Are Tunze's worth the money?

xtm · 07/20/2006, 01:12 AM

Why are Tunze's sooo expensive?? Are they worth the money? I see good reviews for Seio's also and these things are like $30 /each. What is so unique about Tunze's?

Yinger · 07/20/2006, 01:28 AM

YES! I just learned all the settings when a fellow reefer came by and showed me how to actually use it. and the multicontroller is awesome

hahnmeister · 07/20/2006, 01:34 AM

They are expensive because they are considered a high-end product in this hobby and there is very little competition for propeller driven pumps (high flow, low wattage, low pressure). They dont sell alot, so they have to cost more (high margin, low volume). They are also DC pumps inside, unlike a majority of the pumps on the market which are AC pumps. DC pumps usually spin faster, can have variable speed control (like the Tunzes), and always spin in the same direction.

IMO, they are worth every penny as they have a very good reliability record, are backed by a very reputable company, and provide awesome flow for minimal wattage.

SEIOs are okay...they are AC motors, but they do not have a speed control, and arent recomended with use on wave timers. So unless you mount them on an oscillating powerhead mount (Wavy Sea for example, or a retrofitted Sea-Swirl), they dont make pulsing wave motions. The pumps on SEIOs are actually a hybrid of propeller and impeller...a 45degree impeller that has blades like a prop. By doing this, they keep some of the pressure capabilities of the pump (thats how they can only have that narrow band of inlet slots unlike TUNZE streams that need a huge intake area), but the wattage isnt as low as a TUNZE.

IMO, the main advantages of the TUNZE's are the volume and the multicontroller you can buy for them. However, if you dont mind a moving powerhead in the tank, an oscillating powerhead mount is a better way to provide flow constantly across the whole tank, and in that case, a SEIO is fine.

Bojan · 07/20/2006, 03:37 AM

Tunze have both AC and DC Stream pumps

In Europe Tunze AC pumps are similar price as SEIO , but according to my experiences , TUNZE is much better. I had SEIO (MAREA) Streams, but I removed all from my aquarium and now I use only Tunze Streams.

DC pump with regulation and controller are quite different technology and it is not possible to compare with SEIO.

Personally I prefer Tunze Stream 6100 (DC). if you have budget limitation , the second choice is Tunze Stream 6060 (AC).

thanhtan090982 · 07/20/2006, 03:51 AM

spend a little more money and get the best.

RichConley · 07/20/2006, 08:03 AM

IMO, no.

I've got a tunze, and I've got a $30 maxijet mod. The Maxijet moves more water, uses less electricity, is just as reliable, and is cheaper to replace parts on.

The tunze is also 5 times the size of the maximod, so I had to move rockwork around, which I AM NOT happy about.

James77 · 07/20/2006, 08:18 AM

The tunze are definately worth the money. They are silent and reliable. Excellent water movement. The downside is their size- which is not that bad, and you get used to it-mine sit in the opposite corners of my tank.

Charlie Davidson · 07/20/2006, 08:50 AM

tunze

RichConley · 07/20/2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bojan

DC pump with regulation and controller are quite different technology and it is not possible to compare with SEIO.

Thats completely incorrect. The seios can regulate speed. Thats what the controller for them is supposed to do, vary speed between 30 and 100%. It does not just turn them on and off.

hahnmeister · 07/20/2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RichConley
Thats completely incorrect. The seios can regulate speed. Thats what the controller for them is supposed to do, vary speed between 30 and 100%. It does not just turn them on and off.

I was going to mention that too, but as of now, that product was supposed to be out a long time ago and still isnt... so as far as Im concerned, its vaporware. Not to mention that its only supposed to work on the 1100gph, 1500gph, and 2600gph models.

I suppose thats another thing about the TUNZEs...the volume. The TUNZE 6100 does about 3000gph, 6200 does about 5000gph, and the new 6300 does 7000gph. Good luck finding SEIOs that can move that much water.

twon8 · 07/20/2006, 11:42 AM

imo the controllable tunze's are worth it, esp if bought used, the regular non-controllable one's arent' as they can be replaced with seio's or maxi mod's as previously said.

