Sea Swirl or Vortech

martinphillip03 · 01/16/2010, 10:20 PM

I am starting a 120 gallon reef tank. SPS and LPS. What would you recommend. Two 3/4 inch SS on a closed loop. Or two MP40w. Cant have both.
As I see it price is about the same.
Thank you.

Marty

sedor · 01/16/2010, 10:26 PM

Voretchs all the way...nothing better than a pair on reef crest for SPS IMO.

Shane Hoffman · 01/16/2010, 10:44 PM

Vortechs!!!

I dont own them, I cant bring myself to spend the money yet. I have seen them in action on two friends tanks. They are amazing.

Daniel Reef · 01/16/2010, 10:48 PM

I would go with the Vortechs too. You can always add Sea Swirls later without the CL if you think that you need them.

jtrov · 01/17/2010, 12:23 AM

go with the vortechs. Buying one was my best investment imo.

JMalone81 · 01/17/2010, 02:54 AM

Vortech is the way to go. I own 3 and have never had a problem.

Eel-byte · 01/17/2010, 05:52 AM

I plan on using a 3/4" swirl for my return and a couple of vortechs for my 120g project.

martinphillip03 · 01/17/2010, 06:46 AM

I thought of that last night. That might be my best bet. I was looking at the energy consumed by the pumps to run the sea swirls; The vortechs are much more energy efficient

Marty

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eel-byte

I plan on using a 3/4" swirl for my return and a couple of vortechs for my 120g project.

username in use · 01/17/2010, 07:27 AM

Vortechs, and then put a sea-swirl or 2 on your return line. The sea-swirl is one of the best things that I ever put on my tank.

Eel-byte · 01/17/2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by username in use

Vortechs, and then put a sea-swirl or 2 on your return line. The sea-swirl is one of the best things that I ever put on my tank.

I just picked up a sea swirl from an RC member, unfortunatly the housing was damaged during shipping. I used to own a Vortech and had many issues with during the 6 months I had it. I decided to give them another go.

abrian · 01/17/2010, 07:48 AM

I have two Vortech 40s on my 120 absolutely love the flow. - Alan

kourt11234 · 01/17/2010, 08:41 AM

Vortech, based on flow and diff options!

golfish · 01/17/2010, 12:01 PM

I have a 120 gal reef (48L x 22T x 26D) I run one 1" SS for return off a Reeflo Barracuda. The cuda pumps a long way up and out to the garage through the chiller so the flow is probably about 1200 gph. I also use a Vortech (MP40)

I've had two SS's for 10+ years and never had a problems with em other then me breaking one (40.00 repair) I bought the Voetech about a year ago. I like the Vortech but I wouldn't use two in my tank. They just cost too much and their not all that great, IMO of course.

I've had some problems with mine not holding on to the glass and the bearings need to be replaced already.

Dave Harms · 01/17/2010, 12:04 PM

I love my vortech. The energy saved is awesome.

arredondojason · 01/17/2010, 12:06 PM

I am running 2 MP40s on my 240G tank and they move all the water I am running them in lagoon mode setup on anti-sync.

stealle · 01/17/2010, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eel-byte

I plan on using a 3/4" swirl for my return and a couple of vortechs for my 120g project.

Quote:

Originally Posted by username in use

Vortechs, and then put a sea-swirl or 2 on your return line. The sea-swirl is one of the best things that I ever put on my tank.

Yep, that's my plan. If you must choose between the two, go with the VorTechs. But if you can go with seaswirl(s) on the returns running along side a couple VorTechs then that would be sweet!

martinphillip03 · 01/17/2010, 08:43 PM

Thank you all

Marty

hemi-cuda · 01/23/2010, 08:09 PM

What energy consumption to run the Swirls.... I believe the Sea Swirl is only a 4 watt motor and only needs a pump that you would be using anyway to return water to the tank, so NO extra energy consumption if anything slightly less. Besides IMHO, Personally I would rather just see a black nozzle in the tank compared to a hardball/softball sized powerhead on the side of my tank. Takes away from the aesthetics. And you actually have oscillating current instead of linear current, and with their optional mounting bracket you can mount SS in the front corners of the tank. Try doing that with a Tunze or Eco.

martinphillip03 · 01/23/2010, 09:20 PM

the extra energy would have come from the extra pump running them. I was planning on running them on a closed loop.

