Ecotech Marine/Icecap Vortech Pump

[prattreef]

I just received and set up my Beta version of these new pumps. All I can say is wow!!! They are roughly half the size of a Tunze stream and half of that size sits on the outside of the tank. The flow is massive, easily covering a front to back spread on a 4 or 5 foot long tank. It is virtually silent, transfers no heat to the water, no cords in the tank, is speed controllable from 30-100% out of the box, with a sophisticated wireless controller to come. Time will tell on the durability issue, but I think we have a winner here. A beautifullly designed, innovative and useful product.

Randy

PS There is along thread about them including pictures etc. on RC inthe Icecap forum. Once again, wow.

 

[inkblue]

i'LL buy iT :sgrin: :approve: :kidding: ...caN yoU post piCs :wow:

 

[Jonathan]

have they set a price yet? does it come with the controller?

 

[prattreef]

They are still in the Beta testing phase and no firm price has been set. Figure they will be comparable to the controllable Tunze Streams, but that is just a guess. The advanced controller is not available yet, so only knob controlled speed at the moment.

Randy

 

[herman]

Youre definitely right about having a great idea of a product. Youre lucky to have one! As far as cables go I can much easier hide a Tunze in a rock and make the cables dissapear as opposed to having the motor assembly and cables hanging off the side of the tank.

The connection being a magnetic clutch, I also think it would be problem in a household with kids and pets.

I have yet to see peoples reactions and pictures to convince me that it is a better product than the tunze. They are very hard to beat.

As far as heat in the tank, even with the Tunze having the complete assembly submerged - its a non issue!

Just mu 02

 

[prattreef]

I guess it depends on your situation. The Tunze in a rock thing never appealed to me, and I can think of numerous setups where these will be virtually unnoticeable. Tunzes are great, no questioning that, but to me, this is a definite step forward.

RD

 

[herman]

I do look forward to seeing this thing in person though!!! :approve:

 

[inkblue]

:usa1: i looK forWard to owNing oNe

 

[druluv]

I would like to see too. I thought about getting. Always space for more flow!

 

[jhale]

the design would work in my tank, or any tank that has one wall hidden. they can also go on the back if space is allowed for them.

the only thing I don't like about the design is that they are locked in one position, unless that is going to change somehow, I prefer to be able to have flow crossing at 45 degree's sometimes.

Randy can you post some pics when you have time? thanks

 

[prattreef]

I'll try to take some photos later, but I have no idea how to post them RD

 

[jhale]

you were not kidding when you said you were computer challenged, lol

you may email them to me and I will post them. or better yet you can post them,

it's easy just go to the photo gallery and hit upload, then use the dialog buttons and search for the photos on your harddrive, it just takes a few clicks.

once they are in your gallery you may cut and paste the links to the photos into your posts.

also how many watts do these use? thanks.

 

[inkblue]

...praTT, maYbe you can shooT a vide0 as weLL :usa1: :happysad:

 

[ezee]

Randy,

"Where does he get those marvelous toys?"
The Joker
Batman

lol

Eugene

 

[House of Laughter]

Gene, that is hysterical -

I am on the guaranteed waiting list for them at the link that was posted by Dean sometime ago.

House

 

[Jonathan]

I just read the whole thread on them over on the icecap forum on RC, if you're interested in these you should read it.

They have the exact same power consumption as the tunze 6100, 45w. And as per aiming it at 45 degrees across the tank, the developers say that doesnt matter because the flow is so wide and it gets the whole tank moving anyways.

If these are under $300 I think I might have to ditch my CL with OM squirt and invest in one of these.

 

[nanoreefer22]

Randy,
How's it working out for ya? I gotta come see it :icon16:, see how it does along side a tunze with my own eyes. Whenever ya free buddy.
-Kris

 

[prattreef]

My understanding is that the power consumption is actually measuring at significantly lower than originally thought(45w), but let's wait for Eco Tech to release the final specs.

As far as directing the flow, unless you have a very wide tank (mine is 2') this is a definite non issue as the flow pattern is very broad and coverage in all directions is amazingly good. The flow appears to be broader and more random than the Tunzes.

You BB guys should be salivating over these as they are easily mounted on the rear of the tank and bouncing the flow off the front glass would , I imagine, produce a tremendous flow to keep all your nasties in suspension.

If anyone wants to come take a look they are welcome to.

Randy

 

[ezee]

House,

So you shall soon be just like Batman! lol jk!


Randy,

Looking forward to checking it out!

Eugene

 

[jhale]

You BB guys should be salivating over these as they are easily mounted on the rear of the tank and bouncing the flow off the front glass would , I imagine, produce a tremendous flow to keep all your nasties in suspension.

so how many would you recommend for a 5' or 6' tank at 2' wide?

one at each end using timers? or more?

what about one near the bottom on a timer for BB tanks, a super detritus sweeper upper :lol: