TUNZE Stream vs. ECOTECH Vortech

PITSTOP · 04/20/2006, 11:16 AM

>>>-------------> WHICH ONE RULES?

Question:

For flow In my 120 display, I use 3 SEIO 1500's, a SEIO 1100, 6 maxijet 1200's, MAG 18 return = approx. 8900 gph total = approx. 74x turn-over/hour

(I did not do a closed loop for several reasons)

In my attempt to increase flow in the display (both the total volume and quality (dispursed vs. focused) - and reduce the number of PH's clogging up the display, I am presently looking to buy either a 6100 T-stream plus controller package, or one of the new Vortech pumps.

Which one would you recommend???

You can view my system in my gallery for additional info.

twon8 · 04/20/2006, 11:56 AM

i only have the streams, so i am biased, but i will promise you that you will be happy with two 6100's and a multi controller as the only flow in the tank.

PITSTOP · 04/20/2006, 12:02 PM

Me-thinks 2 6100's in a 120 barebottom = maybe too much flow (even for a barebottom SPS display)?

Or do 2 6100's really fit the bill in a 4x2x2 display?

What about 1 Vortech? Would save lots of $$$...

Me-also-thinks Vortechs too new for enough reviews...

Maybe I should just use my extra play money to set up a frag tank with a clip-on Viper 150w MH! ;-)

gath2 · 04/20/2006, 12:14 PM

two 6100's would be find in a barebootom 120. You could always go with the 6000's and they are controllable.

I don't think you would be happy with just the 1 Vortech. It won't give you nearly the flow that you have now. I would think you would want 2 Vortech's and you can't even control them yet.

Stormtrker · 04/20/2006, 12:40 PM

I put a Vortech in my 75G tank yesterday and have it turned almost all the way down to keep from blowing everything out of the tank!

It can really move some water when dialed all the way up! I removed my Tunze6000 as there is no way you can have both in a 75. Didn't realize how much space it took up. The Vortech is quite a bit smaller. It is now my only powerhead in the display. I love it!

My future plans are to have a 120G at end of summer(after this hurricane season) and I will definitely use at least 1 Vortech for this tank!

elephen · 04/20/2006, 12:47 PM

Only downside to the VorTech's is the controller will not be out for 8-10 months atleast so you have to manually control them.

With streams you can 'guide' the flow verses having the VorTech mounted "straight" if that makes sense since you cannot adjust the VorTech's flow path up or down left or right with out physically moving the unit.

The Tunze's are also controllable so you can run different wave programs on them to enduce a more random natural flow verses a static heavy flow.

Just my 2 cents. I'm going to put 2 6100's and a multicontroller in my 120 (4x2x2). Maybe in a year or so once the VorTechs have been "field tested" and the controller is out I'll look into them.

Mike.B · 04/20/2006, 01:36 PM

I dont think this is quite a fair fight yet. Vortechs are barely out, they dont have controllers or directional nozzles yet, but they will. Tunzes still are the best but not for much longer. As soon as vortechs have the features tunzes do theres no competition, they obviously look way better and take way less room. Just give it some time.

elephen · 04/20/2006, 02:08 PM

yes... your basically asking which is better, apples or oranges? Not which is better, green apples or red apples.

Hobster · 04/20/2006, 02:28 PM

Who has the Vortechs avaliable for sale??

elephen · 04/20/2006, 02:52 PM

www.aquariumspecialty.com
www.marinedepot.com
www.championlighting.com
www.reeftanksupply.com
www.premiumaquatics.com

Hobster · 04/20/2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elephen
www.aquariumspecialty.com
www.marinedepot.com
www.championlighting.com
www.reeftanksupply.com
www.premiumaquatics.com

All are pre order, none "avaliable"
coming soon to a reef near you

Hobster · 04/20/2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elephen
www.aquariumspecialty.com
www.marinedepot.com
www.championlighting.com
www.reeftanksupply.com
www.premiumaquatics.com

All are pre order, none "avaliable"
coming soon to a reef near you

BRISK495 · 04/23/2006, 11:56 PM

tagging along - go vortech!

Treg · 04/24/2006, 12:12 AM

I've got 2 6100's in a 90g BB. I would say its quite a bit of flow but not too much.
I still have spots where I would like more flow but then again I have spots where it gets pretty turbulent. With the controller that is easily adjustable tho.

One thing I dont like looks wise about the Vortech's is you cant adjust the dirction like you can with the Tunze. I've also heard that they run pretty warm, I would be curious to hear someones first hand experience on that.

I'm personally in no hurry to replace my Tunze stuff. It's a proven winner.