I am really starting to think the seio controller was just a marketing ploy to sell more based upon people expectations for future controllability.

coralnut99 · 07/20/2006, 12:18 PM

From a guy who threw away over a dozen Rio's, just gave away 2 Seio 1100's:

Bite the bullet on the Tunze's

If you can't afford the contoller, There's a simple timer with 15 minute intervals for $16, that you can set to vaguely simulate the controller, using the non-controllable Tuzes. Not perfect, but not bad either. Still better than Seios.

oldimpala · 07/20/2006, 12:33 PM

I'm with the pro-Tunze crowd...

I remember getting a Marine Depot catalog years ago, and thinking "What moron would spend $300 on a powerhead..."

Well, I'm one of 'em... I've got two 6100's and a 7095; I wouldn't trade 'em for the world.

They are silent, reliable, controllable, and indespensible. The only thing I don't like about them, is EXPECT to buy the magnet-mounts, unless you have a rimless/trimless tank. Their included mounting system isn't good. At all.

I've still got a Seio in the basement; it's really, really good for my QT, used only if necessecary. I can't say many good things about it, it's been more trouble than it's worth, I hate to say it, but I'd be equally wary of their controllers.

-Andy/Oldimpala

Deuce67 · 07/20/2006, 12:48 PM

I have a Tunze 6000, Seio 1100s and a maxi mod. Except for the size, Tunzes rock! Im saving up to get another 6000.

James77 · 07/20/2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RichConley
Thats completely incorrect. The seios can regulate speed. That's what the controller for them is supposed to do, vary speed between 30 and 100%. It does not just turn them on and off.

As far as I know, the seio controller can control only 2 pumps. It switches the pumps from to either 30% or 100% simultaneously. Not too controllable if you ask me.

The tunze controller can control 8 pumps, is variable between 30% and 100%, has tidal simulation, different cycles, and numerous time cycles. There is no comparison if you ask me.

__________________

hahnmeister · 07/20/2006, 01:31 PM

An oscillating powerhead mount is still better than any wave timer/controller. It doesnt have to vary the output of the pump, it simply moves it back and forth. That means 100% flow from 1 pump, not 50% flow from 2 pumps, as well as the ability to cover nearly the entire tank...unlike a fixed mount which means a fixed direction. But Ill conceed that a moving powerhead might not be everyone's favorite thing to see in a tank.

Conceyted · 07/20/2006, 01:35 PM

dont let everyone screaming go cheap fool you. You get what you pay for with the tunze's and they leave little to be desired. With the seios I had before the tunze's I was quite unimpressed. Now with two 6100s on a multicontroller, I really can justify the cost of them. I wouldnt be without them. MUCH better than seio or maximod for the simple fact that the multicontroller is amazing.

HotHotHot · 07/20/2006, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldimpala
I'm with the pro-Tunze crowd...

I remember getting a Marine Depot catalog years ago, and thinking "What moron would spend $300 on a powerhead..."

Well, I'm one of 'em... I've got two 6100's and a 7095; I wouldn't trade 'em for the world.

They are silent, reliable, controllable, and indespensible. The only thing I don't like about them, is EXPECT to buy the magnet-mounts, unless you have a rimless/trimless tank. Their included mounting system isn't good. At all.

I agree with every point made. I've only had mine (same configuration) for a couple of weeks, but have already ordered the magnet mounts.

I have a euro-braced tank and the standard mounts didn't work well. Tried to attach them to my overflows, which worked better, but I'm still not happy. Magnets should be in today.

Ed

hahnmeister · 07/20/2006, 01:44 PM

One thing to consider is that the cost of a closed loop...a high flow pump, the piping, the drilling, the bulkheads, lok-line, wave-valve, etc...is about the same as a couple TUNZE's on a wave timer...only much harder to setup, and prolly wont give you as much flow. That starts to make the TUNZE's look like a good deal. As far as seeing them in the tank...some tanks lend themselves to making powerheads not look so obvious, but if yours isnt in that group, you can always use the TUNZE rocks and other methods to disguise just about any powerhead. Heck, I made a aragacrete 'corner wall' with caves for mounting the streams in up high w/o being able to see them.

trmiv · 07/20/2006, 01:47 PM

The controllable Tunze's are very worth it. I really think you need two though on a multicontroller to get the full effect. I wish I had the money to add a second 6000 and a multicontroller to my tank. I like the 6000, but unless you have another on the opposite side, it's just really one powerhead turning up and down every 7 seconds.

