Purebred, or knock off??

[Reef-Geek]

Originally Posted by bignose

I run 2 ecotech mp40wes' going on 2 years, they are ex pensive in my opinion. Love them they do everything I need them to do, they are a little noisy but I've learned to ignore them. I had koralias before they worked but were nothing special, but cheap. I can't add anything about the other pumps because I've never ran them.
If I was to buy more powerheads I would probably save up and buy QDmp40's.

Buy the qd controller if vortech is the noisest part in your system, i did it and it does reduced up to 90% noise.

[SpongeAl]

I vote Tunze for main tank use. (Turbelle 6040 user here)

I use Koralia for utility uses like QT tanks etc. They are just OK, nothing special

I've had Ecotech, but once the novelty wears off you're left with a noisy, overpriced unreliable pump that you will be lucky to get 12-18 months of use before the shaft splits.

I can't vouch for the offshore pumps, it's a risk I'm not interested in taking. Considering the money I waste on things we don't really need, or don't want down the road in this hobby, it seems prudent to budget for a decent German pump.

My particular Tunze also has the option for battery backup without using proprietary equipment.
It is also silent at high output, whereas my Ecotech made way more noise at much lower flow rates.

[mike31154]

I purchased my 1st EcoTech MP40 new in 2008. Picked up a few more (used) in subsequent years, upgraded magnet on the original, replaced a few normal wear items. I have some hungry snails that periodically climb on the intake cage in search of food & their shells contact the propellers, so I've had to replace them as a result. Yes, perhaps the novelty has worn off & yes the initial investment was a bitter pill, but these pumps have been doing a great job for 8 years, 7 years, 6 years.... Have yet to experience any 'shaft split'. One of the advantages of the VorTech is that virtually every part on the wet side is easily replaced, available & reasonably priced. If the dry sides on mine were all to fail tomorrow, they would owe me nothing based on the number of years of service they've provided.

A photo of the hardware to show it's been in the system for a while... (I've since cleaned them up in a vinegar solution)


A few of the dynamic components subject to wear that are replaceable on the wet side. Sure beats having to toss the entire power head in the trash for want of replacement parts.


I've also made upgrades to drivers over the years, but cost spread out so not a big deal. My first MP40 is a gen 1 which I was able to easily upgrade to the latest configuration once the redesigned parts were available. The gen 1 was fitted with a poorly designed wet side magnet but EcoTech quickly came up with the redesign without folks having to spend a fortune for an entirely new power head.

The gen 1 wet side magnet after 6 months in the tank. I think I purchased mine about a month before they did the redesign, bad timing for me, but hey... it got fixed for about $10 at the time.

[daplatapus]

Originally Posted by Bblinks

I like tunze for the reliability, rw for price point, maxpect gyre for the flow pattern, mp40 for the sleek design now with the quiet model which makes it that much better. I think at the end they all do the same, it just boils down to what is best suited for particular individual and what they can afford.

Such a diplomatic answer when Brad's just trying to stir the pot again, lol.

I've got Ecotech's and Jabeo's. I definitely want to try the Gyre when they get a few bugs get worked out.

Still have the older MP40 set up, they've always been noisy and hard to align. The wife hates it when they are pulsing or ramping. Makes her nauseous listening to it she says.
I love the randomness and programmability. I also like being able to just grab the head out of the tank to clean them. But have to agree, they're pretty noisy and I don't like not being able to direct the flow.

Jabeo - how can you complain about the price. Now they have a controller to sync pumps. Fairly big and ugly in tank, but good flow and you can direct it wherever you want.

Dollar for dollar - Jabeo wins for me

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by daplatapus

when Brad's just trying to stir the pot again

That hurts Dom..

[christyf5]

I like my Tunzes and really theres no point in switching them out to the latest fad. When they die I'll jump on the nearest bandwagon (or get more used Tunzes off someone that is jumping on the nearest bandwagon ) but right now there is no need to spend money to reinvent the wheel.

[Skimmin]

Agreed. I've had, seio, maxijet, vortechs, koralias etc. So far price, and quality Im super impressed with the jebao rw 20s. Dont see myself changing anytime soon. That being said I do have two un opened rw20's in the box as back ups just in case. Still all 4 of my rw's were the same cost as 1 vortech.