Marty

Quote:

Originally Posted by hemi-cuda

What energy consumption to run the Swirls.... I believe the Sea Swirl is only a 4 watt motor and only needs a pump that you would be using anyway to return water to the tank, so NO extra energy consumption if anything slightly less. Besides IMHO, Personally I would rather just see a black nozzle in the tank compared to a hardball/softball sized powerhead on the side of my tank. Takes away from the aesthetics. And you actually have oscillating current instead of linear current, and with their optional mounting bracket you can mount SS in the front corners of the tank. Try doing that with a Tunze or Eco.

Mike31154 · 01/23/2010, 09:52 PM

The only thing I know about the Sea Swirl is what I've read. I have two VorTechs though and after looking at the design of the Sea Swirl, there's really no comparison. The Vortechs provide much broader flow and at least have some mounting flexibility vertically. From what I understand the Sea Swirl is a rim mounted device and although it oscillates, the relatively small nozzle provides only surface agitation in a very narrow stream. It's like comparing apples to oranges. IMO the Sea Swirl would be a useful device for your return flow but in no way would it provide sufficient circulation on its own for most systems. You'd need a very large pump for your closed loop and about six Sea Swirls to provide anywhere near the same circulation as two MP40Ws. The potential for leaks and clutter (not to mention six power cords) with that many Sea Swirls mounted on the rim of your tank makes me shudder.

hemi-cuda · 01/24/2010, 01:46 PM

If running on a CL then yes you would need another pump, but why not just use a unit mounted in each corner from your main pump? You would be very surprised at the motion created with just two units. Don't know why he would need six Swirls.....Tank is only a 120. Even @ 30x total tank volume 120gal. x 30 = 3600 total gph of circulation. Since he already has the return pump I'm sure two 1/2'' units mounted in opposite corners and oscillating either together or not would create great circulation throughout the tank not just at the surface. Yes, the output nozzle is 1/2'' or 3/4'' or 1'' depending on size unit purchased, but has great velocity at the outlet point to give the tank circulation in every corner. Deflection off front/side glass will give good amounts of movement onto the reef structure and different nozzle options give different current.

martinphillip03 · 01/24/2010, 07:45 PM

Thats exactly what plan c is. I am using a double drain in my overflow. Bought a bigger pump, a Reefflo 1100H. I should be pushing about 900g thru the Sea Swirls. And I bought a Vortach. Best of both worlds

Marty

Quote:

Originally Posted by hemi-cuda

If running on a CL then yes you would need another pump, but why not just use a unit mounted in each corner from your main pump? You would be very surprised at the motion created with just two units. Don't know why he would need six Swirls.....Tank is only a 120. Even @ 30x total tank volume 120gal. x 30 = 3600 total gph of circulation. Since he already has the return pump I'm sure two 1/2'' units mounted in opposite corners and oscillating either together or not would create great circulation throughout the tank not just at the surface. Yes, the output nozzle is 1/2'' or 3/4'' or 1'' depending on size unit purchased, but has great velocity at the outlet point to give the tank circulation in every corner. Deflection off front/side glass will give good amounts of movement onto the reef structure and different nozzle options give different current.

wdt2000 · 01/24/2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike31154

You'd need a very large pump for your closed loop and about six Sea Swirls to provide anywhere near the same circulation as two MP40Ws.

Wow, I don't think thats fair. I have one mocean and it can create much stronger flow than my MP40's. That said it does not create undertow and is a pain in the...

01/16/2010, 10:20 PM	#1
martinphillip03 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Posts: 1,300	Sea Swirl or Vortech I am starting a 120 gallon reef tank. SPS and LPS. What would you recommend. Two 3/4 inch SS on a closed loop. Or two MP40w. Cant have both. As I see it price is about the same. Thank you. Marty

01/16/2010, 10:26 PM	#2
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	Voretchs all the way...nothing better than a pair on reef crest for SPS IMO. __________________ Ryan

01/16/2010, 10:44 PM	#3
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	Vortechs!!! I dont own them, I cant bring myself to spend the money yet. I have seen them in action on two friends tanks. They are amazing. __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

01/16/2010, 10:48 PM	#4
Daniel Reef Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 1,430	I would go with the Vortechs too. You can always add Sea Swirls later without the CL if you think that you need them. __________________ Daniel Restarting my tank 90g 20g Life Reef sump 5ft Life Reef Skimmer See my album for pre-build tank pictures.

01/17/2010, 07:27 AM	#9
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	Vortechs, and then put a sea-swirl or 2 on your return line. The sea-swirl is one of the best things that I ever put on my tank. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

01/17/2010, 12:23 AM	#5
jtrov Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Hazleton, PA Posts: 50	go with the vortechs. Buying one was my best investment imo.