I don't think the non-controllable one's are worth it though, I'd just go with Seios.

I can't wait for the new compact nano stream pumps, those are going to be awesome. I think you can even stick the non-controllable (AC) one's on a wave controller too (Red Sea, natural wave, etc).

James77 · 07/20/2006, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hahnmeister
An oscillating powerhead mount is still better than any wave timer/controller. It doesnt have to vary the output of the pump, it simply moves it back and forth. That means 100% flow from 1 pump, not 50% flow from 2 pumps, as well as the ability to cover nearly the entire tank...unlike a fixed mount which means a fixed direction. But Ill conceed that a moving powerhead might not be everyone's favorite thing to see in a tank.

I disagree-It's not 50% from 2 pumps. Its left to right movement-one set(up to 4) of pumps goes at its maximum set speed, the other set drops to its lowest set speed. With a seaswirl type flow, you get a unidirectional flow. It pumps water in one direction side to side, there is no possibility of tidal simulation. They are still alot better than a straight powerhead or cheap wavemaker though.

Funky_Fish14 · 07/20/2006, 02:37 PM

I agree with James 77. Also, if you have pumps pushing different amouts of water, those currents coliding will react much differently and hit different spots of the tank due to different strengths of current... you will hit more spaces... and currents in the ocean do not always have the same flow-rates, like a powerhead mounted on a wavysea would. Now a set of tunzes mounted on wavyseas... that would be neat.

If I wasnt doing a 3 sided viewing tank with the rockscape I want... and getting an OM SuperSquirt for dirt cheap... it think I'd be getting a pair of TUNZEs.

Funky_Fish14 · 07/20/2006, 02:41 PM

PS. I have a pair of SEIO 1100's... they are nice.... if you want something to which you cant control flow and are cheap. I dont find the flow to expand out of a 'jet-like' pattern that much either... it takes about 12" before it breaks the 3" jet comming out of the output.

Chris

xtm · 07/20/2006, 02:55 PM

I think I'm sold on the Tunze's..... where can I get it online? Who has the best prices?

Also, can I rig the 'non-controllable' Tunze's to work with an interval timer? (like the Chauvet DJ light controller on eBay...)

Thanks

Eric Boerner · 07/20/2006, 03:09 PM

All good responses, but one that wasn't mentioned as a primary reason:

Tunze's will pay for themselves in 1.5 year (or less depending if you live in Calf or not), vs a closed loop system.

A sum up:

1. Best flow characteristics on the market
2. Cheapest GPH/watt on the market
3. Fantastic Longevity

An ranked ordered list of things that could compare to a couple streams that aren't on a controller:

1. Streams
2. Vortechs??? (have not seen these in person yet, would be happy to evaluate them though)
3. MJ-900 Prop Mod
4. High Pressure multi-outlet closed loop with eductors
5. 16-24 powerheads in each corner of the tank.

07/20/2006, 01:12 AM	#1
xtm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Panorama City, CA Posts: 4,703	Are Tunze's worth the money? Why are Tunze's sooo expensive?? Are they worth the money? I see good reviews for Seio's also and these things are like $30 /each. What is so unique about Tunze's? __________________ Function before fashion Current Tank Info: 120g SPS Tank (48x24x24)

07/20/2006, 08:03 AM	#6
RichConley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bostonian in Chicago going to DC Posts: 9,908	IMO, no. I've got a tunze, and I've got a $30 maxijet mod. The Maxijet moves more water, uses less electricity, is just as reliable, and is cheaper to replace parts on. The tunze is also 5 times the size of the maximod, so I had to move rockwork around, which I AM NOT happy about. __________________ NO TANKS!!!

