. I will stick to the 6100's. I plan on having a closed loop system in my 240 in addition to the powerheads anyway so I guess that will be enough flow. I currently have two MAG 12's with the conversion kits that are suppose to put out 1200gph each. They turned out to be huge pieces of crap. They are noisy and half of the time they don't work.