Tunze vs Ecotech Vortech - Page 2

Bitzerj · 03/30/2007, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by E-A-G-L-E-S
warts? have you actually 'ever' used them?

Yep, I saw them. I didn't want the driver on the outside of the glass sticking out. The unit and the wire would really be in the way in my setup. Not a knock in the units, it simply wouldn't work in my case.

iamwhatiam52 · 03/30/2007, 09:55 PM

WOW!
Never expected so much information.
Now I'm REALLY confused.
Seriusly, thank you all very much. Sounds like I can't go wrong either way. The clean look is a big plus for me, but the decision may come down to whether or not I want to wait for the controller.

Double-J · 03/30/2007, 10:04 PM

Had a coupld of vortechs... Great flow but the pumps always seemed to have a problem, granted recieved the first batch and since then they have made them more reliable so I hear

Anyways I'll be using Tunzes from here on out.

E-A-G-L-E-S · 03/30/2007, 10:10 PM

Vortechs are extremely reliable now and are backed by just as good CS as tunze(which is as good as it gets in this hobby). I'd venture to guess that the major majority of products have issues in the beginning. Both are great products.

brianbigoats · 03/30/2007, 11:29 PM

i have both in my 90 along w/ 2 seio's the vortech was just add last week the flow is great i have it on the back wall so i dont have to see the dry side an cord. the vortech has much more flow than any other of my PH's coral seem to love the incresed flow one reason that i got it was the available battery back up
but i like both

ghostrida3 · 04/01/2007, 04:36 PM

how do u keep stuff like anemones and other critters getting sucked into either one?

chaffey · 04/01/2007, 09:28 PM

tunze all ther way.

Freds · 04/02/2007, 07:49 AM

I have one of each in my 90 and I like it that way!

The vortech is smaller and will stay on (via the battery backup) if the power goes out. It's flow is also much wider than the tunze. It is however MUCH louder than the tunze and cannot be aimed like my Tunze can.

The tunze does not take up much room and if you use the brackets instead of the magnet you can really mount them out of the way and in a corner. IMO it's the magnet mounts that make tunze stick out in a tank. Mine is not very noticeable at all. It's silent even when pushing 3,000 GPH, I have a controller for it and I can aim it.

iamwhatiam52 · 04/02/2007, 04:02 PM

This is the first anyone has mentioned the Vortech being loud.
Have others found thid to be the case?

orientalexpress · 04/02/2007, 05:09 PM

tunze all the way.my friend have vortec on his 380,it's great when is working,but reliability is the main concern.gl

hogben · 04/02/2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by iamwhatiam52
This is the first anyone has mentioned the Vortech being loud.
Have others found thid to be the case?

An improper installation can lead to a louder vortech. But even an optimal install when its turned up on high the base does have a low wirring sound and there is no water to muffle the sound.

Maybe newer units are quieter?

iamwhatiam52 · 04/02/2007, 06:24 PM

An obvious question I should have asked, but can a tunze controller run either type of powerhead?

iamwhatiam52 · 04/02/2007, 07:01 PM

An obvious question I should have asked, but can a tunze controller run either type of powerhead?

E-A-G-L-E-S · 04/02/2007, 07:06 PM

Mine is not loud at all and has never had one glich....i believe the reliability is very good post-first batch. I believe like any new pioneering product Ecotech had to go through some real world testing to get feed back and make adjustments.

Either are great, depends what you are looking for in your set-up.

drives300 · 04/02/2007, 07:57 PM

i am interested in the vortech and i was wondering if someone can explain how the inability to aim the powerhead does not cause problems. I keep my mj mods pointed accross the tank because I get the best polyp movement that way. If I aimed the strait at the front glass it would cause my sand to blow all over the place. Does the flow come out horizontally. Please explain further

E-A-G-L-E-S · 04/02/2007, 08:02 PM

Their flow is not nearly as concentrated as a mjmod.
Now, if you put any p.h. that pushes 3000gph+ on the back wall of an aquarium that is 24" or less you will have a barebottom front with a deep dsb in the back 75%

E-A-G-L-E-S · 04/02/2007, 08:06 PM

I did see hahnmeister mention you could put a 6200 shroud on a 6000/6100 which would broaden it's flow...just don't know how, like if it just pops on or if a mod is needed.

verper · 04/02/2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by E-A-G-L-E-S
I did see hahnmeister mention you could put a 6200 shroud on a 6000/6100 which would broaden it's flow...just don't know how, like if it just pops on or if a mod is needed.