SEAREEF · 04/24/2006, 01:00 AM

I like my vortech ,I do have a couple of noise issues that I havent worked through yet ,but all -all it is great so far ,plus it looks clean

masterswimmer · 04/24/2006, 01:10 AM

Treg, the Vortechs run very very hot......on the outside module. I can't imagine that this would transfer into the tank.

robsmith32 · 04/24/2006, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by masterswimmer
Treg, the Vortechs run very very hot......on the outside module. I can't imagine that this would transfer into the tank.

run very very hot?? that's not the story i've read.
warm but not hot.

of course when its turning winter many complain its freezing as soon as hits 60 degrees, then when starts turning to spring, they complain its burning up at 65 degrees...

dkh0331 · 04/24/2006, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by robsmith32
run very very hot?? that's not the story i've read.
warm but not hot.

of course when its turning winter many complain its freezing as soon as hits 60 degrees, then when starts turning to spring, they complain its burning up at 65 degrees...

IMPHO, 145 degrees for a pump is pretty hot. See Vortech FAQ's -

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hlight=Vortech

David

masterswimmer · 04/24/2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by robsmith32
run very very hot?? that's not the story i've read.
warm but not hot.

of course when its turning winter many complain its freezing as soon as hits 60 degrees, then when starts turning to spring, they complain its burning up at 65 degrees...

When I put my hand on one, it would have burned my skin if I held it there. If you've only read the stories, then I'd say you're not in a position to argue. I personally have seen three in operation. They run HOT.

ms

Stormtrker · 04/24/2006, 11:59 AM

My Vortech has been running almost a week and the outside module is barely warm. Certainly not hot by any means.

SEAREEF · 04/24/2006, 12:08 PM

Its only hot when its turned all the way up or close.

SEAREEF · 04/24/2006, 12:09 PM

I run mine on my neptune controller 1min on /1 min off helps with the heat and my power bill

mattseattle · 04/24/2006, 12:29 PM

yeah, on full throttle the outside motor on mine is 135 degrees and on low it's roughly room temperature. Also I don't see how it can transfer any heat into the tank as there is an airspace between the motor and the gasket then your tank then another gasket then the propellor.

Stormtrker · 04/24/2006, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SEAREEF
I run mine on my neptune controller 1min on /1 min off helps with the heat and my power bill

That's good to know as I have a Neptune controller ordered.
My Vortech is turned almost all way down so makes sense it would only be warm to touch.

extinguishfire · 04/27/2006, 04:03 PM

I plan to get a vortech and turn it down low as it will go. I am getting it just for the battery back up feature when it comes out.

04/20/2006, 11:16 AM	#1
PITSTOP Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greenwich, CT Posts: 1,592	TUNZE Stream vs. ECOTECH Vortech >>>-------------> WHICH ONE RULES? Question: For flow In my 120 display, I use 3 SEIO 1500's, a SEIO 1100, 6 maxijet 1200's, MAG 18 return = approx. 8900 gph total = approx. 74x turn-over/hour (I did not do a closed loop for several reasons) In my attempt to increase flow in the display (both the total volume and quality (dispursed vs. focused) - and reduce the number of PH's clogging up the display, I am presently looking to buy either a 6100 T-stream plus controller package, or one of the new Vortech pumps. Which one would you recommend??? You can view my system in my gallery for additional info. __________________ SPS-Anon Current Tank Info: 120 SPS

04/20/2006, 11:56 AM	#2
twon8 Formally registered membe Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: slightly sw of richmond, va Posts: 5,920	i only have the streams, so i am biased, but i will promise you that you will be happy with two 6100's and a multi controller as the only flow in the tank. __________________ 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

04/20/2006, 12:02 PM	#3
PITSTOP Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greenwich, CT Posts: 1,592	Me-thinks 2 6100's in a 120 barebottom = maybe too much flow (even for a barebottom SPS display)? Or do 2 6100's really fit the bill in a 4x2x2 display? What about 1 Vortech? Would save lots of $$$... Me-also-thinks Vortechs too new for enough reviews... Maybe I should just use my extra play money to set up a frag tank with a clip-on Viper 150w MH! ;-) __________________ SPS-Anon Current Tank Info: 120 SPS

04/20/2006, 02:28 PM	#9
Hobster Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,444	Who has the Vortechs avaliable for sale?? __________________ "You call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye" The Last Resort, The Eagles Current Tank Info: Downsized, took down the 75 g SPS and going with a 20L and 10g softy nanos.

04/23/2006, 11:56 PM	#13
BRISK495 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: South Harrison, NJ Posts: 1,024	tagging along - go vortech! __________________ My addiction began as a kid visiting Martin's Aquarium!! Current Tank Info: 100 starphire rimless in planning since January 2012. 100 Gallon Rubbermaid Basement Sump and 65 gallon refugium.

