Anybody considering Vortech??

gman0526 · 02-22-2006, 03:25 PM

Title is self explanatory

. Is anybody considering switching to Vortechs once they come out? Seems like a good option for tons of water movement. Since I have SEIO's right now anything would be an upgrade, even though I can't complain about my SEIO's. Any opinions?

elephen · 02-22-2006, 04:54 PM

I have 2 VorTech's on pre-order for late March/early April. I told my distributor that I wanted 2 of these 9 months ago when they were first starting to make waves... I think they are around $315-325, somewhere in that ball park.

SeanT · 02-22-2006, 04:59 PM

I asked about the vortechs in the Icecap forum on that other bb and never got a real response (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=766117) my question is on page 2.
From what I understand, they are priced as much as a Tunze but don't put out quite the same gph...and no really cool multi-controller available.
Sean

elephen · 02-22-2006, 05:06 PM

Sean-

Based on the specs and details I saw the Tunze's don't put out as much as they claim to... Anyway the VorTech's true output is just under 3,100gph and at full stream it uses less wattage then a 6100 at full stream.

I'll have to find the details that one of the guys from Ecotech Marine posted, had real nice data with all the details.

IMO once the controller is out which will be later this year from what I understand I think these will really kick the Stream's butts especially in sales. They are the same price/ballpark.

Jay G · 02-22-2006, 08:31 PM

Champion Lighting as them listed on their site for avaliable for pre-order at $345 each

http://www.championlighting.com/prod...0&cat=0&page=1

Orion76 · 02-23-2006, 06:17 AM

I will seriously consider adding some to my tank once they are out and reported to be good. I think the concept is brilliant.

Won't be pre-ordering any though, let's see some user experiences first

redwinger · 02-24-2006, 02:28 PM

I thought these might be a great alternative, however someone I know who is a regular at IMAC as a vendor saw them last year and said they were a POS. He was not impressed at all with them. However long term results in the real world will tell the tale....

elephen · 02-24-2006, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwinger

I thought these might be a great alternative, however someone I know who is a regular at IMAC as a vendor saw them last year and said they were a POS. He was not impressed at all with them. However long term results in the real world will tell the tale....

Seems like an odd statement, I don't think IceCap would stand behind any type of 'junk' or 'POS' what-so-ever. From a business standpoint that would go against their entire philospohy.

Then again the models he saw were alpha and beta test models too, I think you will be surprised with the final release.

Blorton · 02-24-2006, 06:51 PM

Personally, I'm waiting to see how they shake out in the real world. After recently seeing a good Tunze system running with their controller on the variable program, I'm getting that or the equivalent for my display. If Icecap can do comparable things with a modest price break over the Tunze and much cleaner mounting options, I'm sold.

But I'm in no hurry. I've got plenty of maxijets to keep the poop stirred up in the meantime.

Dan

redwinger · 02-24-2006, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elephen

Seems like an odd statement, I don't think IceCap would stand behind any type of 'junk' or 'POS' what-so-ever. From a business standpoint that would go against their entire philospohy.

Then again the models he saw were alpha and beta test models too, I think you will be surprised with the final release.

Nah I won't be surprised with a final release unless they have a way to point it in different directions like the tunze and if they figure out a way to control them like a tunze can be. Neat concept and wish them the best, however I think there are much better alternatives for the money on the market IMO

elephen · 02-25-2006, 09:59 AM

I think the big value is they are more energy efficient then the Tunze, they are benchmarked at that they truly due (unlike the streams which produce a bit less flow then advertised) and they take up 1/3 of the real estate a stream does. I hate the look of big bulky powerheads in my tank which is why I have never purchased a Stream, heck I have about 20 6100's in stock right now and they are just large.

I do agree with you that it would be nice to have some way to angle it but that would make it slighly bigger also.

redwinger · 02-25-2006, 11:23 AM

If I run a my 6100 at full stream 24 hours a day. It costs me a whole $2.30 a month, however running it on the pulse it is costing me a whole $1.15 a month. Any electrical savings on the vortech is going to be maybe what $.30 a month. If you are concered about $.30 a month on your tank there is a big problem. Maybe if the vortech had rocks like the streams that inclosed the stream taking it out of site and making it more visually appealing that would work. Nevermind a rock hanging off the glass probally wouldn't look that great.