Vortech in a smallish cube

kwirky · #1 04-09-2008, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Thanks for the new video Sean.

It looks like a great unit. For sure it looks like you wouldn't need anything else for flow in your tank.

So, if each unit comes with a controller of its own, how does one determine which one is the "base unit" when you have multiple units?

I do love the stealthy aspect of it. See, what Drew said about the waveboxes not being aimable is why I was thinking it was a question of "Vortech versus wavebox" not "Vortech versus streams". But this is clearly more versatile than a wavebox on its own AND it's cheaper than a wavebox.

there's a holding of buttons combination you enter to change the pumps between master and slave and then sync/antisync.

As for making real waves with the single unit I don't know how it'd work on a larger tank with only one. But wavemaking is a gimick I think compared to random water flow. Reefs don't experience "waves," they experience the random water flow swirling around the corals n such. I think areas in nature that have actual waves are those macroalgae reefs. I saw one mimicked at the vancouver aquarium a while ago that was probably using one of those gravity powered wavemakers you can DIY. It had macroalgae waving back & forth, no coral.

buying two vortechs would be more expensive than a wavebox but I predict it'd provide better flow than a single wavebox. When looking at a wavebox in action it seemed like the water wasn't really getting anywhere, just back & forth. The reef crest random mode or lagoon random mode would get the water places.

And waves aren't good for the tank, structurally. A wavebox and a vortech are capable of making extreme waves like you see in youtube videos. I asked gary (the contractor who built my tank) about using a wavemaker and he immediatly gave me a big fat no

. Aghast is how I could describe his answer lol. He said even if the tank were built with 10mm glass he'd rather it not be done. He said lots of random turbulent flow would be ok on the tank.

those are the reasons I was comparing it to the streams on a controller rather than a wavebox. Or even a stream on a wavysea. That'd be the ultimate but the most expensive (and bulkiest) I believe.

Wai's has a wavebox setup if you're in calgary and want to see one in action yourself. I was nowhere near impressed with as I am with the vortech. I saw another one in action at a reefer's house like a year ago. He had it cranked up crazy high and lots of his corals reacted poorly to it.

Delphinus · #2 04-09-2008, 06:51 AM

Thanks, I realize that, but it's OK - I already have 2 ready to go. Like I said earlier though it's my frustration that there aren't displays where you can go and see and compare each in person that makes preguessing beforehand what is the better choice for you somewhat difficult. If I could have seen both in person I might have made a different choice in how to spend the investment.

I kind of agree, kind of disagree that waves are a gimmick. I would put it as, water flow is just the most important aspect of modeling the biotope. The whoosh whoosh back and forth effect is a nice aesthetic but the more important part of the equation is the dispersion of the flow and the distribution. When Rob Toonen came to town a few years back I had a great conversation with him about water movement. (I'm quoting him now because I don't have any references handy, sorry), he told me that water movement from opposing directions (as opposed to a static flow condition) can influence coral growth by as much as ten times. That's not insignificant, and if you think about it, it makes sense that a reef doesn't see water coming in the same direction 100% of the time.

So I think it depends on how you're using it and why.

At any rate, I keep trying to say that I think the Vortech is a good unit and it feels like you keep trying to argue with me.

I don't get it. So, I guess I'll just stop playing now. You're right ... um .. whatever it is you're trying to say, you're right, and I'm wrong. Peace out.

(J/K - note the smileys. I like the Vortech, I'm sort of second guessing my choices now is all.)

kwirky · #3 04-09-2008, 07:05 AM

I'm sorry if I sounded argumentative tony. unfortunately typed text doesn't work as well as face to face and online conversations suffers because of it. call the previous post ranting/thinking aloud

. I respect you and your experience, really I do.

Delphinus · #4 04-09-2008, 07:08 AM

Ditto

(Sorry, I edited my post to show that I am just playing around here, but I was slow on the draw so you might have missed the edits - sorry.)

I am excited for the effect it has on your tank. It really looks like a great investment.

ElGuappo · #5 04-09-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwirky

I'm sorry if I sounded argumentative tony. unfortunately typed text doesn't work as well as face to face and online conversations suffers because of it. call the previous post ranting/thinking aloud

. I respect you and your experience, really I do.

Ya its hard to get the feeling for tone and sarcasm. but what can you do.

[quote]I'm usually too busy bagging fish or changing water to learn anything. I try to squeeze info out of some of the regulars at the store who run nice systems. Most of my "product knowledge" has to be learned at home or during rare moments of slowness where nothing else needs to be done. When I am learning stuff it's usually for the benefit of my own tank. I consider myself a hobbyist before an employee.[quote]

Good call on this account hobbiest first.

lastlight · #6 04-10-2008, 03:03 AM

in the video when the lights on the controller light up i assume this is when the pump is pumping. you can REALLY hear the pulses. would one of these in my livingroom be annoying? I didn't think these things were so loud you could hear each pulse?

I'm looking at one to center on the back wall of a 30x30x18 cube...

Thanks,

Brett

kwirky · #7 04-10-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

in the video when the lights on the controller light up i assume this is when the pump is pumping. you can REALLY hear the pulses. would one of these in my livingroom be annoying? I didn't think these things were so loud you could hear each pulse?

I'm looking at one to center on the back wall of a 30x30x18 cube...

Thanks,

Brett

in the first video the pulsing noise is very noticable because none of the other equipment is on. in the second video you hear it when the camera's RIGHT up to the powerhead. I don't hear the vortech unless I listen for it because of all the other equipment running and the sound of the water flow through the overflow box. It's been getting quieter with time too. If you have lots of super silent equipment (like bubbleking skimmer, reefflo pump, herbie overflow, etc etc) then you'll probably notice the vortech. Otherwise if you're running a mag for the sump, a euroreef or the likes protein skimmer, standpipe overflow, then you probably won't notice it.

yeah and no worries tony.

digital-audiophile · #8 04-25-2008, 09:05 PM

Sean, so a couple weeks in are you still happy with the unit?

I wa sin the store this morning and picked one up

So far I do like it, but I will still need to compliment with a powerheads.. allthough not as many as I have now. A nother unit will be in the fututre works for me.. but the wallet is still smarting today.. for what's in the box the pricetag is up there