Ecotech Marine/Icecap Vortech Pump

[Jonathan]

i think they recommended 2, these things supposedly put out an insane amount of flow

 

[kimoyo]

There are only two equipment malfunctions I really don't want in my tank. I don't want to lose my powerheads and i don't want my heater to malfunction. My skimmer could mess up, my lights could mess up and that would be messed up :lol:, but if my powerheads and heater messed up that a whole different league.

That being said, while the idea is cool I would wait a little until they have a proven record.

Regardless of what some people are saying, I can't see these being more efficient than streams but they could be.

And I don't really know if they would give off less heat than streams.

 

[jhale]

I agree Paul. I'm betting on Icecap's track record of putting out quality products.

If they seem to be working well I'll be adding two to my tank.

I'll also be mixing them with the tunzes I have already. The more chaotic flow the better in my book. I like the way people in the business are guiding the technology.
Less watts is also one of my mantra's

 

[kimoyo]

I'm just don't know Jon . They are using magnetic fields thru glass and acrylic to move a propeller on the inside. I am really interested to see what people say when they start testing/comparing them, which is bound to happen.

Although, I think its really cool that there is some Tunze competition because their prices are getting ridiculous. I'm glad I got mine before the price hike.

But I don't think the temp issue (with regards to tunze vs. icecap) is an issue.

 

[jhale]

yes i agree the temperature is not an issue, my tunzes don't even feel warm when I touch them in the tank.

so far the beta testers have only positive things to say.

the competition is good for everyone, and lowering prices
I know this sent tunze engineers running back to their labs.

 

[herman]

There are only two equipment malfunctions I really don't want in my tank. I don't want to lose my powerheads and i don't want my heater to malfunction. My skimmer could mess up, my lights could mess up and that would be messed up :lol:, but if my powerheads and heater messed up that a whole different league.

That being said, while the idea is cool I would wait a little until they have a proven record.

Regardless of what some people are saying, I can't see these being more efficient than streams but they could be.

And I don't really know if they would give off less heat than streams.

Gotta agree with you there. My first is are the powerheads!! Followed by the heater. In case of power outage the one thing that is pluged in to the UPS is the powerhead.

I absolutely love the idea and concept of the Vortechs. I like the fact that there would be so little in the tank and yet providing significant flow. One thing that keeps me interested in the bulbs is the fact that Icecap will be making them. Icecap+good quality=good service.

I am however worried about certain aspects of the design.

1. stuff hanging outside the tank. (Ugly) Its would be easier for most to hide powerheads inside a tank.

2. Pets & Children - How secure will the pump be hanging off the side of the tank. What happens when a cat decides to use it as a stepping stone, in which case I would lose my powerhead (number one fear) I understand that tha magnetic clutch will be incredibly strong - but how strong?

3. One of the characteristics of magnets is that they loose power over time when exposed to shock and vibration. (see point 2) Is that the case with the Vortechs? What is being done to remedy this? Also what is the lifespan of the magnetic clutch?

Like I said innitially, Iloved the idea. Now it seems like it has the pottential of another thing failing in the tank. That being said, I doo look forward to seeing these powerheads in action. My hears may be put to rest. Also like you guys have mentioned, competition is good, because the prices, however much I love the Tunze, is getting rediculous!

My 02

 

[kimoyo]

Good points Herm.

yes i agree the temperature is not an issue, my tunzes don't even feel warm when I touch them in the tank.

This is a little off topic but we should to have a conversation/thread about heat input into the tank and in tank flow.

I have a quarantine setup right now and its running 7degs lower (77deg) than the ambient temp (84deg). I was having a private discussion with Solbby about it but would like to hear from others experience.

Some of you guys are adding a lot of pumps/powerhead/waveboxes when I feel the internal overflow are your biggest adversaries. I was actually planning on starting a thread this weekend after I get some pics of my tank which has an built-on external overflow. After visiting some of your houses and looking at the tremendous in-tank flow with internal overflows I think yall are just shooting yourselves in the foot.

 

[jhale]

Paul, I'm not following. why would an internal overflow add to the heat in the tank vs, an external one?

you can answer in a new thread if you like.

 

[kimoyo]

Paul, I'm not following. why would an internal overflow add to the heat in the tank vs, an external one?

you can answer in a new thread if you like.

That was the off topic part and I was thinking of starting two threads, lol. Its not a direct correlation but it does relate. People need to add more flow because of internal overflow; flow hits the overflow dissipates and gets weaker. More pumps and powerheads add more watts and heat, especially the pumps.