07/20/2006, 08:18 AM	#7
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	The tunze are definately worth the money. They are silent and reliable. Excellent water movement. The downside is their size- which is not that bad, and you get used to it-mine sit in the opposite corners of my tank. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

07/20/2006, 08:50 AM	#8
Charlie Davidson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Deltaville , Va Posts: 10,977	tunze __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: Doing without for a while :)

07/20/2006, 11:42 AM	#11
twon8 Formally registered membe Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: slightly sw of richmond, va Posts: 5,920	imo the controllable tunze's are worth it, esp if bought used, the regular non-controllable one's arent' as they can be replaced with seio's or maxi mod's as previously said. I am really starting to think the seio controller was just a marketing ploy to sell more based upon people expectations for future controllability. __________________ Anthony Richmond Reef Club "and as things fell apart, nobody paid much attention." Not building a wall but making a brick Current Tank Info: 300g DD display, 60g frag tank

07/20/2006, 01:28 AM	#2
Yinger Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Yorba Linda Posts: 3,657	YES! I just learned all the settings when a fellow reefer came by and showed me how to actually use it. and the multicontroller is awesome

07/20/2006, 01:34 AM	#3
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	They are expensive because they are considered a high-end product in this hobby and there is very little competition for propeller driven pumps (high flow, low wattage, low pressure). They dont sell alot, so they have to cost more (high margin, low volume). They are also DC pumps inside, unlike a majority of the pumps on the market which are AC pumps. DC pumps usually spin faster, can have variable speed control (like the Tunzes), and always spin in the same direction. IMO, they are worth every penny as they have a very good reliability record, are backed by a very reputable company, and provide awesome flow for minimal wattage. SEIOs are okay...they are AC motors, but they do not have a speed control, and arent recomended with use on wave timers. So unless you mount them on an oscillating powerhead mount (Wavy Sea for example, or a retrofitted Sea-Swirl), they dont make pulsing wave motions. The pumps on SEIOs are actually a hybrid of propeller and impeller...a 45degree impeller that has blades like a prop. By doing this, they keep some of the pressure capabilities of the pump (thats how they can only have that narrow band of inlet slots unlike TUNZE streams that need a huge intake area), but the wattage isnt as low as a TUNZE. IMO, the main advantages of the TUNZE's are the volume and the multicontroller you can buy for them. However, if you dont mind a moving powerhead in the tank, an oscillating powerhead mount is a better way to provide flow constantly across the whole tank, and in that case, a SEIO is fine.

07/20/2006, 03:37 AM	#4
Bojan Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Slovenia Posts: 969	Tunze have both AC and DC Stream pumps In Europe Tunze AC pumps are similar price as SEIO , but according to my experiences , TUNZE is much better. I had SEIO (MAREA) Streams, but I removed all from my aquarium and now I use only Tunze Streams. DC pump with regulation and controller are quite different technology and it is not possible to compare with SEIO. Personally I prefer Tunze Stream 6100 (DC). if you have budget limitation , the second choice is Tunze Stream 6060 (AC).

07/20/2006, 03:51 AM	#5
thanhtan090982 Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 44	spend a little more money and get the best.

07/20/2006, 12:18 PM	#12
coralnut99 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bushkill, PA Posts: 3,632	From a guy who threw away over a dozen Rio's, just gave away 2 Seio 1100's: Bite the bullet on the Tunze's If you can't afford the contoller, There's a simple timer with 15 minute intervals for $16, that you can set to vaguely simulate the controller, using the non-controllable Tuzes. Not perfect, but not bad either. Still better than Seios. __________________ Why can't my wife see this stuff as an investment? Current Tank Info: way too much to list, and still adding more!

07/20/2006, 12:33 PM	#13
oldimpala Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 571	I'm with the pro-Tunze crowd... I remember getting a Marine Depot catalog years ago, and thinking "What moron would spend $300 on a powerhead..." Well, I'm one of 'em... I've got two 6100's and a 7095; I wouldn't trade 'em for the world. They are silent, reliable, controllable, and indespensible. The only thing I don't like about them, is EXPECT to buy the magnet-mounts, unless you have a rimless/trimless tank. Their included mounting system isn't good. At all. I've still got a Seio in the basement; it's really, really good for my QT, used only if necessecary. I can't say many good things about it, it's been more trouble than it's worth, I hate to say it, but I'd be equally wary of their controllers. -Andy/Oldimpala

07/20/2006, 12:48 PM	#14
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	I have a Tunze 6000, Seio 1100s and a maxi mod. Except for the size, Tunzes rock! Im saving up to get another 6000.

07/20/2006, 01:31 PM	#16
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	An oscillating powerhead mount is still better than any wave timer/controller. It doesnt have to vary the output of the pump, it simply moves it back and forth. That means 100% flow from 1 pump, not 50% flow from 2 pumps, as well as the ability to cover nearly the entire tank...unlike a fixed mount which means a fixed direction. But Ill conceed that a moving powerhead might not be everyone's favorite thing to see in a tank.

