Vortech MP10 issue.

[-RYknow]

This morning our MP10 made a hell of a noise. I'm not really sure how to describe it. It almost sounds like a pump running when the water level isn't quite high enough to submerge the pump completely. It's VERY loud. The noise woke me from a dead sleep.

We've had the pump for about three weeks now, and this is the second time it has done it. The first time it happened I disconnected the pump. When I plugged it back in, everything was fine. This morning, by the time I jumped out of bed and got to the tank it had already stopped (the tank is right in our bedroom, so I was there in less then 10 seconds. Amazing how quick you can wake up and move when a $200 pump is making all kinds of racket! hahaha). I didn't even need to disconnect the pump or anything. Just wondering if anyone else has had an issue like this?

The MP10 is installed on a 20 gallon. Due to the thickness of the glass, I used the included rubber spacer. Not that it makes a difference, but I want to offer as much info as possible: This morning when it happened, I had the pump on Reef Crest mode (yellow). I want to say the first time it happened it was on Lagoon mode (purple).

The only other thing that might be an issue is our Power Strip. I noticed that last night it never shut the lights off when it was supposed to. I had to spin the timer around a couple times to get it to turn the lights on/off again. So I'm wondering if maybe the power strip is suspect too? Like I said, this is only the second time it's happened (although I can't be sure it's not happening throughout the day since no one is here). Just looking for some feedback.

Thanks,
-RYknow

[tkeracer619]

you need a new timer. I am going to throw reefkeeper light out there. Its and entry level controller that costs $100 and will control 4 things. IT can be expanded later if you need to.

Also, post this thread or have it moved to echotechs sponsor forum here. Sounds like you might need to send it to them. Great customer support so don't worry they will take care of you. Sucks but we all know things like this happen from time to time no matter how good your karma is.

[-RYknow]

Cool, thanks for the suggestion! I'll do some research on the Reef Keeper. I've seen them mentioned in various threads before, I have just never really read into them. Where is a good place I could order one from? I see they don't have them at Marine Depot (unless I overlooked them?)

Also, could I have an admin move this to the Ecotech thread please?

Thanks,
-RYknow

[Toadally]

Have you taken the wet side apart and put it back together? You might try this and see if it helps. I always do this to clean it. Mine started making a noise once and it had build up inside. hth

[-RYknow]

I haven't taken it apart yet. I can try that and see if it makes much of a difference. Just wondering how many people are running the foam "Filter" that comes with the MP10. I currently am not, but maybe I will start and see if that makes much of a difference.

-RYknow

[planejane]

How high up is the pump placed? If it's up too close to the water surface it creates an whirlpool, and it's noisy. I have the sponge on.

[-RYknow]

It's a good 3.5" - 4" below the surface of the water. I didn't get a chance to take the wet side apart today, but I should be able to do it tomorrow.

I was thinking about it today. If I remember correctly, it seems to happen at roughly the same time. First thing in the morning, when it's switching out of night time mode. I think I'm going to shoot Ecotech an e-mail and see what they suggest. I hope that I don't need to send it back before I get a new one. I don't have a pump kicking around to put in the tank in the mean time at this point.

-RYknow

[-RYknow]

Well, it's the middle of the night and the MP10 has struck again. This time I was able to make it to the tank before it stopped. Much to my surprise I noticed that the whole wet side of the pump was spinning.

Any suggestions on how to eliminate this issue? I gave the glass a good scrubbing with my hand to get rid of any slime that may have been there. I'm also going to be sure to take the wet side apart tomorrow and give it a good cleaning and make sure there isn't anything in there binding it up...

Well, it's back to bed for me...work in a couple hours...

-RYknow

[solos2]

You really don't need to use the night-mode at all, I mean, in nature the reef doesn't automatically "turn down" the wave frequency or intensity... so why do you need that in your tank?

I've been running my MP10 without night-mode and all my fishes seem to sleep just fine when the lights go out.

p.s. you need to take your wet part apart and clean it, it's really simple, no tools required, just twist it open, clean all the debris collected inside, and use a duct tape to get rid of the small magnetic powder collected on the magnet piece and you're done.

[-RYknow]

The only reason I've been running the night mode is the pump is much quieter when in night mode. The tank is in our bedroom, and my g/f is a bit of a light sleeper. I know I could just turn the pump down, but it's nice that it comes out of night mode on it's own and I don't forget to turn it back up in the morning before I leave. lol.

I will be sure to take the wet side apart when I get home from work today. Just wondering how often I should take it apart to clean it out? Is it a once a week? Month? Probably just depends on the tank?

Thanks guys!
-RYknow

[rkb]

Following along....

