Vortch MP10 durability

sean-820 · 06/05/2014, 09:19 PM

From what I understand these are great pumps however my main concern is their durability and longevity. I have heard of many MP pumps having issues with bearings or needing the wet/dry sides replaced within a year or two. I have no problem on spending the money if it can last at least a few years but with only a year warranty, I don't want to be replacing it a year and a half from now.

So for everybody that has one, how long have you had it and have you had any issues? Also, are 2014 models any more reliable then the original version? I am hoping the number of pumps with issues is small relative to the total amount sold. Another cheaper option I am considering is a jebao rw8.

Thanks

ca1ore · 06/05/2014, 09:34 PM

The reality is that folks are much more likely to complain 'publicly' than if they are happy with something. Therefore, online reports of problems are completely useless in trying to determine the failure rate of anything. I would expect, given it's higher price, that the Vortech would a outlast the Jebao. But absent any large sample data, that may simply be wishful thinking. My MP10 is three years old and still runs like a top. But, I clean it regularly and only run it up to about 75%.

sean-820 · 06/05/2014, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

The reality is that folks are much more likely to complain 'publicly' than if they are happy with something. Therefore, online reports of problems are completely useless in trying to determine the failure rate of anything.

^that is what I am considering. I just want to hear some cases of running numerous years with no issues to be certain that a pump dying after two years isn't a common occurrence. Would the %speed/power or modes make a difference in longevity? My tank is a 20H so I suspect I would be running it at 50% or less.

SloppyJ · 06/05/2014, 10:11 PM

I have two that are 3 years old. No issues.

matty0206 · 06/05/2014, 10:41 PM

I have never had an issue with the six I have owned other than dumb mistakes I made. Dropping wet sides tends to crack ceramic.
The only reason so many people complain about Vortech's is they seem to equate a higher price with "this thing should and better not ever wear out or break for the price I paid". Problem is, everything wears. Clean your wet sides once a month and it's all good!

sean-820 · 06/06/2014, 04:45 AM

Thanks for the replies it is very reassuring sofar. How do the wetsides usually fail? From what i understand the wet side is only really a propeller on a shaft attached to magnets so not much to fail except physical damage.

EcoTech Marine · 06/06/2014, 05:21 AM

The MP10 is an extremely reliable pump. These days it's not very often that our customer service team has to work on any MP10s that are under a year old at least. The wetside is very robust in use but the ceramic shaft can break if dropped.

Be careful with it during handling, clean the pump regularly, and make sure it's aligned. These steps will ensure the MP10 works for you for many years.

In the event that something does go wrong, our customer service staff is right here in PA to take care of you.

bdsage · 06/06/2014, 01:43 PM

Costumer service is very good they sent me a new wet and dry side to solve my problem...

Toddrtrex · 06/06/2014, 03:25 PM

Currently have 6 (( A pair for each tank )), all of them are at least 3 years old, and 2 are 4 years old. No issues at all.

Allmost · 06/06/2014, 03:30 PM

3+ years and no issues with MP10, 40s, and 60s.

as with anything in salt water, important to clean often. MP60 can stop working if not cleaned ! ive had friends buy new wet side, only to find out the old one just needed a good vinegar bath.

they have great customer service too ! I remember once I dropped a controller in salt water ... purely my fault, yet they replaced the board for me ! I could not buy any other pumps after that ...

I would not compare vortech pumps to any other pumps in the market, they are simply amazing, and look cool ! technical ppl that visit my tank are always fascinated by it ! sometimes it gets more attention than my corals and fish haha.

nogascans · 06/06/2014, 03:32 PM

I have a pair of MP10ES, approximately 2 years old. I did have an issue with one dry side motor (stall error). Ecotech technical support was very helpful and supplied with a replacement (refurb) dry side. Getting ready to buy a pair of MP40's for DT now. Going to move the existing pair to new 60 cube build.

I am sold on them as a great product and excellent customer service.

Sincerely,

David

Windirmere · 06/06/2014, 03:54 PM

3 years old and dropped the dry side a few times :s (use the stickie thing they give you to support the cord!)

hilgert · 06/06/2014, 05:54 PM

+1 on the MP10...I have a few of them. I have one with a damaged wet side that came that way out of the box (one of the plastic pieces was cracked but not in such a way that it affects operation). I might replace it before my one year is up. I think the only reason I did not yet replace it was they wanted CC info to send me a new one (or I'd have to send mine back first, which I don't want to do for operational reasons).

Anyway, I'd certainly buy them again for the appropriate purpose (high volume, low in-tank footprint).

sean-820 · 06/07/2014, 06:27 AM

Thanks all for responding. It looks like i'll be getting a vortech soon. I've read a lot of review threads and most of the people hating the product have never had it and those praising it only had it couple months so it is great to hear such positive reviews after a few years.