04/20/2006, 12:14 PM	#4
gath2 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fairview Heights, IL Posts: 646	two 6100's would be find in a barebootom 120. You could always go with the 6000's and they are controllable. I don't think you would be happy with just the 1 Vortech. It won't give you nearly the flow that you have now. I would think you would want 2 Vortech's and you can't even control them yet.

04/20/2006, 12:40 PM	#5
Stormtrker Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mississippi Gulf Coast Posts: 375	I put a Vortech in my 75G tank yesterday and have it turned almost all the way down to keep from blowing everything out of the tank! It can really move some water when dialed all the way up! I removed my Tunze6000 as there is no way you can have both in a 75. Didn't realize how much space it took up. The Vortech is quite a bit smaller. It is now my only powerhead in the display. I love it! My future plans are to have a 120G at end of summer(after this hurricane season) and I will definitely use at least 1 Vortech for this tank!

04/20/2006, 12:47 PM	#6
elephen Moved On Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kc Posts: 2,763	Only downside to the VorTech's is the controller will not be out for 8-10 months atleast so you have to manually control them. With streams you can 'guide' the flow verses having the VorTech mounted "straight" if that makes sense since you cannot adjust the VorTech's flow path up or down left or right with out physically moving the unit. The Tunze's are also controllable so you can run different wave programs on them to enduce a more random natural flow verses a static heavy flow. Just my 2 cents. I'm going to put 2 6100's and a multicontroller in my 120 (4x2x2). Maybe in a year or so once the VorTechs have been "field tested" and the controller is out I'll look into them.

04/20/2006, 01:36 PM	#7
Mike.B Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 548	I dont think this is quite a fair fight yet. Vortechs are barely out, they dont have controllers or directional nozzles yet, but they will. Tunzes still are the best but not for much longer. As soon as vortechs have the features tunzes do theres no competition, they obviously look way better and take way less room. Just give it some time.

04/20/2006, 02:08 PM	#8
elephen Moved On Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kc Posts: 2,763	yes... your basically asking which is better, apples or oranges? Not which is better, green apples or red apples.

04/20/2006, 02:52 PM	#10
elephen Moved On Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kc Posts: 2,763	www.aquariumspecialty.com www.marinedepot.com www.championlighting.com www.reeftanksupply.com www.premiumaquatics.com

04/24/2006, 12:12 AM	#14
Treg Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,739	I've got 2 6100's in a 90g BB. I would say its quite a bit of flow but not too much. I still have spots where I would like more flow but then again I have spots where it gets pretty turbulent. With the controller that is easily adjustable tho. One thing I dont like looks wise about the Vortech's is you cant adjust the dirction like you can with the Tunze. I've also heard that they run pretty warm, I would be curious to hear someones first hand experience on that. I'm personally in no hurry to replace my Tunze stuff. It's a proven winner.

04/24/2006, 01:00 AM	#15
SEAREEF Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Lake Elsinore Ca Posts: 294	I like my vortech ,I do have a couple of noise issues that I havent worked through yet ,but all -all it is great so far ,plus it looks clean __________________ Ron Current Tank Info: 220 gal sps

04/24/2006, 01:10 AM	#16
masterswimmer Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: East of the Mississippi, north of the mason dixon line Posts: 3,255	Treg, the Vortechs run very very hot......on the outside module. I can't imagine that this would transfer into the tank. __________________ I said, "look honey, we paid the mortgage and we have all this money left over for the tank." Her response confused me. She said we still needed to buy food and pay the utilities. Current Tank Info: 75 10ecor, SLS TEK 6 x 54w T-5, Lifereef sump & VS2-24" skimmer, 15 gal. AGA fuge

04/24/2006, 11:59 AM	#20
Stormtrker Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mississippi Gulf Coast Posts: 375	My Vortech has been running almost a week and the outside module is barely warm. Certainly not hot by any means.

04/24/2006, 12:08 PM	#21
SEAREEF Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Lake Elsinore Ca Posts: 294	Its only hot when its turned all the way up or close. __________________ Ron Current Tank Info: 220 gal sps

04/24/2006, 12:09 PM	#22
SEAREEF Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Lake Elsinore Ca Posts: 294	I run mine on my neptune controller 1min on /1 min off helps with the heat and my power bill __________________ Ron Current Tank Info: 220 gal sps

04/24/2006, 12:29 PM	#23
mattseattle Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: seattle Posts: 1,332	yeah, on full throttle the outside motor on mine is 135 degrees and on low it's roughly room temperature. Also I don't see how it can transfer any heat into the tank as there is an airspace between the motor and the gasket then your tank then another gasket then the propellor.

04/27/2006, 04:03 PM	#25
extinguishfire Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dallas-Fort Worth Posts: 286	I plan to get a vortech and turn it down low as it will go. I am getting it just for the battery back up feature when it comes out. __________________ 90 gallon bowfront for a year then upgraded to a 140 gallon in April 2005. Then in October 2007 started a 295 gallon in-wall build.