Watch This Before You Buy VorTech Powerheads | MP40QD Review

#VorTechMP40 #Ecotech
This is a review of the VorTech MP40 powerheads - with a key issue you need to be aware of...
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[@garethbrewer595]

I started to see comments on reef2reef about this issue when I was researching MP40'S in 2018. I still bought them and it literally states on page 3 of the manual, 'If there is a calcium buildup, it may be necessary to soak these parts in a mild acid solution such as vinegar. Do not use strong acids, because these may damage the components'. The issue is that not all vinegar is made equal e.g. malt vinegar is roughly pH 3.5 but distilled white vinegar which most people would use for cleaning is around pH 2.5. This might not sound like a big difference but the pH scale is logarithmic, meaning that an increase or decrease of each integer value changes the concentration tenfold I.e. pH 3 is ten times more acidic than pH 4. I agree that a citric acid is best. I asked Charterhouse via their chat option whether D-D Ezeclean is suitable & they said it is so that may also be an option - albeit D-D don't publish the exact pH. Good video Alex - Nice that you are using your platform to pass on info like this.

[@ReefDork]

I didn't realise they actually advise using vinegar! Thanks for sharing.

[@deansmith2124]

Was going to share the same comment about how Ecotech mentions using vinegar on page 3 but you beat me to it! I didn't know how how the pH is affected exponentially, so thanks for your insight.

[@TailEndCustoms]

Thanks for the tips. Now I just need a saltwater tank. Lol

[@acanskywalker5631]

Being a long time aquarist I feel the best tip I can give to my fellow hobbyists would be for them to "always" have one of The Incomparable Poly Filters somewhere in their system and a few extras for any emergency! Though these pads are a little expensive I feel they're worth every penny! This is simply because they've saved my ass more times than I like to admit, over my decades of keeping fish in fresh and saltwater! Disclaimer - My only affiliation with the manufacturer, Poly-Bio Marine is as a long time steady customer. When I see them on sale I'll usually buy enough to hold me over for several months! By the way they actually change color according to the chemical they remove, and they're extremely good at it, especially copper! Poly-Bio-Marine, Inc. also sells a special form of filter medium that adsorbs phosphates and silicates for $10.00 retail per 16oz. charge. This filter medium is placed into their 0.20 micron filter bag (located in series) after 12 discs of specially prepared Poly Filter. Synergistically these media remove all forms of silicate and phosphate from tapwater. These filter media are followed by a 0.50 micron solid carbon core filled with a molecular sieve compound that adsorbs additional heavy metals.

[@filiplaskovski9993]

The only Wave maker that actually has what my idea was!! I was looking for them everywhere and was like why isn’t there one with the cable on the outside

[@Babycakes007]

Finally somebody being honest about how poor quality the wetsides are. I’ve had this happen at least 10 times now and am installing some new tunze 6095’s right now actually. There less than half the price and have a solid titanium shaft ,not to mention you can also angle the flow. I am done with vortech pumps I don’t believe in having to replace equipment so frequently when it’s supposed to be the best on the market. Let’s face it most of us only buy them because there’s no wire in the tank, I think I’ll have a wire and a pump that will probably last the next 5-10 years. My vortech wetsides start rusting after as little as 3 months use and ecotech has stopped replacing unless you show proof of purchase since they moved to Xodis to my knowledge and have started to draw a line. So that’s it once the 12 month warranty has expired. But they did used to cover them in the past and they and have for me many times for free. Im just fed up they changed the shaft to what looks like another coated shaft this time gold which doesn’t last more than several months at least for me. I think the most expensive powerhead manufacturer could afford a decent magnet that doesn’t split and a shaft that doesn’t rust and eventually split too. There just cutting corners unnecessarily the money is there as is the demand and buying power. I’m finished with them I won’t buy another if I want a pump to last around 12 months I’ll buy a jebao for £60, and even that won’t rust.

[@tonymarshall5815]

I've been using the kettle descaling pouches sold in lakeland, using hot tap water from the tap not the kettle , works a treat .

[@kevinw7044]

I have gone through 3 Vortech MP10 wetside’s in 18 months. I also have a Vectra S1 that failed at 15 months. I have taken a decision to phase out Ecotech pumps. They look great but their build quality does not match the premium price. I want a much more reliable product and I bet I can get better quality for a fraction of the cost. They do a great job whilst working but their lifespan is quite short.

[@sseeaahhaawwkkssrule975]

When you said that the "outside attachment" added 80 extra pounds to the powerhead I thought you were talking about weight at first and damn near chocked on my soda 😂😂😂

[@ReefDork]

🤣

[@DeIicateFynn]

Rofl!! Damn bro... that's funny man!

[@lindasreef]

Interesting and useful video. I've had one rust after about 3 years even though I've never cleaned with vinegar, I use citric acid (quite weak too as I'm stingy!) and I do so before getting well gunked up. I assumed sand or other debris had got into it, although it should be well sealed. I didn't go back to EcoTech as I didn't think it would be replaced and purchased a new wet side! It makes you wonder that, if they replace the wet sides so freely, they are aware of a fault in the manufacture.

