Vortech MP40 or Reefkeeper Elite

Neoz · 09/01/2009, 08:08 PM

Well the wife has decided to buy me a gift for the tank. I get to choose either a Vortech MP40 or a Reefkeeper Elite.

I'm fairly new to reefkeeping and have only had my 180 tank running about 3 months now. Plan on making it a full blown reef tank. Barring the price difference, which would you prefer to have? I haven't owned either of the two. I currently have 3 - Korlia number 4's on the tank now.

Which would you prefer and why?......

Runfrumu · 09/01/2009, 08:36 PM

the controller. it will make your experience alot more enjoyable and less complicated. Stick with the koralia's for now and save to but the mp40 later on.

altezza · 09/01/2009, 08:39 PM

controller...it will make your life much easier

Hal · 09/01/2009, 08:50 PM

Flow is more important for the health of your tank than automation. You can manually do everything that the controller will do. Good luck trying to manually create that much flow.

If you don't mind the extra space used in tank, I'd try the maxijet sureflow 1600 kit or maxijet mod kit for $15 plus the $22 for the maxijet 1200. I've never tried it, but it claims to give flow similar to a vortech. Then take the money you saved by NOT buying a vortech and get the controller.

The fun for vortech's doesn't really start until you get 2 of them and synch (or anti-synch) them.

Having said that, if you're happy with your current flow, a controller does make life easier (assuming that your doing everything manually right now). If you already have timers for everything, the only real benefit to a controller is net access or the safety features (e.g., shut off heater if temp exceeds X). I guess it depends how valuable these features are to you.

Neoz · 09/01/2009, 08:52 PM

Heard good things about the controller but plan on seeing it in action and talking with the reps at Macna I hope. Never used a controller before so I'm wondering how user friendly it is.

fishmon · 09/01/2009, 08:58 PM

If looking for a controller I would look at neptune systems, customer service is hands down superior and the product has more features and easier to use.

Hal · 09/01/2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neoz
Heard good things about the controller but plan on seeing it in action and talking with the reps at Macna I hope. Never used a controller before so I'm wondering how user friendly it is.

If the Elite is anything like the Lite, then the instruction manual is pretty poor, but the device itself is fairly intuitive. Digital Aquatics' website forums are much more helpful.

SimonSKL · 09/01/2009, 09:14 PM

I was facing the same decision a few months ago and decided to go with RKE. The controller sure made things a lot easier for me as I was doing everything manually and use multiple timers to control various lights and pumps. The controller got rid of all those timers and controls my lights and pumps based on preset parameters. Other than a defective PH probe that gave me some false and fluctuating PH values, the controller has been trouble free. I use the wave making mode to control two Maxijets with mod kit and the flow has been tremendous.

Vortech will not work with the controller. For the money and if can only get one or the other, RKE will give you the best value. You can always add the Vortech later. The controller can also save a little of your power bill by making every equipment more efficient.

Demonic · 09/01/2009, 11:06 PM

I was almost in the same dilemma a few months back. I went with the RKE. I now have sold the RKE and downgraded to the RK lite and got some Tunze's. It all depends on what you need. I decided flow was more important for what I needed.

jimsplace · 09/02/2009, 04:21 AM

I would go with the flow, get the MP40 you will not regret it! You will want more than one in a 180.

Macimage · 09/02/2009, 08:39 AM

As you already have 3 Koralias, I would get the controller and upgrade to the Vortechs later.

The controller can be programed to turn your lights off and a fan on if the temps start to get too high. It's a good safety backup to have in place.

Joyce

PrangeWay · 09/02/2009, 10:13 AM

Controller.

Vortechs aren't a MUST improvement over Koralias unless you running hardcore SPS, while a controller is a must for any tank in simple terms of ease of running, consistency and monitoring.

