Vortech v. Tunze

scott11 · 04/06/2016, 10:01 PM

I have 2 MP40s in my 36"x24"x24" 90 gallon right now. It is primarily SPS.

Although I generally love the wide flow of the vortech, but I have a few issues. 1) I have a larger than normal center overflow, which is causing some dead areas in the back part of my tank. 2) the noise. 3) the dryside visual.

I upgraded to the QD and they are still just too loud for me. This is the biggest issue, and why I want to go to an internal pump. I never loved the way they look on the outside of the tank, but accepted it for the flow.

I have a lot of rockwork, and feel like I only get good flow when they are turned way up, but when they are up so high, they are loud, and the sand is blown around more than I like. At lower speeds, the center of the tank is fine, but the edges and back are not getting great flow.

So, im looking at tunze, I was thinking about 2x 6105 or 2-4 of the 6095? How wide is the flow with these pumps? Havent had a tunze since the 6000 model.

I know these can move the water I need, but will I be happy with the flow pattern on a smaller tank? I would like it to be somewhat wide (i know it wont match the vortech) but I dont want it so direct it will bounce off the glass and tear up coral in its direct flow.

Thoughts?

Johnseye · 04/06/2016, 10:26 PM

I have both Tunze and Vortechs. Maybe because you upgraded to QD you still have a noise issue? Not sure. My MP40 QDs are silent. The dryside visual of a Vortech beats the large wetside head and cable visual of the Tunze. The less I have obstructing the view of inside the tank the better.

To improve the flow I added a pair of MP10s that are low and in the back of the tank. This also helps blow out detritus on the rocks. I had the 6105s back there but they were too big.

What I like most about the Vortechs is how simple it is to create different programs. That's the main reason why I bought them. I can create a wave, blow things out or slow it down all on a simple schedule. That's a little more complicated with the Tunze and an Apex.

Tunze does have different removable covers to change the flow spread. I also like the flexibility of changing the direction of the head, which is impossible with Vortech.

scott11 · 04/06/2016, 10:46 PM

Thanks John,

I agree the vortech is easier to program, but since I use an apex, I will have basically the same ability to program with either, it will just be a little more work with tunze.

Its possible that the upgrade is the reason they are loud, I couldn't justify full price for 2 new pumps before being aware that the upgrade was not as effective. Regardless, I think that they will still make more noise than an internal pump, and I really want to quiet it down.

I dont want to add more pumps to what I have, and a MP10 will not work on my glass. The direction of flow with the tunze is very attractive for several reasons, I can aim at problem areas, move the pumps to less visible areas, etc. Also, I would be able to mount the to my overflow, which is not possible with a MP. I knew about the different covers for the flow, but want to research that some more.

Since the tank is only 36", I was thinking of the 6095's which are not much larger than the vortech wetside. Even if I used more of those 3-4, at least one would be on the back wall and not as obvious, and I would probably keep 1 on each side panel. I don't love cords in the tank, but I have a canopy, and having a cord along the side or back wall is less or equal to an eyesore of having the vortech wire on the side of the tank, IMO. The black background will help to hide.

This is more so, since I spend a lot of time looking at the side of my tank based on where it sits in my office and the view from my desk.

champion6sigma · 04/06/2016, 10:48 PM

Think ur upgrade isn't that great. Or maybe mounts r wrong? My mp40s and my vectra make zero noise. U can't tell they r on. I have to visually inspect them to even confirm.

champion6sigma · 04/06/2016, 10:54 PM

How about maxspect gyre? Never used one but seems like flow is unique wide and controllable

scott11 · 04/06/2016, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by champion6sigma

Think ur upgrade isn't that great. Or maybe mounts r wrong? My mp40s and my vectra make zero noise. U can't tell they r on. I have to visually inspect them to even confirm.

Really? Wish mine were like that. It is installed according the specs. I carefully aligned them. The upgrade probably cut the noise in 1/2, but still loud IMO, at higher speeds. At lower speeds they are pretty quiet. I may be overly picky as well, but they are not silent.

Not interested in the gyre. I think it would need supplement anyway, and its too new and unproven. Vortechs and Tunze are proven and Tunze is bullet proof.

I think my choice really comes down to the width of the flow.