No mod needed, just the 6200 shroud. Goes on the Stream motor the same way a maxijet shroud mounts. Just has a larger exit opening in the shroud.

hatfielj · 04/03/2007, 06:54 AM

My vortech is not loud at all, I'm guessing if someone's having trouble with noise, they probably didn't install it 100% correctly. I found the installation to be really quick and easy. It took me all of about 5 minutes to get it on the glass and lined up and now its turned up all the way with out any noise issues at all. There is a slightly 'wirring' noise as said above, but hardly noticeable IMO. The inability to aim is absolutely no disadvantage at all, at least in my tank. It has a very wide area that it covers and I can see any reason to point it anywhere but straight ahead. I plan on getting another one when the controller comes out, I love this pump!

sditch · 04/03/2007, 08:48 AM

I just got a Vortech and man I could not be happier to spend that kind of cash for water current. I have it in my TechTank 120G and it is perfect, with the rockscape and position of the vortech there is no dead spots. The with of the current is amazing and creates a nice ripper (almost a little wave) on the top of the water with a great under toe current at the bottom

jacmyoung · 04/21/2007, 09:57 PM

I like to add the Tunze Nanostream 6055 in the mix and let me explain.

Based on the simple mods we did on 6025s and 6045s, we know that the same mod will increase the 6055 flow by 38%, meaning max flow of 2,000gph for a 6055.

While this is still not as much as the Vortech or 6100, it is certainly in the competition. The 6055 has all the benefits of the large stream pumps yet small enough to hide away behind rocks, and cost much less.

The only problem with the 6055 now is availability. Expect it's wide appearance in June or July.

casparis · 05/01/2007, 05:42 PM

I am building a new 125 gallon system to incorperate my 40 gallon reef tank and 70 fish and live rock tank.I did all kinds of research and talked to every local fish so called expert in my area.Believe me Tunze are great but you can rest assured they are scrambling to design a system to compete with the new generation of powerheads such as vortech.Clearly a better way to run our tanks,Everyone discounts the heat Thats B.S. all those pumps heat your water 1 degree were all smarter than that.You think it is a minus you can't aim the powerhead but the flow is tremdous if your rock is placed in a pattern you can eliminate dead flow. Do your homework this is possiable,You can run at most two and give enough flow for any tank below 8' in length and 4' wide.I have done the math and the research.As for the battery back up you think Tunze isnt talking to the RD of their CO. to find out why they never handled that issue?Well because to run a comperable pump in a tunze for 48 hrs would require a diesel battery and charger.Tunze are great just not the future as we will see when the new Tunze line comes out a copy of Vortech and years behind.Pick what you like no arguement my money was well spent and you really cant go wrong they both,They are the finest in the field.
Scott

jacmyoung · 05/01/2007, 06:03 PM

Have you seen Tunze Nanostream pumps yet? I have just got one of the first 6055s and was able to demonstrate that it is capable of pumping 2500 gph with a DIY large shroud and a 6100 propeller, and drawing 26W. Why would that be more difficult to use with a battery backup than Vortech?

While the 6055 itself may not be the one, but they can easily release a pump the same footprint of a Nanostream and pump out 3000 gph.

No doubt Vortech is a brilliant pump, just don't think it is the only way to go. Adjustability of the Nanostream means you don't have to have a piece sticking out from the side of the tank. The pump can always be installed at the back wall with flow aimed at any angle you want.

Of course whether Tunze will want to compete in these large flow pump area is anyone's guess because it will cut into their Stream pumps market.

radone · 05/01/2007, 06:49 PM

I'm considering the 6055 for my 210, my only problem is flow the length of the tank. If I went with 4 of them in each corner think that would work.

Man you got some kahuna's tearing into that brand new pump. Are you even worried about it failing and not being under warranty?

BTW Love your help on that those mods I believe I will do them if I go that route.

As for the Vortechs I think they are nice but the price is up there and all the other add-ins you'll need to be satisfied, it all adds up and for some people with smaller budgets you can only get what the wife will allow

Good thread hope we're not off course though

hatfielj · 05/01/2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by radone
I'm considering the 6055 for my 210, my only problem is flow the length of the tank. If I went with 4 of them in each corner think that would work.

Man you got some kahuna's tearing into that brand new pump. Are you even worried about it failing and not being under warranty?

BTW Love your help on that those mods I believe I will do them if I go that route.

As for the Vortechs I think they are nice but the price is up there and all the other add-ins you'll need to be satisfied, it all adds up and for some people with smaller budgets you can only get what the wife will allow

Good thread hope we're not off course though

I would still go for the vortechs if I were you. If you buy 4 6055's thats $800 for approximately 5600gph of flow (1400gph each). HOwever, if you get just two vortechs thats 6200 gph for only $690 ($345 each). If you ask me the 6055s are a waste of money on a tank that large. They were designed for much smaller tanks and the flow they produce will not be very impressive on a tank that size. Just my 2 cents, good luck deciding.

