Vortech Failure

[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.

[Aqua-Digital]

Hi Guys

If the Vortech was purchased through on of our dealers (please ask the dealer for point of purchase) we have a very simple no hassle switch out plan if still in warranty, and if not an at import cost replacement program.

Take the unit to your dealer and they give you a new one. If wet side failure then you get a wet side, if dry side you get a dry side. If both you get both.

We then send the dealer a replacement

We try to offer the best client care where possible with this sort of thing. Just ask Ken at Blue World, his client had one fail and already the new one is on its way from us.

[BlueWorldAquatic]

I can attest to that.

BlueTang had a mp10 start going noisy, all it took was a phone call to Michael, and I have a replacement whole unit comming for him. I would have replaced it on my end if I had one in stock.

EcoTech support is only good for units purchased in the USA unfortunately.

Ken - BWA

[Chipie]

I had bought a wet side from one of your resellers in Canada (www.goreef.com) and i asked what to do for repairs or replacement and was sent by the guys fron goreef to Reefwholesale.com even if my wet side was still on warranty.As far as i know it was repaired, not exchanged. So i think you should make this clear to all your resellers. There seems to be some confusion here.

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by BlueWorldAquatic

I can attest to that.

BlueTang had a mp10 start going noisy, all it took was a phone call to Michael, and I have a replacement whole unit comming for him. I would have replaced it on my end if I had one in stock.

EcoTech support is only good for units purchased in the USA unfortunately.

Ken - BWA

My dealer told me that his supplier which is in the U.S. told him that either he or myself have to deal with Ecotech ourselves. At being only 4 months old I would think the dealer would replace with no questions asked and deal with Ecotech himself. Not the only problem with this unit as the night mode is wonky on it. He said he would get back to me on monday so we'll see what he says. He seems to want to communicate via email. Maybe i'm too old school but don't find that too cool.