PW

mnml · 09/02/2009, 10:19 AM

Controller as well. I can't imagine not having one.

justinm0424 · 09/02/2009, 10:33 AM

Why not an RKL and some cheaper powerhead. The RKL is only 99 right now and can prob do everything you'd like. then you can upgrade it to the RKE if you want. I have the RKL and it's very simple to use took about 15 mins to set everything up. My girlfriend can even use it!

solitude127 · 09/02/2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neoz
Well the wife has decided to buy me a gift for the tank. I get to choose either a Vortech MP40 or a Reefkeeper Elite.

I'm fairly new to reefkeeping and have only had my 180 tank running about 3 months now. Plan on making it a full blown reef tank. Barring the price difference, which would you prefer to have? I haven't owned either of the two. I currently have 3 - Korlia number 4's on the tank now.

Which would you prefer and why?......

What kind of things would you like to control? Sometimes you don't need the top of the line controller to do what you need. I opted for the RKL, because I don't need a lot of devices controlled.

Neoz · 09/02/2009, 01:40 PM

Thanks for the responses so far everyone.

solitude I'm not sure. I haven't seen one demo -ed yet. I just don't want to be upgrading at a later date. Thats why I went with 180 tank and sump for my very first saltwater tank. After Macna I might very well go a different route. I plan on seeing both and talking to both vendors.

If I decide to go with a controller then I have to do more research and choose which one I would like to go with. RKL, RKE or maybe even a Neptune controller. Just don't want to be upgrading in a year is all.

If I decide to go with a pump then I will be getting 2 of them. That should be plenty for a 180 SPS tank correct? Don't have SPS yet but thats the way I'm planning to go.

Decisions decisions......

luther1200 · 09/02/2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neoz
Heard good things about the controller but plan on seeing it in action and talking with the reps at Macna I hope. Never used a controller before so I'm wondering how user friendly it is.

I just got a RKE a few months ago for my first controller ever. And I thought it was very easy to understand. There was a few things that were a little tricky, but if you ask on here people can help you through it. After about 2 days you will have it down. I never had a controller for years and it is so much nicer having 1 its crazy. I would definitely get the controller. You have enough flow with the Koralia's for now.

Allin14 · 09/02/2009, 02:13 PM

I have two Vortechs in my 150g al and I personally think they are awsome.

Neoz · 09/02/2009, 02:37 PM

From the reading I have done the RKE will not run the Vortechs correct? Does the Vortech come with its own controller?

Also I have fine sand. I'm thinking those Vortechs will blow that all around. Anyone else having that issue? If so how did you get around that.

luther1200 · 09/02/2009, 02:41 PM

Yes the Vortechs come with there own controller and they are awesome. But I would still pick a controller if I was you. And no controllers on the market right now will run a Vortech so you really don't have to worry about it.

Hal · 09/07/2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neoz
From the reading I have done the RKE will not run the Vortechs correct? Does the Vortech come with its own controller?

Also I have fine sand. I'm thinking those Vortechs will blow that all around. Anyone else having that issue? If so how did you get around that.

Correct, none of the RK's will control vortechs. Or any other brand of controller either.

I have South Down Sand (some of the finest sand that you can find) and don't have any issues with blowing sand. Granted, I only have 20x turnover though. Once the sand gets colonized with bacteria it gets more "sticky".

Zestay · 09/07/2009, 08:52 PM

get yer GF to get you the vortech. than buy yourself a RKL and a battery backup for the vortech ...
=)

plug your lights and heater into the RKL and expand as nessasary.

Reeferon · 09/07/2009, 10:10 PM

Tell her to get you a Vortech and then buy the Reef Keeper Lite for yourself. It's only $100 and you can upgrade to a better controller when you can afford it later.

tangtang clown · 10/06/2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

What kind of things would you like to control? Sometimes you don't need the top of the line controller to do what you need. I opted for the RKL, because I don't need a lot of devices controlled.

What all are you controlling with your controller? I don't have a lot to control either, but I am between the Lite and Elite.

solitude127 · 10/06/2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangtang clown

What all are you controlling with your controller? I don't have a lot to control either, but I am between the Lite and Elite.

