Tunzes vs VorTech

[danskim]

Anyone think it'd be worth it to change from 2x6100 and 7095 to 2 Vortechs?

[kysard1]

no, I have a Vortec and the fact that it can't be aimed is a major drawback. Also it can't be put on a wave controller, only on 5 min/off 5 min .

[danskim]

Interesting, I forgot about that.
I'll stick with my Tunzes for now.

[aquavista99]

I run both pumps on my system. I decided to add the VorTech pumps for the battery backup feature in case of a power outage. I prefer the flow of the VorTech pump over the Tunze 6100, and I like the compact size better as well. However, to date, only Tunze offers controllable features, like wave and tide simulation and a foodtimer. Tunze offers a two warranty on the Stream pumps whereas EcoTech Marine only offers a one year warranty for the VorTech pumps. I am very pleased with both pumps.

[GSMguy]

controllers are completly over rated, there is just no need to turn the pumps on and off or up and down.

i wouldent trade tunzes for vortechs since you allready have the tunze and the tunze moves the water further because of the smaller outlet

[danskim]

I don't know if I'd say overrated because they create more random flow, although a wide dispersed flow is good too.

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

But when you are running one pump at a time you aren't getting much overall flow.
If you already have the 6100's keep them, but I too prefer the flow and hideability/clean look of the vortech's.

[GSMguy]

i should have said random flow is overrated

[tacocat]

Originally posted by GSMguy
controllers are completly over rated, there is just no need to turn the pumps on and off or up and down.

Have you used one? On paper, it does sound overrated, but if you set up your pumps and controller correctly, the constant back and forth motion of the pumps gets the entire water column moving in the tank. Envision two people rocking a large boulder.

The controller isn't about gph, it's about the synergistic effect of two or more pumps pushing and pulling (not a good word) against each other. Remember the Vortech controller demo video? The total sum of water moving in that video far exceeded the combined specified flow of both pumps.

The Tunze Wavebox is another example of where a controller enables a pump to move an expontential greater amount of water than the pump can do by itself.

[RichConley]

Originally posted by tacocat
Have you used one? On paper, it does sound overrated, but if you set up your pumps and controller correctly, the constant back and forth motion of the pumps gets the entire water column moving in the tank. Envision two people rocking a large boulder.

Or, you could face the two pumps in the same direction, and let momentum increase velocity. It works MUCH better.


I've used controllers, and I think theyre overrated too.

[sditch]

Both are great, I prefear the vortech because of the broad flow and under toe it creates. When you have a Vortech there is no need to direct the flow as much as the tunze......

[GSMguy]

wavebox is great but its supplemental..

my vortech moves every bit of water in my 50g all day long no need for rocking boulders.
i dont see how a controller could help it. but ill still get it
just like i still have my tunze controller.

i have used wavetimers (aquacontroller jr) and tunze controller i have mine all set to 100% on

[GSMguy]

rich, all my pumps save one blow in the same direction its the only way i could get so that detritus didnt just settle and move and settle and move now all the detritus settles in one spot that is easy for me to siphon

[kysard1]

I have a vortec in a 50G too. Not being able to aim it is problematic in my small tank. I have to leave it at the lowest setting.

I believe timers/wave controllers are essential. Corals don't look as well always bending in the same direction. Maybe just asthetics, but still important.

[tacocat]

Originally posted by RichConley
Or, you could face the two pumps in the same direction, and let momentum increase velocity. It works MUCH better.


I've used controllers, and I think theyre overrated too.

I currently have my pumps facing the same direction. I prefered them on opposing ends. Which controller have you used? I used the old Tunze 7094, and that thing sucked compared to the 7095. I use a 1.5s and 1s pulses. The short pulses allow for some serious water movement.

GSM,

You missed the point on the wavebox. Basically, the wavebox is useless without it's controller. The controller is what enable the pump to produce the wave. In a 50g, true, a controller may not do much, but when your tank is 100g or more, you start seeing the benefits.

danskim,

I'd stick to the Tunzes and controller for now. I'd consider the Vortech only after the controller has been released.

[GSMguy]

Originally posted by GSMguy
i should have said random flow is overrated

[tacocat]

Originally posted by GSMguy

I'm not typing about random flow at all, just the amplification of total water moved as a result of using the controller. Matter of fact, my flow really isn't random in my tank. It rotates in a clockwise fashion. In the Vortech video, the water movement isn't random, it is moving in a circular motion.

Random flow is kind of a misnomer, and I don't even think about it all. Random flow just kind of happens in all tanks, no matter what your setup is.

[danskim]

I've seen some recent threads about people have temperature problems with their Vortechs. What are your experiences with them?