 

[nanoreefer22]

That was the off topic part and I was thinking off starting two threads, lol. Its not a direct correlation but it does relate. People need to add more flow because of internal overflow; flow hits the overflow dissipates and gets weaker. More pumps and powerheads add more watts and heat, especially the pumps.

Have to disagree on this one. I know internal overflows are huge to say the least, but I'd need the same amount of powerheads in tank to keep the flow up. If you have 2 powerheads, in my case a seio 1500 and a tuze6060, point at the front center on the tank from the back corners the tank is fine with flow. With then powerheads placed like that, I can't see how the overflow makes the flow get weaker. JMO.
-Kris

PS. Another thread would be a good idea so we dont steal Randy's .

 

[kimoyo]

Have to disagree on this one. I know internal overflows are huge to say the least, but I'd need the same amount of powerheads in tank to keep the flow up. If you have 2 powerheads, in my case a seio 1500 and a tuze6060, point at the front center on the tank from the back corners the tank is fine with flow. With then powerheads placed like that, I can't see how the overflow makes the flow get weaker. JMO.
-Kris

PS. Another thread would be a good idea so we dont steal Randy's .

I will make the thread soon but to quickly address your point. From what I've seen, if none of your rock is touching the walls and you don't have an internal overflow. You can point one stream down the back wall and you see a strong current going in the opposite direction in the front lifting the dirt off the bottom (if you have no sand) there. From what I've seen you can not do this with one stream pointed diagonal across the front. I will make the thread with pictures, just can't for a few hours.

Sorry Randy for the OT stuff.

 

[jhale]

That was the off topic part and I was thinking of starting two threads, lol. Its not a direct correlation but it does relate. People need to add more flow because of internal overflow; flow hits the overflow dissipates and gets weaker. More pumps and powerheads add more watts and heat, especially the pumps.

okay, now I understand. I hate my overflow. It's in the middle of the tank and sticks out 8". It looks bad to me and it interferes with my rock placement, and the flow in the tank. Why is it there? because I did not know better when I designed the tank. I wish it were the entire end of the left side, that would have been perfect.

it is kind of on topic, icecap will just sell more pumps to people with bulky internal overflows. lol.

 

[nanoreefer22]

I'll wait for the thread to start, I hijacked enough threads last night.

 

[herman]

Here are some images of the vortech in beta testers tanks:

Flow:

 

[herman]

More images:

 

[herman]

Can anyone comment on the spacers of the assembly?

 

[gil716]

Check out these updated vids of the Vortech...
http://www.icecapinc.com/video.htm

That last video is pretty impressive. That's a 6' tank!

 

[prattreef]

Herman,
I'm not quite sure what you are looking for regarding the spacers (they call them gaskets). The unit comes with a number of them and they are used for 2 purposes:
1) To protect the glass/acrylic from getting scratched (1 goes on the inside and at least 1 goes on the outside)
2) The pump is designed to operate optimally with the 2 halves at a fixed distance. The spacers are used to account for variations in tank wall thickness ( a chart is provided).

My understanding is that in the final production run both the orange spacers and the yellow propeller will be black if feedback suggests this is a good idea ( and I expect this to be the case).

3 days running and I couldn't be happier.

Randy

 

[herman]

Herman,
I'm not quite sure what you are looking for regarding the spacers (they call them gaskets). The unit comes with a number of them and they are used for 2 purposes:
1) To protect the glass/acrylic from getting scratched (1 goes on the inside and at least 1 goes on the outside)
2) The pump is designed to operate optimally with the 2 halves at a fixed distance. The spacers are used to account for variations in tank wall thickness ( a chart is provided).

My understanding is that in the final production run both the orange spacers and the yellow propeller will be black if feedback suggests this is a good idea ( and I expect this to be the case).

3 days running and I couldn't be happier.

Randy

That was the answer I was looking for. I started thinking about how it would affect the glass. The more I see the more I am convinced I want one.

 

[prattreef]

Herman,

My wife is German. I know how hard it is to believe that anything designed here is in the same league as your German breatheren

I think any new product should be viewed with some skepticism, but I have been around this hobby for quite some time, and I have rarely been as excited by a new product as this. I also know the Eco Tech guys and they are all well trained engineers and hobbyists, who have spent a lot of time and $ on R&D. As I said before, time will tell, but I have a lot of confidence in this product. Pairing up with Icecap is also a very smart move on their part.

Personally, I think when the battery backup unit becomes available ( Betas soon I think) it takes this thing to a whole different level by offering high tech water movement and power outage security all in one package.

If you are ever in Brooklyn you are welcome to stop by.

Randy