Vortechs

Jadinop · 03-28-2008, 07:39 PM

I haven't started my build thread yet but my 150g is up and running minus the lights. I have spent the last week or so moving 4 of the Koralia 4's all over the place but I'm just not happy with the flow or the look of them. I'm pretty much decided on doing 2 vortechs now but I wanted to see if there was any local experience with them before spending that much money. I have read every website and forum there is so I'm really just looking for people who currently use them or stopped using them for whatever reason. My plan is to put one on each side glass panel and run them on opposite cycles. This is going to be an sps dominant tank and I need major flow. My rockwork is stacked down the center of the tank
which should help but I do have a shallow sandbed that I would like to keep mostly in place.

I will be using an Aquacontroller 3 to run the tank and I read that they are working on a module similar to the Aquasurf that will allow the controller to run the Vortechs. Has anyone heard any updated info on this?

Hop · 03-28-2008, 07:55 PM

Hope you don't mind me popping in on a club forum but just wanted to say that I've been running the vortec for about a month and really like them. I had no problems that others have chimed in about here and there and the set up was just about as easy as it comes. I had to tweak the motor position twice to get it nearly silent at about 95% which took all of about 12 seconds

I can't see Neptune coming out with a controller for them though as the controller is attached to the motor unit via the cord (no removal) and all the settings from both units are easily set up from here... Unless there is something else in the works that I have not read about which could be interesting.

Jadinop · 03-28-2008, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the info, I'm open to anyone with experience using them. I got that Aquacontroller info on the Ecotech forum at RC. The Ecotech rep is the one who posted it after being questioned by someone about it. If I had to guess I would think it would work with the wireless wave driver and allow the operating modes to be set by the Aquacontroller wirelessly. Of course, that is just a guess.

And just to keep things accurate, the cord can be removed from the controller by opening the controller box up and disconnecting the molex connector. This could be helpful if you need to run the cords through a small area and can't fit the box through. Just be sure to put it back together the same way. This was posted by the Ecotech rep also so it should be correct.

Hop · 03-28-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jadinop

Thanks for the info, I'm open to anyone with experience using them. I got that Aquacontroller info on the Ecotech forum at RC. The Ecotech rep is the one who posted it after being questioned by someone about it. If I had to guess I would think it would work with the wireless wave driver and allow the operating modes to be set by the Aquacontroller wirelessly. Of course, that is just a guess.

And just to keep things accurate, the cord can be removed from the controller by opening the controller box up and disconnecting the molex connector. This could be helpful if you need to run the cords through a small area and can't fit the box through. Just be sure to put it back together the same way. This was posted by the Ecotech rep also so it should be correct.

That is good information to know... Now

After I had to feed that stupid box through the opening behind my tank

Interesting to say the least. I wonder if it will have additional modes. I like the pulse mode, but would love something a little more random in the future.

Jadinop · 03-28-2008, 08:19 PM

There is talk of a big product unveiling at the upcoming trade show from Ecotech. There was also mention of more modes including a possible feed and night mode. One thing I really like is the upgrade cabability that the controller has, it won't be long before some hacks their way in and figures out custom control scripts.

Hop · 03-28-2008, 08:22 PM

Very cool. I've been so busy I've been neglecting my product research. Guess I'll have to watch for updates in the future!

teach · 03-28-2008, 09:30 PM

I run 4 on my 180. I love them. They presently have a 10 minute feed mode that turns all of the pumps to minimum flow for 10 minutes. You're welcome to come check them out.

Jadinop · 03-28-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teach

I run 4 on my 180. I love them.

And I was worried that 2 in a 150 would be overdoing it. I'm pretty much sold on them but I may take you up on the offer to check them out. My main concerns are noise and how the outside unit will look on one side of the tank. Here is a pic of the side I'm concerned about, it is very visible and walked by constantly.

Jadinop · 03-28-2008, 10:45 PM

Here is a pic of the Koralia 4's that I currently have in there. They don't look too bad but I would probably need to add 4 more of them to really get the flow I want. Vortechs are looking like the best option for me now. Maybe 2 for the sides and 1 centered on the rear glass. Sorry about the pic quality, I had to use flash since my lights aren't mounted yet. On a side note, cycling without lighting seems to be going well. I have not even had to clean the glass once and the tank has been up at least 2 weeks if not longer already.