Vortech pumps: What is the longest have you ran yours without "problems"

[Logzor]

I really want to upgrade my old Tunze 6100 pumps, which have ran flawlessly for the past 2 years, only needing vinegar baths from time to time. Not to mention, if I forget, it gives me a warning alarm before the pump is damaged.

I figure these pumps will last for 2 years more, easily, with my maintenance schedule. The question is, have vortech pumps come this far?

I suspect they haven't come quite as close to being idiot-proof as my Tunze pumps, but getting closer and closer with each innovation and improvement.

Aside from amazing customer service, warranties, etc, it all comes down to this for me:

How much of a hassle is this product to own compared to my Tunze 6100? To help answer that question, I want to know how long you have ran your Vortech without having issues/breakdowns/part failures, etc. Basically anything that prevents use of the pump aside from regular maintenance.

[solitude127]

I've had my Vortechs for well over a year and only have done regular maint. to them. If you do switch you'll have to get use to the noise that a vortech makes. It'll make more noise than your Tunzes.

[Logzor]

Yeah the noise is definitely something I'll take into consideration. Luckily, unlike my old tank, this tank will be in my basement, which has carpet, ceiling tile, and wood paneling. That should absorb the majority of the noise.

My overflow will be dead silent, so that leave the skimmer pump (just upgraded to a quite bubble blaster) and the power heads. My return is an ehiem, which is nearly silent. That being said, I think this tank will be much quieter than my old one, even with vortechs.

[bayoupr]

I don't hear my Vortech's unless I am within a foot of them and then that's not very loud.

[Logzor]

Bump, I'm hoping to get at least 50 responses.

[phuzzykins]

I own 4 Vortechs, and none has gone longer than 8 months without breaking down. Twice, I've had breakdowns after less than a day on brand new pumps.

[Logzor]

Thanks for the response, I guess I should have made further divisions/ranges in the poll.

Let's assume that 6 Months means 6 Months to 1 year. Same idea applies to the other responses.

[coultkr]

I didn't see 2 months as an option so I chose 1 month since that is my current running average....

6/5/10 - Tank set up with new MP40 Vortech

8/3/10 - Shaft broke - 8 weeks use

8/5/10 - Received new wet side assembly and installed

9/17/10 - Shaft broke - 5 weeks use

9/22/10 - Received new wet side assembly and installed

10/05/10 - Shaft broke - 2 weeks use

Don't get me wrong, their customer service is GREAT and Jeff is extremely responsive. I just received a UPS label to send back my pump for a replacement, which will be the 4th in 4 months....

[CMcNeil]

i have been running four mp-10's since february,as of now only one has had a problem.

[Logzor]

Thanks for the responses, this is all very helpful.

[Zach.Attack6]

Set mine up a year ago running 24/7 never touched it and have not have a problem yet

[Mr.leee]

Yeah the noise is definitely something I'll take into consideration. Luckily, unlike my old tank, this tank will be in my basement, which has carpet, ceiling tile, and wood paneling. That should absorb the majority of the noise.

My overflow will be dead silent, so that leave the skimmer pump (just upgraded to a quite bubble blaster) and the power heads. My return is an ehiem, which is nearly silent. That being said, I think this tank will be much quieter than my old one, even with vortechs.


just a FYI my mp40es are louder then my old k4 and and MJ1200 w/ sure-flow.

[Peale]

I had a shaft break on mine at the 4 month mark. Jeff was amazing and sent out the replacement immediately. Hopefully there are no more problems.

Mine is a little loud. Always hums and really quite loud when it peaks in reef crest!

[LifeAquatic]

Ive owned 4 vortech mp40's for 8 months. No problems from any of my pumps. Luck of the draw?

[powderhound]

I have 2 for about a year and a half already, no problems yet (did I just curse my self)

[martinphillip03]

Same with me

Marty

Originally Posted by Zach.Attack6

Set mine up a year ago running 24/7 never touched it and have not have a problem yet

[Bobbofin]

Don't do it! In six months you could be pulling your hair out. I returned a MP10 wet side twice in three months, not to mention the constant whining sound. Don't believe the hype. Tunze is much better as far as reliability.
After the second time I put the pump on eBay and got rid of it. Some numb skull actually paid $175 which is $20 less than retail map pricing. They were back ordered at the time and no one had any.
That said, I now have a Tunze 6055 and a 7091 controller. I am much, much happier. I clean it every 3-4 months, it's silent and after one year no problems what-so-ever.

[JG1]

You guys have me feeling realy good bout the two MP40W-es's I just bought...lol

[drtrash]

Well I'm going on 6 months with MP40 no noise no issues gretest piece of equip next to AI led.

[Logzor]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I've been watching the polls pretty closely and the 1 Year+ selection has been consistently around 50%. I'd still like to see at least 20 more votes so that we hit 50, I think at that point I would feel comfortable making assumptions.

I should have put in something so that people could also pick what generation their pump is.

[rtparty]

Had my pump since April and not a single issue to date. I have given it 2 baths I think. The main thing to clean IMO is the magnet. One time I had a VERY loud rattle, sounded like a jackhammer on the glass. I pulled out the wetside and somehow something was on the magnet. Not sure how it got back there with the cover and all. Anyways I cleaned the magnet and never had the problem since. I now pull the pump out once a month and clean the wetside real quick with fresh water and a toothbrush.

Now the used MP10 I just bought is another story. The pump is about 10 months old and loud as can be. I blame this to shipping by the original owner but EcoTech is fixing it at no cost to me so I won't complain.

[albano]

Have 3 mp40's all purchased used, at different times (was told they were each less than 6 mo. old) All have been in operation for 15 to 20 months...no problems with any

[kev24k]

1 mp20 for 6 months in my tank. No problems. About a year in my brothers tank, before I took it from him, with no problems.

[xdannyxrocksx]

holly crap..what in the world are you guys doing to these pumps that they are only lasting you a month...wow

[Mr.leee]

Originally Posted by xdannyxrocksx

holly crap..what in the world are you guys doing to these pumps that they are only lasting you a month...wow

A better question is what is ecotech doing to these pumps that they only last people a month...but mines are 1 week old and doing good