Vortech MP40 (Gen2) Vs. Vortech MP20

[memorisa]

Hi all,

I am about to decide to make the investment for a decent powerhead, and I've always wanted a pair of vortechs.

Now after reading through a few sites, blogs, and threads I am a little confused about the differences between the two - MP40 (gen2) and the MP20.

From what I understand MP20 was improved, but MP40 gen 2 came later. What are the differences between the two? Any major differences in operation? I would love to hear from those that have experience with either or both would be best.
What is the justification of the price difference between the two?

Thank you all in advance,


p.s: I've heard issues about rust in the wet part of the vortechs, have any of you experienced this?

[RokleM]

Rust is an old issue, prior to the changes to the MP40. The MP20 wetside (inside the water) is identical to the MP40. Both are fine if bought new. If you buy a MP40 used, just check and see if the magnet inside the wetside is metal (original version) or black/sealed (current version used on the MP20/40).

Specifically, the MP20 is made for a single pump type of install in a smaller tank. It doesn't have the wireless capabilities, and has a lower flow rate. MP40 pumps can communicate together to create waves and other types of flow, have a higher flow rate, etc.

For your 265, you absolutely need the MP40, and probably 2-4 of them if you want that as your primary flow.

[memorisa]

Thanks Roklem,
I am considering buying a new one regardless.
I am wondering about the wireless option you mentioned, mainly because I read on melev's site that he is actually making his vortechs not communicate with each other and getting a better result in the end. (I can't remember where I read it in his site, but pretty sure it was him talking about two separate reef crest modes in them)

thanks again

[RokleM]

It depends on how you want to run them. I prefer to create a wave via MP40's in my 180/200 myself due to having SPS. My 58 has a MP20, and the LPS in there also seem to do well with the wave. I can't speak for Melev's thought processing/reasoning, but I can't personally imagine the logic of getting a pump with wireless capabilities and specifically not using it to randomize flow considering that's one of the major benefits (including the sync/anti-sync feature). Every tank is different. I would suggest posting in the Ecotech forum here with your setup, your intentions, and they can potentially give you a very specific setup including number of pumps, locations, and the modes to run.

Here is a link to their currently MP40 manual giving you an idea of the modes you can run:
http://ecotechmarine.com/support/Man...%20page1.0.pdf

[memorisa]

cool thanks roklem,
just to clarify, as far as i remember, melev was using the random wave mode, but instead of using the sync anti-sync modes, he was letting each of his vortechs to run on random by themselves, without talking to each other.