Vortech Failure

[Madreefer]

Well I seem to be having a problem finding out what to do. Talked to Ecotech and was told to send it but when I said I was from Canada they told me to go to thestore I bought it from. Did that and the owner said that his supplier told him that we have to deal with Ecotech directly. The store owner is helping me out with this but i'm really starting to get ****ed. The pump is already packed up and ready to send out. If this pump has to be sent to Pennsylvania during this time of the year it's going to take forever to finally have it back working in my tank. I'm guessing at least a month. So as far as i'm concerned that is not good service. Actually thinking of replacing the bearings myself to save all this hassle because it's obviously the bearings that are shot. But than I screw my warranty. This Vortech is only 4 months old. After dealing with this for a week now and still having it sit with no answers my suggestion to you Mark is to stay away from the Vortech due to the warranty service that i am getting.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Well I seem to be having a problem finding out what to do. Talked to Ecotech and was told to send it but when I said I was from Canada they told me to go to thestore I bought it from. Did that and the owner said that his supplier told him that we have to deal with Ecotech directly. The store owner is helping me out with this but i'm really starting to get ****ed. The pump is already packed up and ready to send out. If this pump has to be sent to Pennsylvania during this time of the year it's going to take forever to finally have it back working in my tank. I'm guessing at least a month. So as far as i'm concerned that is not good service. Actually thinking of replacing the bearings myself to save all this hassle because it's obviously the bearings that are shot. But than I screw my warranty. This Vortech is only 4 months old. After dealing with this for a week now and still having it sit with no answers my suggestion to you Mark is to stay away from the Vortech due to the warranty service that i am getting.

Being in Canada, they don't want to deal with us directly. the first time I dealt with them, they did send me the new component from the US. I talked to them a week ago, and now you have to deal with someone in Canada. Sorry, I can't recall who, and I deleted the email. I would suggest that you call them back on Monday, and ask who to deal with, as they have a particular person/company that they told me about.

The LFS you bought it from should be able to help, but it may be faster to find out the direct Canadian wholesaler.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[DiverDude]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Mark, I think overall the only complaint is that they can get noisy.

Yes, but "noisy" is the bearings starting to fail. As long as it's under warranty, then....well...it still takes TIME (time with no Vortech in your tank) to get it fixed (regardless of whether you're paying or not).

Presumeably, they replace the dry side in it's entirety but even if they didn't, I think it's safe to assume that the replacement or repaired unit will have the same inferior quality bearings. Perhaps the bearings are good quality and there is a design issue; I don't know and the Vortech folks will never say.

One way or the other, it seems safe to say that it is simply a question of time before the bearings will have to be replaced on these. For the 'lucky ones' they'll fail early and you don't have to pay for it. For others, they'll last a little over a year and then fail.

Now, to be fair.... these pumps speed up and slow down endlessly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.....it's a LOT. However, if you're going to sell something that's *designed* for such a demanding application, and charge primo $$ for it, you'd better damned well be sure it can cut the mustard, so to speak !

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by DiverDude

Yes, but "noisy" is the bearings starting to fail. As long as it's under warranty, then....well...it still takes TIME (time with no Vortech in your tank) to get it fixed (regardless of whether you're paying or not).

Presumeably, they replace the dry side in it's entirety but even if they didn't, I think it's safe to assume that the replacement or repaired unit will have the same inferior quality bearings. Perhaps the bearings are good quality and there is a design issue; I don't know and the Vortech folks will never say.

One way or the other, it seems safe to say that it is simply a question of time before the bearings will have to be replaced on these. For the 'lucky ones' they'll fail early and you don't have to pay for it. For others, they'll last a little over a year and then fail.

Now, to be fair.... these pumps speed up and slow down endlessly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.....it's a LOT. However, if you're going to sell something that's *designed* for such a demanding application, and charge primo $$ for it, you'd better damned well be sure it can cut the mustard, so to speak !

Well, anything that moves can wear, so it is expected. I can state the JL is selling replacement parts, and the pricing is quite reasonable. So I am not worried. They do what they claim, and do what other powerhead/wavemakers cannot. I am not worried, and can say that Ecotech has been easy to deal with, in my case.

Still worth the $$$$, IMO. But I am always opent to cheaper pricing, and would welcome them lowering their pricing.

[Chipie]

It's http://reefwholesale.com (Pat)that are now in charge of repairs for Ecotech in Canada. It's in Ottawa. Hope this helps.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by Chipie

It's http://reefwholesale.com (Pat)that are now in charge of repairs for Ecotech in Canada. It's in Ottawa. Hope this helps.

That is it, that is exactly what they told me. If you contact them, I am sure you will be taken care of.