Quick VorTech MP40w review

[Jeff]

I placed this post in the lighting, filtration and other equipment forum but wanted to let you guys know about this pump. Albert at AquaCave is offering 5% off to CMAS members plus free shipping on these which is better then you can do any other place on the web.

_______________________________________________________

I just received this gem a few hours ago and I could not happier with it so far. One of the instructions is vague in the manual and after a quick call to Eco Marine, the question was answered.

I have a 6 foot 220 gallon Perfecto loaded with live rock. I run a Sequence Hammerhead closed loop into 3 outputs. I believe I am putting out around 12,000 gph using flow accelerators. I also use two Ocean Runner 3500's as return pumps.

I "seem" to get some random flow out of the closed loop. I say this because I get "waving" corals. For the last few months I have wanted to beef up the flow and after a ton of reasearch and discussions with a couple good friends I decided to go with one VorTech MP40w and then add at least one more in the near future. The Vortech seemed to fit my needs of low energy consumption, low heat, high flow (relatively), and cool settings.

I waited until AquaCave (one of my favorite stores) received their supply of the Generation 2's and ordered.

I placed the pump and driver at one end of the tank temporarily without attaching the driver or cord hook permanently so that I could test it without commiting yet to a final location.

Well, from the right end of the tank it looks kind of ugly. From the front it looks fine. I followed the directions and started it up and then set it up in a fast pulse mode just to get it going. WOW, I started to see detritus in the water column and crap floating everywhere that was appently in/on the rocks. Within 2 hours the water cleared. The fish are very interested and my corals have seemed to perk up. A couple of my lps' sent out feeder tentacles.

It seems that the flow is strong to the 4 foot mark in my tank but still gets to the end. I am seeing way more movement in some corals that were blocked by rocks and other corals before.

As far as noise, I cant hear it at all at the fastest setting unless my ear is within 6 inchs of the driver. I am running a Sequence Hammerhead and a 12,000 btu window air conditioner in the same room though.

This pump rocks so far and I will be purchasing another as soon as I can afford it.

I took a few movies with a crappy camera. I took movies instead of pictures for obvious reasons. You have to see the tank move to appreciate it.


Full Tank Shot with VorTech at right end of tank



The dry side and driver. Note the color changes on the driver. The color itself lets you know what mode it is in and the flashing lets you know the speed.



Bubble Coral that sent out feeder tentacles (not normal in the middle of the day for me).



Fish and 12" RBTA loving the new flow.



Pair of naked clowns 5 feet away playing in the flow.

[Jeff]

All that noise you hear is the incredibly sensitive camera microphone picking up the air conditioner. I assure you it isnt that loud at my house .

[Trotter]

Very cool. I have to get one!

[little_squid]

can you get closer vid of them clowns please:-)

[Trotter]

NM

[Jeff]

These are from around 8 months ago when they were hosted by some duncans.

[renisel]

I just got one a few weeks ago (a gen 1 though) and am also very happy with it. Although, I will say that the area where I have my tank is pretty quiet and you can clearly hear the Vortech when it kicks into high gear. But when it's not at or near its maximum output, it is extremely quiet.

On a side note, could I come by some time and update the firmware on my controller using your gen 2?

[Jeff]

Of course you can. Let me know when you have some free time. I am on a weird schedule (on 24 hours, off 48 hours).

[dholic]

I have two MP40W in a 100 gal corner on 3-4 second anti-sync pulse. Boy do they move some water and my corals love the alternating flush. Had many issues with the model purchased in early 07 late 06(can't remember). I shipped it back 3 times for repairs, customer service has been great. No problems with the other one purchased last summer. I have one on the battery back up, piece of mind knowing the pump is running during a power outage. Lost power last spring for 4 hours and the vortech kept pushing water, it was sweet.

Jeff, Do you still have the neon green toadstool? How is it doing?

[Jeff]

I do have it. I moved it to another tank when I removed all my leathers from my big tank. It is still small (around 2" across). It was the only leather I kept because of its beauty. Thank you again .

[little_squid]

nice i like those clowns alot:-)

[NewSchool04]

The videos are great Jeff.

What do you think about one of these pumps in my situation . . bedroom? Too loud at the highest setting or something that I won't hear 5' from the tank?

Do you think two would be over kill in the 6' tank?

[Fuppets]

Nice review. I love my 3, I want 1 more. Outstanding customer service. Nice videos, those big fish look like they love it. Any chance I can come by and get the Gen 2 code? I'd planned to get it from Lactose in Naperville, but I haven't remembered the pump either time I was out that way. I think you might be a bit closer.

[Fuppets]

Pat. I have 3 on my 180 and want a 3rd. I have 2 on the bach wall and on on one side. I want another for the other side. I don't have a closed loop and use a Eheim 1260 for my return.

If you have them on "wave" mode they make the most noise. Only because they go from slowest to fastest setting and back. In reef crest and reef lagon modes they are almost silent. The niose in Jeff's videos is not the pump. If I go by Jeff's to flash the new code I could bring my pump by for you to see in action.

[NewSchool04]

If you can make it by my place, that would be awesome!! I'd love to see another piece of equipment that I can't afford working great on my tank even if it's just for 5 minutes!!

[dholic]

Didn't know what you guys were talking about with the Gen 2 stuff so had to jump over to the Ecotech forum. Like the sound of long pulse and save function for pulse mode. A more agressive reefcrest sounds promising as I steared clear of that mode because it wasn't inconsistent enough. I am going to have to upgrade(wet sides are old anyways) and find a way to get that code(Drink more Ovaltine)!

[Compguy]

I have a wireless wave driver if anybody is interested, I purchased 2 vortechs, the newer ones as well as a Wireless wave driver thinking I was going to need it and when I got the order I didn't realize each one came with there own, its is brand new never used, had no reason too. Just PM if interested, and sorry Jeff, not trying to hyjack the thread. Please do not reply in this thread, just PM me. Looks good Jeff

[Jeff]

Anybody that wants to come by to flash their drivers is cool. We can set up a time. I think the key to the noise thing is that if you have all of your fans and pumps in a remote location, you may hear the pump. My setup is not silent, I have a large closed loop pump and a couple fans that make some noise so I really cant hear the VorTech.
I had a lot of flow in my tank already and just wanted more. This pump did just that but I already want at least one more .

[Jeff]

Originally posted by NewSchool04
The videos are great Jeff.

What do you think about one of these pumps in my situation . . bedroom? Too loud at the highest setting or something that I won't hear 5' from the tank?

Do you think two would be over kill in the 6' tank?

I cant remember how quiet your tank is Pat but my VorTech is almost silent. I just turned off the closed loop and air conditioner and I still cant hear the VorTech unless I get really close and even then it's pretty dang silent. You would really need 2 to get consistant flow in all areas of your 6 foot tank probably.

[Fuppets]

Jeff, Pat, what are you all doin' this Sunday? I might be free for a few hours.

[Jeff]

I will be working Sunday. I am off Saturday though.

[Fuppets]

I work Saturday morning. I might work until 8pm, but will be right by comiski when I get off. Not very far from Pat's. I have no idea where you are Jeff.

[Jeff]

Pat is by Wrigley not Comisky. I am 15 minutes west of Pat.

[NewSchool04]

I'm free both days

[Jeff]

Renisel is coming over Friday after dinner if that works for you guys or Saturday before 1:00 in the afternoon.


Or next week.