questions about vortech mp40 gen 1

christyf5 · #1 03-15-2010, 07:03 PM

So I just bought a used mp40 gen 1. Do I need to do the magnet upgrade? Whats so great about it

Also, the wireless driver/ecosmart upgrade is mostly only if I have more than one and want them to "talk to each other" right? Does the regular driver still do all the different modes or is that only the wireless one?

TIA

marie · #2 03-15-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christyf5

So I just bought a used mp40 gen 1. Do I need to do the magnet upgrade? Whats so great about it

Also, the wireless driver/ecosmart upgrade is mostly only if I have more than one and want them to "talk to each other" right? Does the regular driver still do all the different modes or is that only the wireless one?

TIA

I could be wrong but I believe the first generation had problems with magnets rusting over time and the new ones are better protected. I think the regular driver does the different modes because that was their big selling point when they first came out

Red Coral Aquariums · #3 03-15-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marie

I could be wrong but I believe the first generation had problems with magnets rusting over time and the new ones are better protected. I think the regular driver does the different modes because that was their big selling point when they first came out

+1 Check the magnet and keep it clean any sign of rust or corrosion clean and think about a wet side replacement. Find someone with a gen2 to do a software upgrade from also check ecotech's web site on instructions.
Kevin

christyf5 · #4 03-16-2010, 12:38 AM

So it really needs a wetside upgrade then, not just the magnet?

marie · #5 03-16-2010, 12:47 AM

It's the magnet inside the wet side that might need replacing not the whole thing

christyf5 · #6 03-16-2010, 12:55 AM

Oh, ok, that makes sense. I wasn't sure if they'd changed anything else on it. Thanks!

Red Coral Aquariums · #7 03-16-2010, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marie

It's the magnet inside the wet side that might need replacing not the whole thing

I will find out but my price lists do not include just the magnet. I have just replaced the whole wet side under warranty for customers. The whole wet side is $79.00. if not under warranty. Find out where the pump was purchased originally and see if it can be covered.
Kevin

mike31154 · #8 03-16-2010, 02:44 AM

More info on your MP40, is it an MP40W Gen 1 or an MP40 Gen 1? If it's the former, you already have a wireless driver so if you do get a second 'W' pump/driver, they will be able to work together. You will also want to confirm what firmware level your driver is at if it is a wireless driver. This is done by watching the LED light flash sequence when it is powered up. The sequence is explained in the instructions. The newer firmware adds night mode and long pulse mode. The newer ecosmart drivers have additional modes and functionality that even the latest firmware on current wireless drivers will not be able to do. So if you want these additional modes, you will need the newer driver, regardless of whether you have more than one pump or not.

My first MP40W was a Gen 1 purchased about 3 months before they upgraded the magnet and firmware. The magnet upgrade came as a kit from EcoTech, quite reasonably priced, less than $15 IIRC. It included the new magnet as well as a new shaft, plastic mounting screw and some bearing components. Improvements were made to the bearing & shaft along with the new magnet, so you'll want to make sure you get that as a kit. The new magnets are completely black whereas the older ones are metallic looking with a thin layer of plastic. This thin plastic eventually leaks and the magnet will rust. The newer magnets are also thicker than the old ones. Confused yet??

christyf5 · #9 03-16-2010, 02:57 AM

Its a MP40 non-wireless with old style magnet (metal nut and driveshaft) so I'm assuming the firmware is old school too (haven't plugged it in yet).

LOL I already had to have Marie explain to me how the pins work. I didn't get the "sticker" on the dry side that lets you know the spacing, as well I didn't get the dry gasket (or instructions for that matter but they're on the internet).

I dunno about upgrading to wireless, I don't have another vortech for the first one to talk to, hopefully he doesn't get too lonely

It looks like the magnet upgrade kit is all separate now, you have to buy the magnet and a "maintenance" kit that comes with 2 sets of shafts, nuts, washers and an extra impeller. Mind you, it seems aquariumspecialty sells a gen2 magnet upgrade kit that isn't on the ecotech site.

Canadian · #10 03-16-2010, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Coral Aquariums

I will find out but my price lists do not include just the magnet. I have just replaced the whole wet side under warranty for customers. The whole wet side is $79.00. if not under warranty. Find out where the pump was purchased originally and see if it can be covered.
Kevin

Here's the link to the Ecotech online parts store: http://ecotechmarine.com/parts-store/

The wet side magnet is $15USD directly from Ecotech to the consumer.