Which to get Vortech pump MP20 or Tunze ?

[Delphinus]

In my opinion, there's no comparison to a Wavebox and a Vortech - they are filling different non-overlapping functions. You could make do with one or the other depending on what you are looking for, or even both.

An SPS tank needs massive volume turnover - we're talking upwards of 40 times tank volume per hour - and up. A Wavebox simply isn't going to give you that. A Wavebox will just give you a back and forth effect that will remind you of what it looks like underwater but for SPS it will not be nearly enough on its own.

The more fair comparison is a Tunze stream to a Vortech. To me it comes down to a couple different things: The Tunzes seem to be more expensive, and are directional (ie., you can aim them or attach to a sweeper motor like a Wavysea). The Vortech sits half in the tank, half out. If your tank is inwall then no biggie. If not, then it depends on you whether that's acceptable or not (most people don't seem to mind it though). Also it is non-aimable, however this doesn't appear to be a detriment because the controller is more versatile. The Vortech has a battery backup option, however it looks like Tunze has this option as well (but you need your own battery - it's just a switchable power supply or something). To be honest I don't think you can go wrong with either Tunze or Vortech, they are both top-shelf products.

But if it came down to "Wavebox or Vortech" I'd say go for the Vortech first.

[andestang]

Yes both high end products. I'm in the middle of trying to decide myself. The main reasons for vortech is the motor and power cord out side and to have set-up in pairs or more is communication is wireless making for a very neat/cleaner look inside and outside the tank. For the tunze, I'm thinking Turbelle stream 2's, is they are able to make directional, which I think is the down side to the vortechs, which with coral growth can be very nice to have as your system matures.Tunze does carry with it a very good reputation for durability(I can say this myself as my pumps are about 5 yrs old and counting) Pricing for either is pretty close, but when the tunze is available I think they will work out to be slightly more. And as for the money spent to have a wavebox mixed with either of this power heads, I think the full effectiveness of the wavebox or power heads(2 or more) is lost. The different simmultations your able to do with these is great, not just off/on. JMO

[Stones]

I'm running both vortechs and a Tunze wavebox in my reef. I'd have to agee with Delphinus on this as the two devices serve completely different purposes. That said, you can use a vortech to generate a "similar" wave effect to that generated by a tunze wavebox.

However, I believe that vortechs are more beneficial if used in some type of pulse or random wave mode as this more closely simulates the high velocity turbulent currents found at SPS dominated reefs in the ocean.

There were alot of problems in the past with the vortech line of pumps but most if not all issues have been addressed with the release of the Gen 2 version.

Personally, I would have to go with the vortech MP20 over a tunze wavebox or tunze stream, so long as you don't mind having the motor on the outside of your tank. If this is going to be an issue, I'd take the tunze stream over the wavebox.

[parkinsn]

I would have to agree with Delphinus and Stones. The wavebox to my knowledge does not add "flow" to your tank just "water movement" giving you the wave effect. You can get the same effect with 2 vortech's while still adding "flow" (3000 gph with the MP40W). So if its flow your looking for i would have to say vortech. JMO as I am still a "noob" in the hobby after only 1 year into the saltwater world.

P.S I love my vortech