Vortech in a smallish cube

Delphinus · #1 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 · #2 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 · #3 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 · #4 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 · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 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

kwirky · #8 04-27-2008, 05:34 AM

yeah after this time no gripes yet. I like the amount of flow I get. Yeah it's a little pricey but worth it in the long run I think. Now I've gotta start saving up for some actual coral lol. Finals have hit me really hard financially this year, having to take some time off. My tank's going to fall behind schedule because of it. But yeah the pump was worth it.