We just started using the VorTech MP40w aquarium pumps and they are awesome. The Wireless Wave Driver enables wireless coordination and enhanced functionality between multiple MP40w units right out of the box, with no extra equipment to buy. This makes it one of the most effective solutions on the market for larger aquariums. This also puts it in the same league as the Tunze Stream Pumps AKA Turbelle® Stream and puts the nail in the coffin for those yesteryear wave makers. We highly recommend both but the EchoTech Marine out of the box wave maker makes it our first choice for our customers with out a Neptune Aqua Controller, Neptune AquaController Apex or Tunze 7095.
The VorTech MP40w is perfect for reef aquariums between 50 and 500 gallons. The Mp40w puts out up to 3,200 GPH and can be dialed back to 1,000 for smaller tanks. This is the perfect pump for those planning to upgrade later. Tunze does top the EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40w on flow. Their Turbelle® stream 6305 puts out an amazing 2,377 to 7,925 GPH at only 54watts.
Both Tunze and EchoTech Marine produce a great pump for nano reefs . Tunze has their line of Turbelle® nanostream® pumps. My son has one in his 28 Gal Nano Reef and it provides a great gentle flow for his reef tank. The VorTech MP10 is rated for tanks 2.5Gal to 50 and puts out between 200GPH and 1575 GPH. We currently have this pump on our 100 Gal zoa/ricordia tank. This was our first choice as a battery backup is produced by Ice Cap. Having a battery backup for the reef aquarium is extremely important in the event of a power outage. You can sleep well knowing our prized corals have enough flow to weather the storm. The VorTech MP10 is rated for up to 72 hours and the MP40w is rated at up to 36 hours with the Ice Cap Battery Backup. Tunze also has the ability to incorporate a batter back up but we have not seen one that simply plugs in like the IceCap Battery Back Up for the VorTech Pumps
Another reason we like both Tunze Turbelle® Stream and VorTech Pumps are the different operational modes. These simulate different type of wave action depending on the type of reef flow you are looking for. The Tunze Stream pumps use the 7095 controller. The Stream Pumps also can be tied into the Neptune Apex AquaController or the Neptune AquaController III.
The EcoTech MP40w reef aquarium pump has a unique advantage over the Tunze 7095 as its inclusive and has numerous operational modes. The Tunze 7095 has to be purchased separately and offers roughly the same modes.
Feed Mode: Slows down your pump for 10 minutes to allow you to feed your aquarium.
Constant Speed Mode: The pump runs at a constant speed you set based on your aquarium’s specific needs.
Reef Crest Mode: Automatically simulates the high-energy conditions of a natural reef crest environment.
Lagoon Mode: Automatically simulates a calmer, lagoon reef environment.
Short Pulse Mode: Allows for wave pulse timings between 0.3 and two seconds, enabling the creation of FAST alternating flow throughout the tank.
Long Pulse Mode: Allows for wave pulse timings of between two seconds and 60 seconds, enabling the creation of slow alternating flow throughout the tank.
Night Mode: Enables the pump to operate for 14 hours in whichever mode is selected for the day and go back to Night Mode for 10 hours. Master pumps will tell their slaves to go into Night Mode as well.
Pump Disconnect: Automatically shuts down the system if the wet and dry sides become separated.
Wireless Wave Driver: Enables wireless coordination between multiple MP40w units right out of the box, with no extra equipment to buy – making it the most cost-effective solution on the market.
Sync and Anti-Sync Slave Modes: In a multi-pump setup, slave pumps will operate in sync or inverse (anti-sync) to the master pump to create tidal currents within your aquarium.
The Tunze 7095 allows for similar control and flexibility but has to be purchased separately.
On our private SPS Reef Aquarium we use several Tunze 6200 series stream pumps and have great results. However the EcoTech MP40w has the motor on the outside. This is one aquarium pump that will not heat your reef aquarium. This is an advantage here in the Midwest in the summer but a slight disadvantage in the winter. In the winter it is an advantage to have pumps heat your aquarium but either way I like to keep the electricity out of the salt water. The Tunze Turbelle® Stream offers the advantage of pointing the flow in almost any direction and is just as if not more efficient than the EcoTech Marine VorTech Pumps.
The Bottom Line is both pumps are fully capable of providing the flow for your reef aquarium and both EcoTech Marine and Tunze products offer outstanding products and customer support. Either way you cannot go wrong with either pump.
Click Here To Purchase VorTech Pumps
Click here for more info on Ecotech Marine Products.