jestep Posted December 23, 2010 Share Posted December 23, 2010 I've been saving up for a decent upgrade and can't figure out which one to get. I've really been wanting a Vortech but the cost is pretty ridiculous when I can buy a reef keeper and 2 decent hydors or other pumps for the same cost. I also don't have an RO/DI, but my tank is fairly small so it's not a huge deal buying water every week. I did buy a tunze osmolator right away which I can say is an absolute lifesaver. If I was going to setup a new tank, I would buy this before the tank even... Is the vortech really worth the cost. I am getting more into SPS, and it is really hard to get not directional flow with normal pumps but $300 is crazy for a single pump. My other thought was a reefkeeper and 2 hydors or modded MJ 1200's. I can control my lighting and heater with this as well which is really cool. Anyway, what would you upgrade? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derekreefer Posted December 23, 2010 Share Posted December 23, 2010 What size is your tank? An MP10 is good up to 50gallon'ish and is around $200 new same as that tunze ATO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestep Posted December 23, 2010 Author Share Posted December 23, 2010 28g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted December 23, 2010 Share Posted December 23, 2010 I've been saving up for a decent upgrade and can't figure out which one to get. I've really been wanting a Vortech but the cost is pretty ridiculous when I can buy a reef keeper and 2 decent hydors or other pumps for the same cost. I also don't have an RO/DI, but my tank is fairly small so it's not a huge deal buying water every week. I did buy a tunze osmolator right away which I can say is an absolute lifesaver. If I was going to setup a new tank, I would buy this before the tank even... Is the vortech really worth the cost. I am getting more into SPS, and it is really hard to get not directional flow with normal pumps but $300 is crazy for a single pump. My other thought was a reefkeeper and 2 hydors or modded MJ 1200's. I can control my lighting and heater with this as well which is really cool. Anyway, what would you upgrade? If you are going to spend $200 on an ATO when you could get an ATO for $50, then it's hard to argue that spending $300 for a Vortec is "insane". I've been on the vortec hater side of things for a long time. Now that I gotten my hands on one, I won't go back to not having one. I love the small footprint, the lack of cords in my tank, the many, many modes it has, how I can control it from Apex and how wide the flow is. Is buying one an investment? YES. And with software upgrades that are sure to come down the line and backwards compatibility of the EcoSmart, You can buy one today and have it for a long time. At the most basic level you are only getting 1 pump for the cost with the vortec. However, when you look at everything it can do, it is clearly in a different universe than a modded MJ (which are ubber ugly, BTW). Comparing the vortec to the MJ's or hydros is like comparing a BMW to a Hyundai - its not an apples to apples comparison. My vote is for the vortec. You are welcome to come check out mine if you want to see them up close and personal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Posted December 23, 2010 Share Posted December 23, 2010 I want a vortec, so you should too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robb in Austin Posted December 23, 2010 Share Posted December 23, 2010 Don't forget that with a Reefkeeper, you have to buy modules to fully utilize it therefore increasing the cost. If you think you will be going bigger tank wise, spend the money on the RODI unit or towards the tank fund. If not, then Vortech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derekreefer Posted December 23, 2010 Share Posted December 23, 2010 I also was a hater, until I hooked one up. I have messed with the placement and run it full bore on different modes. I have not been able to knock it off the glass which is the biggest thing I have heard against them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike M. Posted December 27, 2010 Share Posted December 27, 2010 I received a Vortech MP60 for my tank for Christmas. I now have both Tunzes and this big Vortech. Accolades aside, I really like this Vortech. The flow on it is very broad and generalized. It moves a ton of water but doesn't rip the SPS off the live rock. Like Will said, I want one and so should you. I'll tell you, I have one and think you should want one too! Hope you all got some cool toys for your holiday celebration! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestep Posted January 1, 2011 Author Share Posted January 1, 2011 I've been leaning toward the vortech. I do agree with the tunze cost assessment. In defense I did get mine from a fellow reefer here for under $100, but after using it I would buy one for new in a heart beat. Anyway, thanks for the input. I will probably go with the tunze and then possibly get a RO unit in the spring or summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestep Posted January 14, 2011 Author Share Posted January 14, 2011 Got my MP10 yesterday. This thing has some serious power. Was sucking a vortex of air at about 8" deep not even on full power, so I'm still playing with the settings and power level. Amazing that every coral had the best polyp extension I've ever seen in my tank about an hour after I first hooked it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robb in Austin Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 There ya go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooks Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 VorTech was the way to go. Glad you got one! I would never go back to not having one... they are just too awesome. Though, I don't need one on my current set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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