121a Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Introduction Well as many of you have already heard Ecotech Marine launched their newest Vortech pump called the MP10. They claim it is ideally suited for nano-reefs (50g and below). It comes with its own controller and the flow can be adjust from 200GPH-1575GPH with the twist of a dial. There are 5 modes for the pump: Constant Lagoon-Random and slow changing Reef Crest- Random and quick changing Short pulse (waves) Long pulse (waves) Then there is a feed mode and the night mode which is 50% of set speed on constant mode. The pump when at 100% power uses a nice low 18w and none of that is going to the tank since the motor is outside of the tank. I will be breaking the review into four parts setup below. Review ---Ease of Use--- 4 out of 5 Stars; The pump is very easy to setup. The modes can be changed with the touch of a button and the flow is adjusted with a dial. Setting up the pump disconnect (to enable error codes, apparently) seems tricky but i have not done it yet. The reason it does not get 5 stars is because i think this should be taken care of before they leave the factory. Night mode is easy to setup, the wave modes are a easy too, but just read the instructions. ---Packing--- 3 out of 5 Stars; This is talking about the box it comes in from Ecotech, not the shipping box. I have read that many peoples pumps come undone while in the box, mine did as well. it seems that there is a small piece of cardboard to hold the pump in place. Then all the other stuff is shoved down in the bottom. No foam or anything to protect the $195 pump. Though this should not detour you from buying one, mine worked and i'm sure many others who got theirs like this worked. ---Functionality--- 5 out of 5 Stars; Pump works flawlessly out of the box. Attach the two sides, plug in, and enjoy. The ability to control the power to the pump is amazing. The modes are also very useful, many seem to like the Reef Crest and the Lagoon modes, they are very nice and I plan to switch between them occasionally. Have not really created a wave yet but will soon for the video. One thing that bothers me is the holes to mount the controller, they are really small. I ended up using some fatter screws and they almost cracked the controller (where the holes are drilled, you'll see in one of the pics). The pump is also very small, which helps de-clutter the tank and remove equipment. It really look great and lets face it you get bragging rights. ---Flow--- 5 out of 5 Stars; Very wide and dispersed flow, much wider than the Koralia pumps that mine replaced. On 100% power the pump moves a ton of water and the corals seem to be loving it. Fish love it too. When you first use it the corals will probably close up, but mine opened within a hour of the pump being on. Can't speak on how they compare to Tunze pumps but these are way better than Koralias. Improvements: Packaging needs to be re thought or add some foam to keep the pump in place. Another thing that was senseless on Ecotech's part was a quick disconnect. The controller and the pump are wired together and it is rather dumb they did not put a disconnect on it. Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars Please feel free to ask questions or post your own review Pics: Here are the pictures and some crude video. Videos: Link to comment
Kraylen Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 It better be 5/5 for the damn price. Link to comment
LivingStrong08 Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Excellent write up! I think that you gave a very knowledgeable and proper eval. Thank you so much for this. I can't wait to get one!! Link to comment
Kraylen Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I'd rather get a K wavemaker. Link to comment
121a Posted July 16, 2009 Author Share Posted July 16, 2009 Thanks guys. Kray, the controller for the Koralias are $290 alone, then add the pumps your looking at over $350, which is even more than the MP20. Plus you have two huge pumps in the display... like i said i replaced a K1 and K2 in my tank, total 1000gph, i thought i would have some dead spots because 2 pumps versus 1, but i don't. There is not a dead spot and all there is in the tank is a small propeller. If you feel like $200 is a waste, then that is your opinion, the pump works great comes with a controller and is much smaller than the Koralias. Link to comment
LIreefer Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 You tested this on your 27 gallon tank? Link to comment
121a Posted July 16, 2009 Author Share Posted July 16, 2009 yep. i think my tank is a good test tank, it is 24x16x16 and i still get plenty of flow at the other end of the tank. I've seen on RC a 20L with the MP10, still a lot of flow. I would say up to 30" this pump is effective. Once you get into the 36" area, you will probably want the MP20 or 40. Link to comment
Rocket Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Setting up the pump disconnect (to enable error codes, apparently) seems tricky but i have not done it yet. I disagree with this. As a proud owner of the Big Daddy version (MP40w) this is easy to setup once you follow directions. I understand why the user has to set up the shut off disconnect. The pump factors in resistance to the motor when its running. This stops the pump from overheating. This same sensor needs to be calibrated each time the pump looses power. Now if the pump had a battery to hold the calibrations this would not be a problem But would probably be a higher price or need more UL certification and crap like that. I initially set up the auto shut off disconnect. But them I lost power and that clears all settings like the auto shut off disconnect and night mode and any wave patterns you have programmed. This is why they recommend the battery back up. But at $170 a crack I'll just ignore the auto shut off and set the thing to Reef crest 100% power and then 9 pm comes I'll hold the 2 buttons to set night mode. Link to comment