03/30/2007, 09:55 PM	#27
iamwhatiam52 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Freeport, NY Posts: 1,466	WOW! Never expected so much information. Now I'm REALLY confused. Seriusly, thank you all very much. Sounds like I can't go wrong either way. The clean look is a big plus for me, but the decision may come down to whether or not I want to wait for the controller. __________________ Occupation: Need one. Will work for salt. Current Tank Info: 180 mixed up reef started April 2005. 4 small tanks on same sump.

03/30/2007, 10:10 PM	#29
E-A-G-L-E-S Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 7,038	Vortechs are extremely reliable now and are backed by just as good CS as tunze(which is as good as it gets in this hobby). I'd venture to guess that the major majority of products have issues in the beginning. Both are great products. __________________ Smug Egotistical Contemptuous It's difficult to get a man to understand something that his salary requires him not to.

04/02/2007, 04:02 PM	#34
iamwhatiam52 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Freeport, NY Posts: 1,466	This is the first anyone has mentioned the Vortech being loud. Have others found thid to be the case? __________________ Occupation: Need one. Will work for salt. Current Tank Info: 180 mixed up reef started April 2005. 4 small tanks on same sump.

04/02/2007, 05:09 PM	#35
orientalexpress Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: San francisco Posts: 1,785	tunze all the way.my friend have vortec on his 380,it's great when is working,but reliability is the main concern.gl __________________ You can say something to popes, kings and presidents, but you can't talk to officials. In the next war they ought to give everyone a whistle Current Tank Info: 72x36x30

04/02/2007, 06:24 PM	#37
iamwhatiam52 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Freeport, NY Posts: 1,466	An obvious question I should have asked, but can a tunze controller run either type of powerhead? __________________ Occupation: Need one. Will work for salt. Current Tank Info: 180 mixed up reef started April 2005. 4 small tanks on same sump.

03/30/2007, 10:04 PM	#28
Double-J Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: IA Posts: 1,061	Had a coupld of vortechs... Great flow but the pumps always seemed to have a problem, granted recieved the first batch and since then they have made them more reliable so I hear Anyways I'll be using Tunzes from here on out.

03/30/2007, 11:29 PM	#30
brianbigoats Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lodi, CA Posts: 1,122	i have both in my 90 along w/ 2 seio's the vortech was just add last week the flow is great i have it on the back wall so i dont have to see the dry side an cord. the vortech has much more flow than any other of my PH's coral seem to love the incresed flow one reason that i got it was the available battery back up but i like both

04/01/2007, 04:36 PM	#31
ghostrida3 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: marietta, ga Posts: 477	how do u keep stuff like anemones and other critters getting sucked into either one?

04/01/2007, 09:28 PM	#32
chaffey Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Placentia / Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 2,080	tunze all ther way.

04/02/2007, 07:49 AM	#33
Freds Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 229	I have one of each in my 90 and I like it that way! The vortech is smaller and will stay on (via the battery backup) if the power goes out. It's flow is also much wider than the tunze. It is however MUCH louder than the tunze and cannot be aimed like my Tunze can. The tunze does not take up much room and if you use the brackets instead of the magnet you can really mount them out of the way and in a corner. IMO it's the magnet mounts that make tunze stick out in a tank. Mine is not very noticeable at all. It's silent even when pushing 3,000 GPH, I have a controller for it and I can aim it.

04/02/2007, 07:01 PM	#38
iamwhatiam52 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Freeport, NY Posts: 1,466	An obvious question I should have asked, but can a tunze controller run either type of powerhead? __________________ Occupation: Need one. Will work for salt. Current Tank Info: 180 mixed up reef started April 2005. 4 small tanks on same sump.

04/02/2007, 07:06 PM	#39
E-A-G-L-E-S Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 7,038	Mine is not loud at all and has never had one glich....i believe the reliability is very good post-first batch. I believe like any new pioneering product Ecotech had to go through some real world testing to get feed back and make adjustments. Either are great, depends what you are looking for in your set-up. __________________ Smug Egotistical Contemptuous It's difficult to get a man to understand something that his salary requires him not to.

04/02/2007, 07:57 PM	#40
drives300 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 961	i am interested in the vortech and i was wondering if someone can explain how the inability to aim the powerhead does not cause problems. I keep my mj mods pointed accross the tank because I get the best polyp movement that way. If I aimed the strait at the front glass it would cause my sand to blow all over the place. Does the flow come out horizontally. Please explain further __________________ Water Param 79 degrees nit 0 amm 0 phos 0 salifers Calcium 450 salifer alk 11 dkh Ph 8-8.1 Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon,reef octopus nw150, 2 oceanflow mods, 2x 250w 10k mh, phos reactor

04/02/2007, 08:02 PM	#41
E-A-G-L-E-S Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 7,038	Their flow is not nearly as concentrated as a mjmod. Now, if you put any p.h. that pushes 3000gph+ on the back wall of an aquarium that is 24" or less you will have a barebottom front with a deep dsb in the back 75% __________________ Smug Egotistical Contemptuous It's difficult to get a man to understand something that his salary requires him not to.