I have a MP10 and from what you have posted there is some form of buildup or a snail or something that needs cleaned out. The wet side is very easy to take apart and clean. Give it a good soak/scrubbing with vinegar and that will remove any calcification.

Oh, and +eleventy on the Reefkeeper lite. I love mine, it times my lights and with the included temp probe it is set up to control my two heaters. I think I got my from Marine Depot.

[-RYknow]

I just got home. I'm going to give the wetside a good cleaning shortly. Figured I might as well do that at the same time I do a WC.

I'm VERY interested in the Reef Keeper light. Just wondering if I can use the Reef Keeper lite with two PC4's. My issue is that 4 outlets isn't enough. Our bedroom only has one outlet. One of the sockets is used up for our TV and bedwarmer (g/f is ALWAYS cold). The other is where I have our Power Center plugged in. If I could get the Reef Keeper with 8 outlets, PH probe, and the temp probe, that would be ideal! I'd also probably be interested in the lunar light setup as well, as a light upgrade is probably in the near future.

Thanks,
-RYknow

Edit: I see that the Net version, and the Plus version both come with 2 PC4's. So I imagine I could order a second one when I order the whole setup. I'll do some looking, maybe it's just cheaper to get the Plus version.

[tkeracer619]

Check out http://www.digitalaquatics.com/saltwater/

The manufacturer sells strait to the public. I wouldn't buy it any other way.

The RK lite is great because you can add modules to it in stages as funds allow. As it stands now your timer is trash so I hate to watch people waste money on another HD timer when they can get a reef controller for $80 more that does so much more for their aquarium. If something goes wrong and your heater sticks on the RK will shut it down and if the tank continues to get hotter the RK will shut down the lights to prevent overheat. IF it does that once it has paid for itself many times over. I am pretty sure everyone has had a heater fail at some point in time.

[E.intheC]

I'm glad you're looking at the RKL. It's a great little controller for what it costs.

Side note; I'm glad you're getting rid of that piece of junk timer. I have no idea how that is still on the market. There are many stories of it catching fire/causing fires.

[kimber45]

have you tried it without the rubber spacer?

but i agree on the rkl. i have one and it's wonderfull. i have 2 pc4's ,sl1,mlc, and a sw5. and i have a 24 nanocube. lol

but it has all worked flawlessly for almost a year now.

[-RYknow]

Originally Posted by kimber45

have you tried it without the rubber spacer?

I haven't, only because the thickness of my glass is so small. I measured it before (I forget the thickness now) and it was one that the vortec specifically suggests using the spacer with. I did end up doing a W/C last night, and cleaned the wet side. Made it through the night without any issues. It was very clean, still looked brand new. I did notice while looking through the owners manual for the MP10 that in the troubleshooting section they described my exact problem. Seems little air bubbles will build up in the small piece of foam on the wet side, making it spin. All you need to do is apply a little pressure to the wet side (pushing it towards the glass), and you see a few small bubbles come out. The combination of the two worked for the night. We'll see how long it lasts. If it goes the week without issue, I'll be sure to make this part of my weekly W/C routine.

As for the RKL, I'm hooked! As soon as I have the available funds, I'll be getting it! I do have a few more questions. Just wondering what the difference between the ES (expansion socket) and the PC1 (power Controller) are? Also, is the NET module worth it? I think it's cool that I can get updates via e-mail and cell phone. But, obviously I don't really need that.

Right now I would be interested in the RKL, 2x PC4's, 1x SL2, and 1x Lunar module. Also, with the SL1, what is ORP?

Thanks everyone!
-RYknow

[kimber45]

i've found 2 drawbacks of the lite compared to the elite.

1.the lite is limited to 4 modules(which i have full already).
2. the elite can handle much more complex programing. an example is the lite can only handle one input or one alarm per device.

not sure if the net module is worth it but it can always be purchased at a later date as long as you have room for additional modules.

not sure on the es and pc1 but it appears the es is used for devices that draw more power then the 15 amp pc4 and pc1 limit.

check out digitalaquatics forums. they are very helpful.

[EcoTech Marine]

-RYKnow-

Send the pump in to us by following the instructions detailed here:

http://ecotechmarine.com/customer-se...ervice-repair/

We'll get you take care of.

[username in use]

Thats service. I wish every company was that good about making sure their customers were happy.

[-RYknow]

Originally Posted by EcoTech Marine

-RYKnow-

Send the pump in to us by following the instructions detailed here:

http://ecotechmarine.com/customer-se...ervice-repair/

We'll get you take care of.

WOW! Awesome service!! A++ for you guys at EcoTech! I'm going to hang on to the pump for a few days and see if it happens again. Last night I gave the wet side a cleaning, and when I reinstalled it, I made sure to press it against the glass firmly to make sure all the bubbles came out of the foam. So far so good! No more spinning!

-RYknow