I have 2 PC4 and I'm using them to control my lights (dusk/dawn and main), fuge, doser (cal and alk), heater

09/01/2009, 08:08 PM	#1
Neoz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,582	Vortech MP40 or Reefkeeper Elite Well the wife has decided to buy me a gift for the tank. I get to choose either a Vortech MP40 or a Reefkeeper Elite. I'm fairly new to reefkeeping and have only had my 180 tank running about 3 months now. Plan on making it a full blown reef tank. Barring the price difference, which would you prefer to have? I haven't owned either of the two. I currently have 3 - Korlia number 4's on the tank now. Which would you prefer and why?...... __________________ Dave Live to Learn Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 450 - currently in storage.

09/01/2009, 08:36 PM	#2
Runfrumu Hi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,014	the controller. it will make your experience alot more enjoyable and less complicated. Stick with the koralia's for now and save to but the mp40 later on. __________________ Red Sea Max 130d and 125 gallon mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon oceanic tank, Lighthouse Pro XLS, 72" outer orbit fixture, H&S 150-F2000/1 skimmer, H&S 110 Calcium Reactor, Tunze 7096, 2 Tunze 6105's , Tunze Osmolator, Prime 1/4hp drop-in chiller. 5 years running. Red Sea Max, 3 years.

09/01/2009, 08:50 PM	#4
Hal Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 1,889	Flow is more important for the health of your tank than automation. You can manually do everything that the controller will do. Good luck trying to manually create that much flow. If you don't mind the extra space used in tank, I'd try the maxijet sureflow 1600 kit or maxijet mod kit for $15 plus the $22 for the maxijet 1200. I've never tried it, but it claims to give flow similar to a vortech. Then take the money you saved by NOT buying a vortech and get the controller. The fun for vortech's doesn't really start until you get 2 of them and synch (or anti-synch) them. Having said that, if you're happy with your current flow, a controller does make life easier (assuming that your doing everything manually right now). If you already have timers for everything, the only real benefit to a controller is net access or the safety features (e.g., shut off heater if temp exceeds X). I guess it depends how valuable these features are to you. __________________ Some days it's not even worth chewing through the restraints. Current Tank Info: 250g starphire: 72x28x30, BeanAnimal drain with an oversized non-durso emergency drain, 4 inch DSB, 3x Reefbreeders Value LED fixtures, SWC/MSX 300A skimmer, Geo kalk reactor, 3 Vortechs w/bb, carbon reactor, and a RKL Last edited by Hal; 09/01/2009 at 08:58 PM.

09/01/2009, 08:52 PM	#5
Neoz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,582	Heard good things about the controller but plan on seeing it in action and talking with the reps at Macna I hope. Never used a controller before so I'm wondering how user friendly it is. __________________ Dave Live to Learn Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 450 - currently in storage.

09/01/2009, 08:58 PM	#6
fishmon Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 497	If looking for a controller I would look at neptune systems, customer service is hands down superior and the product has more features and easier to use. __________________ Jim What are "days off" and why do I never get one??????? Current Tank Info: 6800ish gallons or so combined

09/01/2009, 08:39 PM	#3
altezza Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: MD Posts: 167	controller...it will make your life much easier

09/01/2009, 09:14 PM	#8
SimonSKL Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Danville, IL Posts: 1,918	I was facing the same decision a few months ago and decided to go with RKE. The controller sure made things a lot easier for me as I was doing everything manually and use multiple timers to control various lights and pumps. The controller got rid of all those timers and controls my lights and pumps based on preset parameters. Other than a defective PH probe that gave me some false and fluctuating PH values, the controller has been trouble free. I use the wave making mode to control two Maxijets with mod kit and the flow has been tremendous. Vortech will not work with the controller. For the money and if can only get one or the other, RKE will give you the best value. You can always add the Vortech later. The controller can also save a little of your power bill by making every equipment more efficient. __________________ Simon Mixed LPS and SPS corals Camera - Canon T2i with EF100mm 2.8f USM macro lens Current Tank Info: AG 92g corner tank and Marineland 125g, RKE controllers, Maxspect and Eshine LEDs, MP40WES, Jebo WP40 & WP25

09/01/2009, 11:06 PM	#9
Demonic Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Minot, ND Posts: 815	I was almost in the same dilemma a few months back. I went with the RKE. I now have sold the RKE and downgraded to the RK lite and got some Tunze's. It all depends on what you need. I decided flow was more important for what I needed. __________________ 23,996 thawed iced cubes in a big cube and filled with flowers that grow under water.