04/02/2007, 08:06 PM	#42
E-A-G-L-E-S Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 7,038	I did see hahnmeister mention you could put a 6200 shroud on a 6000/6100 which would broaden it's flow...just don't know how, like if it just pops on or if a mod is needed. __________________ Smug Egotistical Contemptuous It's difficult to get a man to understand something that his salary requires him not to.

04/03/2007, 06:54 AM	#44
hatfielj Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,234	My vortech is not loud at all, I'm guessing if someone's having trouble with noise, they probably didn't install it 100% correctly. I found the installation to be really quick and easy. It took me all of about 5 minutes to get it on the glass and lined up and now its turned up all the way with out any noise issues at all. There is a slightly 'wirring' noise as said above, but hardly noticeable IMO. The inability to aim is absolutely no disadvantage at all, at least in my tank. It has a very wide area that it covers and I can see any reason to point it anywhere but straight ahead. I plan on getting another one when the controller comes out, I love this pump!

04/03/2007, 08:48 AM	#45
sditch Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Houston,Texas (USA) Posts: 750	I just got a Vortech and man I could not be happier to spend that kind of cash for water current. I have it in my TechTank 120G and it is perfect, with the rockscape and position of the vortech there is no dead spots. The with of the current is amazing and creates a nice ripper (almost a little wave) on the top of the water with a great under toe current at the bottom

04/21/2007, 09:57 PM	#46
jacmyoung Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,421	I like to add the Tunze Nanostream 6055 in the mix and let me explain. Based on the simple mods we did on 6025s and 6045s, we know that the same mod will increase the 6055 flow by 38%, meaning max flow of 2,000gph for a 6055. While this is still not as much as the Vortech or 6100, it is certainly in the competition. The 6055 has all the benefits of the large stream pumps yet small enough to hide away behind rocks, and cost much less. The only problem with the 6055 now is availability. Expect it's wide appearance in June or July.

05/01/2007, 05:42 PM	#47
casparis Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1	My Vortech is coming tomarrow I am building a new 125 gallon system to incorperate my 40 gallon reef tank and 70 fish and live rock tank.I did all kinds of research and talked to every local fish so called expert in my area.Believe me Tunze are great but you can rest assured they are scrambling to design a system to compete with the new generation of powerheads such as vortech.Clearly a better way to run our tanks,Everyone discounts the heat Thats B.S. all those pumps heat your water 1 degree were all smarter than that.You think it is a minus you can't aim the powerhead but the flow is tremdous if your rock is placed in a pattern you can eliminate dead flow. Do your homework this is possiable,You can run at most two and give enough flow for any tank below 8' in length and 4' wide.I have done the math and the research.As for the battery back up you think Tunze isnt talking to the RD of their CO. to find out why they never handled that issue?Well because to run a comperable pump in a tunze for 48 hrs would require a diesel battery and charger.Tunze are great just not the future as we will see when the new Tunze line comes out a copy of Vortech and years behind.Pick what you like no arguement my money was well spent and you really cant go wrong they both,They are the finest in the field. Scott

05/01/2007, 06:03 PM	#48
jacmyoung Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,421	Have you seen Tunze Nanostream pumps yet? I have just got one of the first 6055s and was able to demonstrate that it is capable of pumping 2500 gph with a DIY large shroud and a 6100 propeller, and drawing 26W. Why would that be more difficult to use with a battery backup than Vortech? While the 6055 itself may not be the one, but they can easily release a pump the same footprint of a Nanostream and pump out 3000 gph. No doubt Vortech is a brilliant pump, just don't think it is the only way to go. Adjustability of the Nanostream means you don't have to have a piece sticking out from the side of the tank. The pump can always be installed at the back wall with flow aimed at any angle you want. Of course whether Tunze will want to compete in these large flow pump area is anyone's guess because it will cut into their Stream pumps market.

05/01/2007, 06:49 PM	#49
radone Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,167	I'm considering the 6055 for my 210, my only problem is flow the length of the tank. If I went with 4 of them in each corner think that would work. Man you got some kahuna's tearing into that brand new pump. Are you even worried about it failing and not being under warranty? BTW Love your help on that those mods I believe I will do them if I go that route. As for the Vortechs I think they are nice but the price is up there and all the other add-ins you'll need to be satisfied, it all adds up and for some people with smaller budgets you can only get what the wife will allow Good thread hope we're not off course though __________________ Romeo Current Tank Info: Pennisula Style 210G mixed reef, Primary lighting 250w MH 10k's, 160w VHO actinic supplement, custom 75G sump,