Ecotech Marine VorTech Propeller Pump

[Warnberg]

Is anyone using these? I'd like to hear about the pros and cons and if there is any longevity issues...

Thanks

[billyr98]

great powerhead!!! I just wish the multicontroller would come out... That is the only reason stopping me from buying one... I have seen them at a LFS and MACNA, great PUMP!

[aquaman3680]

They are great! Lots of GPH!

Matt

[Dentoid]

I have two on my 90 gallon. They are being controlled by my Neptune Aquacontroller III. I think they are great as far as flow goes. They really get the flow going. They have a knob that controlls the speed of the propeller so the flow can be turned up or down. I did have some issues with a couple of fish being sucked to the propeller housing. It occurred while I was watching, so I was able to free them. See this link:

WARNING! Eco

I have since removed the filter floss from around the pump because it was cutting down on the flow. I have not had anymore issues. Perhaps the fish have learned to stay away from them. Another thing is that because my pumps alternate on/off, when one is off, it gives snails time to climb inside. When the pump cycles on, the snail jams the propeller causing the pump to over heat. When the pump over heats the outer pump disengages the inner propeller housing (a safety feature) and it falls to the bottom and the outer pump also falls off the tank. Therefore, the electrical cord must be fastened above the pump, so that it doesn't fall to the floor, causing damage. It is not wise to have anything under the pumps inner propeller housing (fragile tank inhabitants, sessile corals etc) that could be damaged if or when it falls.

I e-mailed Eco Tech concerning these issues and they claim that they would consider redesigning the inner propeller housing to be more friendly to the tanks inhabitants. Don't get me wrong, I think they are brilliantly designed from an engineeering standpoint, but because they are so new all the kinks are not worked out of them IMO. Also, the price is exhorbitant.

[billyr98]

great info thanks scott

[BHinAK]

They are pretty good and support from IceCap is great. If you have made up your mind on getting some wait untill the new driver boards come out. They are going to be wireless controll to the wave maker. I've been told by the IceCap tech it will cost me $30.00 per board to swap out to the new drivers.

I've never had one of mine separate during a stall shut down but small fish will get chewed up I've lost at least 3 fish. The intake at 3000gph is somewhat strong. But then theres my 2 1/2 inch Bi color blenny who is strong enought to get alittle algea from the cage then swim away. The tangs like putting their faces right inside the stream.
The opening is plenty large enought for any type of curious hiding type of fish to get inside when its off. (see my post about my cannary blenny wanting to take a nap inside one)

I really like the 2 new Koralia 4's I got.

[Warnberg]

Thanks all for the info. I was contemplating a change out from my Tunze's to them (no more cords in the tank) But I figured I would wait until the controller came out for them.

Thanks Again

[blcktitanium]

does anyone know if you could place this on the bottom glass placing them under your rock work and get the same circulation are would the good majority of the flow be blocked by the rock work. Replacing the CL that I'm designing for my tank now.

[boozeman]

the tunze powerheads can. they sell a 'fake' ceramic rock cover for them to hide into

[tbittner]

I've been using one of these for about a month now and I love it! I have a 120g (48x24x24) tank and I have it mounted about center on a side panel. This is the only pump in my tank, beside the Rio 26hf pumping water back up from my refugium, and there aren't any dead spots.

It hasn't tried to eat any fish either.

It HAS tried to eat a sand sifting star fish though. I'm not sure what he was doing crawling up there but it pulled off one of his legs. The leg grew back though. Tough critter I guess!