09/02/2009, 04:21 AM	#10
jimsplace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 633	I would go with the flow, get the MP40 you will not regret it! You will want more than one in a 180. __________________ Jim Current Tank Information; - 90 Gallon DT / 30 Gallon Sump - SPS Dominate - IC VHO Lighting

09/02/2009, 08:39 AM	#11
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	As you already have 3 Koralias, I would get the controller and upgrade to the Vortechs later. The controller can be programed to turn your lights off and a fan on if the temps start to get too high. It's a good safety backup to have in place. Joyce

09/02/2009, 10:13 AM	#12
PrangeWay Duke of Monte Fisto Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 722	Controller. Vortechs aren't a MUST improvement over Koralias unless you running hardcore SPS, while a controller is a must for any tank in simple terms of ease of running, consistency and monitoring. PW __________________ Dumbest Quotes Ever..... "Great color, great growth" closely followed by "all water parameters fine"

09/02/2009, 10:19 AM	#13
mnml Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ladera Ranch, CA Posts: 2,383	Controller as well. I can't imagine not having one. __________________ Tran Current Tank Info: Waterbox 130.4

09/02/2009, 10:33 AM	#14
justinm0424 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dublin, OH Posts: 358	Why not an RKL and some cheaper powerhead. The RKL is only 99 right now and can prob do everything you'd like. then you can upgrade it to the RKE if you want. I have the RKL and it's very simple to use took about 15 mins to set everything up. My girlfriend can even use it!

09/02/2009, 01:40 PM	#16
Neoz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,582	Thanks for the responses so far everyone. solitude I'm not sure. I haven't seen one demo -ed yet. I just don't want to be upgrading at a later date. Thats why I went with 180 tank and sump for my very first saltwater tank. After Macna I might very well go a different route. I plan on seeing both and talking to both vendors. If I decide to go with a controller then I have to do more research and choose which one I would like to go with. RKL, RKE or maybe even a Neptune controller. Just don't want to be upgrading in a year is all. If I decide to go with a pump then I will be getting 2 of them. That should be plenty for a 180 SPS tank correct? Don't have SPS yet but thats the way I'm planning to go. Decisions decisions...... __________________ Dave Live to Learn Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 450 - currently in storage.

09/02/2009, 02:13 PM	#18
Allin14 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sacramento, ca Posts: 169	I have two Vortechs in my 150g al and I personally think they are awsome.

09/02/2009, 02:37 PM	#19
Neoz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,582	From the reading I have done the RKE will not run the Vortechs correct? Does the Vortech come with its own controller? Also I have fine sand. I'm thinking those Vortechs will blow that all around. Anyone else having that issue? If so how did you get around that. __________________ Dave Live to Learn Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 450 - currently in storage.

09/02/2009, 02:41 PM	#20
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	Yes the Vortechs come with there own controller and they are awesome. But I would still pick a controller if I was you. And no controllers on the market right now will run a Vortech so you really don't have to worry about it. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

09/07/2009, 08:52 PM	#22
Zestay Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: gainesville, FL Posts: 1,622	get yer GF to get you the vortech. than buy yourself a RKL and a battery backup for the vortech ... =) plug your lights and heater into the RKL and expand as nessasary.

09/07/2009, 10:10 PM	#23
Reeferon Moved On Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Gainesville Posts: 748	Tell her to get you a Vortech and then buy the Reef Keeper Lite for yourself. It's only $100 and you can upgrade to a better controller when you can afford it later.