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View Full Version : Tunze or Vortech powerheads for 75g reef?


ant81
03/13/2013, 09:04 PM
im starting my conversion From a 75g FOWLR to Reef and looking into powerheads.

What do you suggest Tunze or Vortech powerheads for 75g? the only negative i read is that Vortech are loud? im trying to decide between the 2 brands?

for vortech i was looking a the VorTech MP10 ES Propeller Pump

and for Tunze maybe Tunze Turbelle Stream 6065 or Tunze Turbelle Nanostream 6045 im not sure which model but i would have get a Tunze Multicontroller 7096 with it?

bshow24
03/13/2013, 09:34 PM
Vortechs are not that loud at all. I have 1 on both my tanks and compared to the noise I get from the light fan and the sump, you cannot hear them.

With that tank you are needing probably 2 pumps. You want at least that because it will give you the flow you need for the corals. I have not worked with tunze at all, but I do know that they are good pumps.

moondoggy4
03/14/2013, 12:01 AM
For a FOWLR how getting two Tunze 6025's and two 6015, that would a great deal of water movement. You could aim them how ever you want.

Spyderturbo007
03/14/2013, 06:36 AM
I run two MP10wES pumps in my 55g and I really like them. They aren't loud at all and I'm not quite sure where people get that idea. They do make some noise, but nothing you can really hear over all the other stuff running. Granted, if you run them at 100% they are loud, but I have mine set to max at 65% and you really can't hear them unless you get your ears right up to them.

I wanted to minimize the space lost in my tank which is why I went with them. They also interface nicely with my Apex.

ant81
03/14/2013, 07:12 AM
Ok so vortechs aren't loud? Tunze are more silent though right? Is 1 mp10 enough for 75g and I have an old maxi jet 440

Esage
03/14/2013, 07:19 AM
I don't think my MP10 is loud.

Misenplace101
03/14/2013, 07:28 AM
Vortech and tunze are great power heads. Vortech is loud in the sense of the external motor ramping up and down. More of a low whining sound. For some (like me) this is annoying. If you have sensitive hearing go with the tunze.

Just throwing this out there, have you looked at the new jebo wp40 from china. Great price point. It's a cross between the tunze and vortech (i am not comparing). Just my two cents. Hope it helps.

Pastey
03/14/2013, 07:39 AM
I have an MP10 on my JBJ 28 and I can hear the Vortech when it ramps up to higher speeds but it usually lasts no longer than 3-5 seconds. It sounds like wind over a fireplace that's open. I notice it but I don't find it a deal breaker. I really like the pump for its flexibility and how little real estate it takes up in the tank. I'm not really fond of the look of full pumps in the tank with wires. Just my opinion though.

klwheat
03/14/2013, 08:19 AM
i have heard good things about tunze but never used them. I have MP40s and an MP10 and love them. The variation and flow is amazing. I can hear them only when they wind up to their highest speeds, and that doesn't bother me a bit....just lets me know its working :) I absolutely recommend them. As above, I don't think that one MP10 would be enough for a 75g tank, but perhaps one MP10 for flow variation/randomness opposite a more budget friendly pump on the other side would work.

shifty51008
03/14/2013, 08:22 AM
if you want controllable tunze's you will have to get the 6055 or 6095 for nano pumps, the 6045, 6025, and 6015's are not controllable with a multicontroller.

depending on what you wanna keep I would go with either 2 6055's, or 6095's with either the 7095 or 7096 controller.

reef_enthusiast
03/14/2013, 08:40 AM
I've owned both and I like both equally. Before Hurricane Sandy made me tear down my 280 FOWLR (72" x 30" x 30") I was initially running 2-6105's and then 1-MP60. Just depends on what your prefer.

I had the 6105's running on a 7094 (older version of 7095) on pulse mode and would ramp up and down from 30% to 100% all the time. When I had the MP60 running I had it in NTM (Nutrient Transport Mode) at 100% all the time.

The 6105's were SILENT even though they ramped up and down. They did have a narrower flow compared to the Vortech (although the 6105's now ship with both narrow and wide flow covers). Each tunze had no issue reaching the other end of the 6 foot length. They did take up space inside the tank but not much more since the MP-60 is big. You can aim the tunze. If you get the variable speed pumps, you will need to invest in additional equipment to control it.

The MP-60 is "loud" compared to the tunzes. Then again, that was expected since I was running in NTM at 100% at all times. Basically it would ramp up and down from 0 -100. When it reached the point where it would stay on at a constant speed I wouldn't notice it since it blended in with all other noise like the return pump. The undertow from the single MP-60 was amazing. It did have a much wider flow. It did reach the full 6 foot length but towards the opposite wall it wasn't as strong as the tunze. Although you can't aim the Vortech it wasn't needed since the flow was wide and gentle. The vortech comes with a controller.