07/20/2006, 01:35 PM	#17
Conceyted Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 1,123	dont let everyone screaming go cheap fool you. You get what you pay for with the tunze's and they leave little to be desired. With the seios I had before the tunze's I was quite unimpressed. Now with two 6100s on a multicontroller, I really can justify the cost of them. I wouldnt be without them. MUCH better than seio or maximod for the simple fact that the multicontroller is amazing. __________________ -Chris and Jaime Current Tank Info: Rimless & Sumped Biocube Clownfish/BTA Harem

07/20/2006, 01:44 PM	#19
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	One thing to consider is that the cost of a closed loop...a high flow pump, the piping, the drilling, the bulkheads, lok-line, wave-valve, etc...is about the same as a couple TUNZE's on a wave timer...only much harder to setup, and prolly wont give you as much flow. That starts to make the TUNZE's look like a good deal. As far as seeing them in the tank...some tanks lend themselves to making powerheads not look so obvious, but if yours isnt in that group, you can always use the TUNZE rocks and other methods to disguise just about any powerhead. Heck, I made a aragacrete 'corner wall' with caves for mounting the streams in up high w/o being able to see them.

07/20/2006, 01:47 PM	#20
trmiv Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,082	The controllable Tunze's are very worth it. I really think you need two though on a multicontroller to get the full effect. I wish I had the money to add a second 6000 and a multicontroller to my tank. I like the 6000, but unless you have another on the opposite side, it's just really one powerhead turning up and down every 7 seconds. I don't think the non-controllable one's are worth it though, I'd just go with Seios. I can't wait for the new compact nano stream pumps, those are going to be awesome. I think you can even stick the non-controllable (AC) one's on a wave controller too (Red Sea, natural wave, etc). __________________ Current tank: Red Sea Reefer 350 Deluxe, Avast Marine Pegleg 180 skimmer, Gyre 150, Eheim 1262 return

07/20/2006, 02:37 PM	#22
Funky_Fish14 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 306	I agree with James 77. Also, if you have pumps pushing different amouts of water, those currents coliding will react much differently and hit different spots of the tank due to different strengths of current... you will hit more spaces... and currents in the ocean do not always have the same flow-rates, like a powerhead mounted on a wavysea would. Now a set of tunzes mounted on wavyseas... that would be neat. If I wasnt doing a 3 sided viewing tank with the rockscape I want... and getting an OM SuperSquirt for dirt cheap... it think I'd be getting a pair of TUNZEs. __________________ Cheers! Chris Current Tank Info: 60gal SPS Dominated Semi-Cube

07/20/2006, 02:41 PM	#23
Funky_Fish14 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 306	PS. I have a pair of SEIO 1100's... they are nice.... if you want something to which you cant control flow and are cheap. I dont find the flow to expand out of a 'jet-like' pattern that much either... it takes about 12" before it breaks the 3" jet comming out of the output. Chris __________________ Cheers! Chris Current Tank Info: 60gal SPS Dominated Semi-Cube

07/20/2006, 02:55 PM	#24
xtm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Panorama City, CA Posts: 4,703	I think I'm sold on the Tunze's..... where can I get it online? Who has the best prices? Also, can I rig the 'non-controllable' Tunze's to work with an interval timer? (like the Chauvet DJ light controller on eBay...) Thanks __________________ Function before fashion Current Tank Info: 120g SPS Tank (48x24x24)

07/20/2006, 03:09 PM	#25
Eric Boerner Coral Cutter Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,463	All good responses, but one that wasn't mentioned as a primary reason: Tunze's will pay for themselves in 1.5 year (or less depending if you live in Calf or not), vs a closed loop system. A sum up: 1. Best flow characteristics on the market 2. Cheapest GPH/watt on the market 3. Fantastic Longevity An ranked ordered list of things that could compare to a couple streams that aren't on a controller: 1. Streams 2. Vortechs??? (have not seen these in person yet, would be happy to evaluate them though) 3. MJ-900 Prop Mod 4. High Pressure multi-outlet closed loop with eductors 5. 16-24 powerheads in each corner of the tank. __________________ My opinions and views do not necessary reflect the views and opinions of my employer. Current Tank Info: 225 gallon SPS