MP10 ES Vs Tunze 6055...Decisions Decisions

Slick Fork · #1 04-18-2011, 01:07 AM

So, as the title says I'm considering adding/changing my powerhead setup in the tank. The tank is a 33 gallon 36" long 18" high and 12" front to back. Currently I have a Tunze 6045 and a Tunze 6055. The 6055 is controlled with my profilux and the 6045 of course is just a straight on and off powerhead. Also providing flow is the return pump from the sump ~600-700 gph.

I had started off considering replacing the 6045 with another 6055 to see if I could get any kind of wave effect going. I had a wavebox in my old tank and I really miss the waves, but there just isn't the real estate in this one for it. Anyways, I poked around a little and by the time I buy the 6055+$40 worth of cords to hook it up to the profilux, I could buy a vortech MP10 ES.

So, I have been doing some headscratching to try and come up with what would be the best solution for me. I like the 6055 and with two of them I think I could do some neat stuff with alternating flow. I like Tunze products and have always had good luck with them.

On the other hand, the Demo videos for the mp10 and other videos on youtube seem to blow the 6055 out of the water. There is the possibility that I might be able to transition to a single MP10 + sump return for flow in the tank, freeing up a 1-10v port on my profilux would be nice, the battery backup is cool, and having no wires in the tank really appeals to me. My big concern with the MP10 is noise and reliability.

So, for those of you who have MP10's
* Is a single MP10 +return pump going to be sufficient for SPS in my tank? Or is that an unrealistic expectation?
* How do you find the noise? This tank is right behind my couch in the living room, I don't want to add more noise if possible
* Can I connect 2 MP10 ES's together or do I need to go wireless to have connectivity? (thinking about future tank upgrades, possibly to a 4'x2' tank)

Given that the cost is the same what do you recommend, 6055x2 or MP10+?

Cheers

BlueTang<3 · #2 04-18-2011, 01:27 AM

With the service i have been having from ecotech lately i would hands down go with the tunze. They dont look as cool but there dead silent.

Palmer · #3 04-18-2011, 01:37 AM

I use an MP40Wes not an MP10W but have been looking at the MP10's for an additional tank I am setting up that is the same size as yours pretty much.

I think an MP10W will be totally sufficient for your size tank.

I really have no concerns with the noise of my MP40Wes but that is more of a personal thing. I find the various modes on the Ecotechs and tremendous flow to be the best thing I have done for my tank to date. All my corals have increased polyp extension since adding the MP40Wes

I am not sure about the ability to sync the MP10W's if they are not the wireless. If you end up getting the MP10 I would go with the wireless just in case you want to upgrade to a different tank or add another it gives you more options...

Palmer

abcha0s · #4 04-18-2011, 01:44 AM

If you are concerned about noise, there is no decision to make. Vortechs are very loud compared to Tunze. Those who say otherwise can't here them because of the other loud pumps they own.

I own both Tunzes and Vortechs. Each has different pros and cons. The biggest benefit to Vortech is it's small in tank foot print. I also like the Vortech pump profiles but you really need more than one to take advantage of the more interesting modes.

I wouldn't recommend running only a single MP10. It helps to have multiple sources of flow.

Consider that with the MP10, you would need some kind of expansion module to control the pump with your controller. Of course you can run it independently, but if you already own a controller, and you buy an MP10, I am certain you will be shopping for the Vortech module in the near future.

Ultimately, both are good pumps. You really can't go wrong - unless noise is a problem for you, in which case the decision is simple.

- Brad

Palmer · #5 04-18-2011, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abcha0s

If you are concerned about noise, there is no decision to make. Vortechs are very loud compared to Tunze. Those who say otherwise can't here them because of the other loud pumps they own.

I don't own tunze pumps so cant comment other than that my tank is basically quiet and I have an MP40Wes. If the occasional hum of the external motor which I still find quiet is an annoyance to some then I can see not getting one. I actually like the sound because it reminds me of what its doing in the tank ... lol

In a 33 G tank an MP10W is going to create turbulance all over the tank in my opinion regardless of where the flow is initially directed from.

Madreefer · #6 04-18-2011, 02:17 AM

You say that you might be upgrading to a bigger tank so if you got a MP10 you would most likely be upgrading to a MP40 as well. I have the MP40's. I started out with just one and thought it was a really nice powerhead. Since I got a second pump I am really impressed with all of the different wave patterns and different functions that 2 together have. IMHO it's best to have two. I'm with Bluetang<3 on the service. It's a real pain in the ass for Canadian customers to get any service. The only way I got any help was to get on RC and start a rant on Ecotechs thread. Yes they are loud but that can be fixed but it will void your warranty. I have a couple of sets of bearings ordered so as soon as they arrive my warranty will be shot. You take your chances with the Vortech but the functions are really cool.

toxic111 · #7 04-18-2011, 02:19 AM

I have the same size tank as you with an old style (non es) MP10. Great flow. if you are after a decent wave you won't get it with a single one. the best I ever got was a 3/4" wave with the PH about 2" down in the water (from the top of the tank that is)

I leave mine on reef crest with speed set on max.. works great that way.

Slick Fork · #8 04-18-2011, 02:23 AM

I'd play it by ear as to whether to run it alone or not, if I go for it. I guess the trouble with noise is that it's all perception... one persons mild hum can be another persons ear splitting screech. Is there anything sort of standard or commonly found you guys could compare the noise to that might give me some idea?

As far as the controller goes that really is tough... The profilux offers an almost infinite number of settings to change manually, but I don't think it can actually do any of the sequences that the ecotech controller does. I could set up the wave, but I couldn't setup a wave that changes itself. In short, I don't think I would mind not having it plugged into the profilux.

What sort of issues have you had Wes?

Slick Fork · #9 04-18-2011, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxic111

I have the same size tank as you with an old style (non es) MP10. Great flow. if you are after a decent wave you won't get it with a single one. the best I ever got was a 3/4" wave with the PH about 2" down in the water (from the top of the tank that is)

I leave mine on reef crest with speed set on max.. works great that way.

A wave would be nice, but I'll be really happy with a nice chaotic kind of flow to keep everything mixed up. I sort of wonder if this tank is too small for the Tunze Nano streams to really shine. I think I have a fair amount of stale water with the two existing pumps.

Do you have any other flow in the tank? Deadspots? What's your take on the noise issue?

Cheers

Palmer · #10 04-18-2011, 02:49 AM

Here's a vid of the MP10W on a 37 G aquarium. The person that made the vid cycled through the different modes to show the sound for each. After looking at this it seems like the Reef crest mode which i use on the 40 is the least oppressive lol... But at least this gives you an idea of what it sounds like

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cI_BG2sUZw

Here's a pretty nice wave made on a 36" 30 G tank..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3RYioaSFvI