06/05/2014, 09:19 PM	#1
sean-820 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 78	Vortch MP10 durability From what I understand these are great pumps however my main concern is their durability and longevity. I have heard of many MP pumps having issues with bearings or needing the wet/dry sides replaced within a year or two. I have no problem on spending the money if it can last at least a few years but with only a year warranty, I don't want to be replacing it a year and a half from now. So for everybody that has one, how long have you had it and have you had any issues? Also, are 2014 models any more reliable then the original version? I am hoping the number of pumps with issues is small relative to the total amount sold. Another cheaper option I am considering is a jebao rw8. Thanks

06/05/2014, 09:34 PM	#2
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	The reality is that folks are much more likely to complain 'publicly' than if they are happy with something. Therefore, online reports of problems are completely useless in trying to determine the failure rate of anything. I would expect, given it's higher price, that the Vortech would a outlast the Jebao. But absent any large sample data, that may simply be wishful thinking. My MP10 is three years old and still runs like a top. But, I clean it regularly and only run it up to about 75%. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

06/06/2014, 05:21 AM	#7
EcoTech Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Allentown, PA Posts: 4,870	The MP10 is an extremely reliable pump. These days it's not very often that our customer service team has to work on any MP10s that are under a year old at least. The wetside is very robust in use but the ceramic shaft can break if dropped. Be careful with it during handling, clean the pump regularly, and make sure it's aligned. These steps will ensure the MP10 works for you for many years. In the event that something does go wrong, our customer service staff is right here in PA to take care of you. __________________ Tim Marks President EcoTech Marine www.ecotechmarine.com If the above information doesn't help you, please contact us at 1-800-785-0338 ext. 2 or by e-mailing [email]support@ecotech

06/06/2014, 01:43 PM	#8
bdsage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 265	Costumer service is very good they sent me a new wet and dry side to solve my problem... __________________ Easy does it... Current Tank Info: 40b. sps, Metal Halide,big skimmer,lots of flow, barebottom, natural seawater.

06/06/2014, 03:25 PM	#9
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	Currently have 6 (( A pair for each tank )), all of them are at least 3 years old, and 2 are 4 years old. No issues at all. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

06/05/2014, 10:11 PM	#4
SloppyJ Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Centerton, Arkansas Posts: 322	I have two that are 3 years old. No issues.

06/05/2014, 10:41 PM	#5
matty0206 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vancouver Wa. Posts: 578	I have never had an issue with the six I have owned other than dumb mistakes I made. Dropping wet sides tends to crack ceramic. The only reason so many people complain about Vortech's is they seem to equate a higher price with "this thing should and better not ever wear out or break for the price I paid". Problem is, everything wears. Clean your wet sides once a month and it's all good!

06/06/2014, 04:45 AM	#6
sean-820 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 78	Thanks for the replies it is very reassuring sofar. How do the wetsides usually fail? From what i understand the wet side is only really a propeller on a shaft attached to magnets so not much to fail except physical damage.

06/06/2014, 03:30 PM	#10
Allmost Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: canada, toronto Posts: 8,161	3+ years and no issues with MP10, 40s, and 60s. as with anything in salt water, important to clean often. MP60 can stop working if not cleaned ! ive had friends buy new wet side, only to find out the old one just needed a good vinegar bath. they have great customer service too ! I remember once I dropped a controller in salt water ... purely my fault, yet they replaced the board for me ! I could not buy any other pumps after that ... I would not compare vortech pumps to any other pumps in the market, they are simply amazing, and look cool ! technical ppl that visit my tank are always fascinated by it ! sometimes it gets more attention than my corals and fish haha.

06/06/2014, 03:32 PM	#11
nogascans Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Jesup, Georgia (USA) Posts: 387	I have a pair of MP10ES, approximately 2 years old. I did have an issue with one dry side motor (stall error). Ecotech technical support was very helpful and supplied with a replacement (refurb) dry side. Getting ready to buy a pair of MP40's for DT now. Going to move the existing pair to new 60 cube build. I am sold on them as a great product and excellent customer service. Sincerely, David

06/06/2014, 03:54 PM	#12
Windirmere Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Courteny BC Canada Posts: 452	3 years old and dropped the dry side a few times :s (use the stickie thing they give you to support the cord!)

06/06/2014, 05:54 PM	#13
hilgert Excessive Minimalist Join Date: May 2004 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 747	+1 on the MP10...I have a few of them. I have one with a damaged wet side that came that way out of the box (one of the plastic pieces was cracked but not in such a way that it affects operation). I might replace it before my one year is up. I think the only reason I did not yet replace it was they wanted CC info to send me a new one (or I'd have to send mine back first, which I don't want to do for operational reasons). Anyway, I'd certainly buy them again for the appropriate purpose (high volume, low in-tank footprint).

06/07/2014, 06:27 AM	#14
sean-820 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 78	Thanks all for responding. It looks like i'll be getting a vortech soon. I've read a lot of review threads and most of the people hating the product have never had it and those praising it only had it couple months so it is great to hear such positive reviews after a few years.