04/06/2016, 10:01 PM	#1
scott11 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 1,960	Vortech v. Tunze I have 2 MP40s in my 36"x24"x24" 90 gallon right now. It is primarily SPS. Although I generally love the wide flow of the vortech, but I have a few issues. 1) I have a larger than normal center overflow, which is causing some dead areas in the back part of my tank. 2) the noise. 3) the dryside visual. I upgraded to the QD and they are still just too loud for me. This is the biggest issue, and why I want to go to an internal pump. I never loved the way they look on the outside of the tank, but accepted it for the flow. I have a lot of rockwork, and feel like I only get good flow when they are turned way up, but when they are up so high, they are loud, and the sand is blown around more than I like. At lower speeds, the center of the tank is fine, but the edges and back are not getting great flow. So, im looking at tunze, I was thinking about 2x 6105 or 2-4 of the 6095? How wide is the flow with these pumps? Havent had a tunze since the 6000 model. I know these can move the water I need, but will I be happy with the flow pattern on a smaller tank? I would like it to be somewhat wide (i know it wont match the vortech) but I dont want it so direct it will bounce off the glass and tear up coral in its direct flow. Thoughts?

04/06/2016, 10:26 PM	#2
Johnseye Reef Addict Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Naperville, IL. Posts: 1,196	I have both Tunze and Vortechs. Maybe because you upgraded to QD you still have a noise issue? Not sure. My MP40 QDs are silent. The dryside visual of a Vortech beats the large wetside head and cable visual of the Tunze. The less I have obstructing the view of inside the tank the better. To improve the flow I added a pair of MP10s that are low and in the back of the tank. This also helps blow out detritus on the rocks. I had the 6105s back there but they were too big. What I like most about the Vortechs is how simple it is to create different programs. That's the main reason why I bought them. I can create a wave, blow things out or slow it down all on a simple schedule. That's a little more complicated with the Tunze and an Apex. Tunze does have different removable covers to change the flow spread. I also like the flexibility of changing the direction of the head, which is impossible with Vortech. __________________ - John New 260g build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2557715 Current Tank Info: 260g reef, Giesemann Spectra MH/T5/Kessil A160, Dastaco CaRx, Vortechs, Lifereef skimmer, Red Dragon 3, Apex, Genesis, Angles, Tang, Trigger, Clowns, Anthias, Wrasses, Cardinals, SPS, LPS

04/06/2016, 10:48 PM	#4
champion6sigma Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: texas Posts: 538	Think ur upgrade isn't that great. Or maybe mounts r wrong? My mp40s and my vectra make zero noise. U can't tell they r on. I have to visually inspect them to even confirm. __________________ My initial build page - soon to be updated when its not an embarrassment :) http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2538593

04/06/2016, 10:54 PM	#5
champion6sigma Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: texas Posts: 538	How about maxspect gyre? Never used one but seems like flow is unique wide and controllable __________________ My initial build page - soon to be updated when its not an embarrassment :) http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2538593

04/06/2016, 10:46 PM	#3
scott11 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 1,960	Thanks John, I agree the vortech is easier to program, but since I use an apex, I will have basically the same ability to program with either, it will just be a little more work with tunze. Its possible that the upgrade is the reason they are loud, I couldn't justify full price for 2 new pumps before being aware that the upgrade was not as effective. Regardless, I think that they will still make more noise than an internal pump, and I really want to quiet it down. I dont want to add more pumps to what I have, and a MP10 will not work on my glass. The direction of flow with the tunze is very attractive for several reasons, I can aim at problem areas, move the pumps to less visible areas, etc. Also, I would be able to mount the to my overflow, which is not possible with a MP. I knew about the different covers for the flow, but want to research that some more. Since the tank is only 36", I was thinking of the 6095's which are not much larger than the vortech wetside. Even if I used more of those 3-4, at least one would be on the back wall and not as obvious, and I would probably keep 1 on each side panel. I don't love cords in the tank, but I have a canopy, and having a cord along the side or back wall is less or equal to an eyesore of having the vortech wire on the side of the tank, IMO. The black background will help to hide. This is more so, since I spend a lot of time looking at the side of my tank based on where it sits in my office and the view from my desk.