01/17/2010, 02:54 AM	#6
JMalone81 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Joliet IL Posts: 1,040	Vortech is the way to go. I own 3 and have never had a problem.

01/17/2010, 05:52 AM	#7
Eel-byte Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duluth, Mn Posts: 1,508	I plan on using a 3/4" swirl for my return and a couple of vortechs for my 120g project.

01/17/2010, 07:48 AM	#11
abrian Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 188	I have two Vortech 40s on my 120 absolutely love the flow. - Alan

01/17/2010, 08:41 AM	#12
kourt11234 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 70	Vortech, based on flow and diff options!

01/17/2010, 12:01 PM	#13
golfish Team RC Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Alta Loma, Ca Posts: 6,776	I have a 120 gal reef (48L x 22T x 26D) I run one 1" SS for return off a Reeflo Barracuda. The cuda pumps a long way up and out to the garage through the chiller so the flow is probably about 1200 gph. I also use a Vortech (MP40) I've had two SS's for 10+ years and never had a problems with em other then me breaking one (40.00 repair) I bought the Voetech about a year ago. I like the Vortech but I wouldn't use two in my tank. They just cost too much and their not all that great, IMO of course. I've had some problems with mine not holding on to the glass and the bearings need to be replaced already. __________________ grow em, frag em, trade em... Current Tank Info: TOTM curse

01/17/2010, 12:04 PM	#14
Dave Harms Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 466	I love my vortech. The energy saved is awesome. __________________ Dave Harms Current Tank Info: Established July 2008: 12g Oceanic, 4x 24w T5's, VorTech MP10, Tunze Nano Wavebox 6206, Phosban Reactor w/ BRS GFO powered by a Tunze Silence, Marineland Penguin 350, 50w Stealth heater

01/17/2010, 12:06 PM	#15
arredondojason Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 988	I am running 2 MP40s on my 240G tank and they move all the water I am running them in lagoon mode setup on anti-sync.

01/17/2010, 08:43 PM	#17
martinphillip03 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Posts: 1,300	Thank you all Marty

01/23/2010, 08:09 PM	#18
hemi-cuda Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 52	What energy consumption to run the Swirls.... I believe the Sea Swirl is only a 4 watt motor and only needs a pump that you would be using anyway to return water to the tank, so NO extra energy consumption if anything slightly less. Besides IMHO, Personally I would rather just see a black nozzle in the tank compared to a hardball/softball sized powerhead on the side of my tank. Takes away from the aesthetics. And you actually have oscillating current instead of linear current, and with their optional mounting bracket you can mount SS in the front corners of the tank. Try doing that with a Tunze or Eco.

01/23/2010, 09:52 PM	#20
Mike31154 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,555	The only thing I know about the Sea Swirl is what I've read. I have two VorTechs though and after looking at the design of the Sea Swirl, there's really no comparison. The Vortechs provide much broader flow and at least have some mounting flexibility vertically. From what I understand the Sea Swirl is a rim mounted device and although it oscillates, the relatively small nozzle provides only surface agitation in a very narrow stream. It's like comparing apples to oranges. IMO the Sea Swirl would be a useful device for your return flow but in no way would it provide sufficient circulation on its own for most systems. You'd need a very large pump for your closed loop and about six Sea Swirls to provide anywhere near the same circulation as two MP40Ws. The potential for leaks and clutter (not to mention six power cords) with that many Sea Swirls mounted on the rim of your tank makes me shudder. __________________ Mike Current Tank Info: 77g sumpless sw with rock, sand, a few critters, fishes & polyps. Lights, pumps..... Last edited by Mike31154; 01/23/2010 at 10:02 PM.

01/24/2010, 01:46 PM	#21
hemi-cuda Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 52	If running on a CL then yes you would need another pump, but why not just use a unit mounted in each corner from your main pump? You would be very surprised at the motion created with just two units. Don't know why he would need six Swirls.....Tank is only a 120. Even @ 30x total tank volume 120gal. x 30 = 3600 total gph of circulation. Since he already has the return pump I'm sure two 1/2'' units mounted in opposite corners and oscillating either together or not would create great circulation throughout the tank not just at the surface. Yes, the output nozzle is 1/2'' or 3/4'' or 1'' depending on size unit purchased, but has great velocity at the outlet point to give the tank circulation in every corner. Deflection off front/side glass will give good amounts of movement onto the reef structure and different nozzle options give different current.