Stompz Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 Well, I was going to post videos and pictures of my MP10 this weekend, but you've done a great job. I agree with your review, but I don't have complaints about the shipping. My pump came with no shipping problems. Flow seems awesome in my 29g tank. I agree with your 30" statement, the pump still keeps particles suspended at 30" but I can't imagine it would be that strong beyond 30". My tank with my MP10 is currently cycling and I look forward to posting my experiences with this awesome pump. For anyone questioning the $195 price tag, let me just say, its worth it and you won't regret it. Link to comment
Egkid Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 I really wish they made an on/off switch without having to unplug it for when you do waterchanges. It'll get completley exposed when I do a water change and even on "Feeding" mode the pump is still barley spining, should I unplug it or just leave it on feed mode and race against the ten minutes I have during then? Link to comment
Wawawang Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 I really wish they made an on/off switch without having to unplug it for when you do waterchanges. It'll get completley exposed when I do a water change and even on "Feeding" mode the pump is still barley spining, should I unplug it or just leave it on feed mode and race against the ten minutes I have during then? Hold down both the buttons to stop the propeller. Just like you do when you setup night mode. Link to comment
Tenacious716 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Do you guys think this is enough for a 29G Mixed Reef (eventually SPS dominant)? I'm on the fence about whether or not it's enough, right now I'm running (2) K2s. Thanks! Link to comment
yeast Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Now if the pump had a battery to hold the calibrations this would not be a problem But would probably be a higher price or need more UL certification and crap like that. Higher price for a battery and more certification? Seems like if I'm buying a pumpthat is $200, $350, $450...I expect it to have full UL certification and a watch battery to hold the settings for the time it takes to restore power. I don't own one, and while they seem like neat toys, I'll stick with my $20-30 pumps. Link to comment
SoonerBrad Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I have been toying with the idea of adding an MP10 to my tank, this thread is helping me move in that direction... Link to comment
121a Posted July 25, 2009 Author Share Posted July 25, 2009 it is very nice, i have no regrets getting rid of the Koralias for this. Link to comment
Helfrichs Chick Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Here is what I have to say about Vortechs! The Big Daddy... MP40W Gen2, thank you very much LOL. Just got it today so will let you guys know how it works. Its going in a 20 gallon tank. JUUUUUst kidding. Going in a 110. I read ALLOT of info on these and honestly I couldnt see buying 2 or 3 Ks modding them and spending nearly what I would for the Vortech. Link to comment
Mechano Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Do you guys think this is enough for a 29G Mixed Reef (eventually SPS dominant)? I'm on the fence about whether or not it's enough, right now I'm running (2) K2s. Thanks! go with the mp40w Link to comment
121a Posted July 25, 2009 Author Share Posted July 25, 2009 ^ not at all close. IMO a MP10 will be fine. But if you want the MP20 will work as well. Link to comment
reeftankguy Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I have been toying with the idea of adding an MP10 to my tank, this thread is helping me move in that direction... Just do it! You wont be sorry.... Got my MP10 installed in my tank last night and all I can say is WOW! Link to comment
SoonerBrad Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 it is very nice, i have no regrets getting rid of the Koralias for this. Just do it! You wont be sorry.... Got my MP10 installed in my tank last night and all I can say is WOW! Thanks for the positive information. I will probably be making an order here in the next week or so once I am finished with my move at the end of the month. I am excited about the ability to control the flow through my tank a little better. Link to comment
Crippler Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 I just replace my Koralia Nanos in my 10g with an MP10. Holy! The MP10 is just plain brilliant engineering. The flow in my tank is insanely better and I can't see ever using any other kinds of pumps really. I love knowing that when I bump my nano up to either a 15g or 20L and when my SPS grow in, I'll still have a TON of flow to play with from the MP10. Link to comment
tsutaoka Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 does a mp10 make sense on a 12 gallon? i too have been toying with the idea of getting one. Link to comment
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