To be honest, it's hard to visualize the flow patterns without seeing it in person. If you have friends or fellow reefers in the area that have the pumps you are interested in, go check it out in person. Both are great pumps and both have amazing customer service.

Joe0813
03/14/2013, 09:04 AM
i have 2 mp40s on my 75 gallon... if you buy just one mp10 that wont be enough... my vortech pumps arent loud at all.

Deinonych
03/14/2013, 09:06 AM
I have two Tunze 6095s in my 105 gal tank. They are completely silent. Not sure about the other models, but the 6095s are shock mounted on rubber "pillars" which dampen any vibration.

bhazard451
03/14/2013, 09:11 AM
The Vortechs are noticeably loud when in pulse mode or Nutrient Transport mode when the pump is over 70%. All other modes aren't loud at all.

The Tunze pumps are very quiet and integrate directly with reef controllers without needing extra parts.

The new Jebao WP-40 from fish-street in China is a Tunze clone, with Vortech like modes. It actually pushes more water and has more undertow than my two MP40s had. its only $105 shipped too. I modded mine to work with my Apex as well. Huge thread on these.

Long story short, I sold off my MP40s and kept the WP-40s in my 125 gallon. Just one of these WP-40 would be more than enough in a 75.

cidbozek
03/14/2013, 09:46 AM
No cords going into DT with vortechs

ant81
03/14/2013, 10:41 AM
Ok I think I'm leaning towards vortech since it already comes with a controller compared to tunze where u have to buy powerhead and controller which will be more expensive.

Sasquatchluvin
03/14/2013, 10:55 AM
I own both. Tunze are quieter, directional, last longer. Vortech's are cool.
I have a 76 gal. 1/2 round. Tunze worked better for me. Get a APEX to control everything.

Stolireef
03/14/2013, 11:09 AM
I own both. Tunze are quieter, directional, last longer. Vortech's are cool.
I have a 76 gal. 1/2 round. Tunze worked better for me. Get a APEX to control everything.

Plus one on this. I have an mp40 and three 6095 on my 110 and prefer the tunze.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

ant81
03/14/2013, 12:39 PM
I own both. Tunze are quieter, directional, last longer. Vortech's are cool.
I have a 76 gal. 1/2 round. Tunze worked better for me. Get a APEX to control everything.

What apex controller model would I need?

Dozer1one
03/14/2013, 03:41 PM
Wp 40s google them (awsome)

Dozer1one
03/14/2013, 03:42 PM
Here sorry, this is easier
http://www.fish-street.com/jebo_wp-40_13000l_wave_maker
quite, controlable, directional, fraction of the price
( dont know how long they last yet but ill let you know )

Stolireef
03/14/2013, 04:45 PM
What apex controller model would I need?

You could really go with any of the models although, I can't think of a single person that has bought the full Apex and has been disappointed. I was a hold out on a controller for years and I finally caved in and bought the Apex about six months ago. Among the best investments I've made in the hobby. Plus, the new software is much more user friendly.

Apex combined with the Tunze is basically a no-brainer. That said, the MP40 is also a great unit.

JMHO but I don't think the Tunze is that much more intrusive than the wet side of the MP40. I also like the ability to aim the Tunze and the fact that they are completely silent.

seapug
03/14/2013, 04:54 PM
Both are good but the multiple settings and controllability of vortecs is a huge technological leap over anything else that's available, especially of you're looking for a true wavemaker. If your tank is in a completely silent room that you use for sensory deprivation experiments, the sound of the Vortecs may be an issue, but the fans in my light fixture are louder than they are.

trinity1012
03/14/2013, 04:57 PM
vortechs all the way...i cant hear mine run.not loud at all.i have 2 mp40 on my 180 and i love em.wouldnt want anything else.

Stolireef
03/14/2013, 04:58 PM
I should add that one nice thing about the MP40 is that maintenance on the wet side is basically cake because you don't have to deal with a cord. Pull the wetside out, soak in vinegar, give it a scrub with a toothbrush, rinse and put it back.

On the other hand, it's my sense that they need more frequent maintenance than the Tunze. It's almost impossible to 'go wrong' with either pump.

GroktheCube
03/14/2013, 06:57 PM
Tunzes are dead silent, and far more adjustable.

Voretchs put less heat in the water, take up less space, and come with a controller.

If you're getting a controller anyways, I'd opt for Tunze. If not, Vortech might be a better choice (unless opting for non-controllable PHs).

If price is a concern, Hydro Koralias are worth a look. I'm using two of the big Koralias on the Hydor on/off wave maker in my 120, in addition to Tunzes hooked up to my Apex.