[@pelagicswimmer]

Great pumps, can't say i've had any wetside issues, but I only clean with a toothbrush under a running tap.

[@ReefDork]

Which is probably the best way to do it 👍

[@kevinclasher3160]

I do a weekly water change and clean everything in the water taken out.

[@greenman1426]

I really don't understand how you dont have more subscribers. Love the videos and your presenting style

[@ReefDork]

Thanks man, appreciate it 👍

[@Brett5106]

I just sent my mp40 into Ecotech 3 days ago just for this reason. They are getting me a new wet side. They only requested I pay for shipping up and back. I think that's fair.

[@c4snipar]

When it’s out of warranty, then you are out few hundred of dollars

[@bjorker40]

I have 3 Mp10’s, 2 Mp40’s, and believe it or not...2 Mp60’s and have never had this problem. All my pumps are over 6 years old and the only problem I’ve had is the red and green alert on one of my 40’s and just last week my 10...both being a power source issue in which Ecotech had a fix for me within 3 days by mail.

[@lonestarpatriot876]

Just because something is more expensive does not mean it is the best. For what those things cost, you should not see any of those problems. I will stick to what I have as I have not had any of those issues and I paid far less for my powerheads. Great video to show that you don't always get what you paid for.

[@jameslazarus8714]

aren't you going to tell us what you have?

[@jgtheman84]

Travis Kibel just because this happened to this one guy doesn't mean that it will happen to everyone. I have had these vortechs running for 3 years so far without an issue. They are awesome powerheads. I wouldn't want any other.

[@mrmused]

A much bigger issue I've encountered is on the MP10QD (regardless of wireless connectivity). The wet side uses a ceramic shaft. Over five years, I've had to replace two wet sides due to the shaft cracks finally getting to be too much. These shafts are hollow, so there's nothing to rust. It just comes down to the ceramic shaft cracking over time, rendering the wet side incapable of securing the pump guard due to the expansion of the end of the shaft when the wet side is disassembled for cleaning.

[@jarodgutierrez5389]

Heard the rusting is caused by vinegar expanding the metal out its covering. Recommend citric acid

[@samiam9059]

I just rinse mine with water. Easy to clean inside and out. Use on 180 reef

[@adzzfrr]

I genuinely thought u were reviewing a gun when i saw the title, then saw that thumbnail and realised it's a powerhead lmaooo

[@payno6643]

Hey Alex. I just scored a waterbox 50 gallon all in one. Is one mp40 enough for this tank? Id like to try sps eventually. If i was eventually to upgrade to a hundred gallon system i would i need just one more. Ive been told to save some money and just get the mp10. Thanks man love the videos

[@ReefDork]

It's better to have multiple powerheads rather than one iff possible. But 1x MP40QD would be plenty if you only want one. I'm not a fan of the MP10s - the magnets are weak and slide off 10mm glass easily, especially if you turn the power down.

[@keithwicks9103]

I've had the same 2 MP40s in my tanks since 2018. Started with two of them in my 180 then broke that tank down when I moved and have one of them in my 55 and the other one I use to mix my water in my brute trash can. Complete overkill but I already had it so why buy another one lol. I'm going to be starting the 180 back up which I will be using the one from the mixing can, a maxspect gyre and I got a Tunze as well

[@masquecola]

recently i change the wet side for the same reason. Just start Rusted. In a first moment, mi position it's angry, too angry and dissapointed, after... i considered to sold the units.....few minuts later.... i think in the time i d'ont waste clean my vortech like other water movement pump, or the overheat in summer and no wires in the tank... But, Ecotech have the resource to fix that, to have a complet and perfect experience. PD: im spend my momey in two news wetsides and every 3 moonths i see how look the rotor.

[@codybechardwatson5619]

Hey this exact same thing happened to my buddy's mp40. Not only did the wet side burst. But when it fell off the dry side fell and broke the plastic. When he called customer support they said. They had never heard of this happening before, and there was no way it could be replaced.

[@ReefDork]

🤔

[@hmg8915]

Great tank.. but please paint back glass.

[@sunnygoold9449]

I'd like to see if the Jebao copies have the same issue - will have to do some research before I get one. I would rather spend Ecotech money on their lighting (which I have) and their dosing pump (which I am drooling over). With flow I think there are a ton of really good options but if you don't want cords in the tank these (and the copies) are the only option.

[@Venantes1]

No matter what i just love mine. Will just keep my eyes open

[@Mike__B]

I wonder of Ecotech changed their tune recently, I was an early adopter of Vortech pumps, like back when the only controllability was a knob to control speed. And over the years, having the shaft wear away at the plastic wetside housing was common (before they switched to the current design), I've lost a number of power adapters, and each time it was "what's your serial number... it's out of warranty... we can ship you a new xxxx for $50 plus shipping, or what not"

[@miketube6662]

I do like them pumps but expensive Ive have tried a glamorca too for my Redsea250 which are rubbish very noisy after a week Iam using jabeo slw 20 sine wave now which are brilliant I can’t rate them enough £50 i have two on the back wall

[@karennation3580]

I have a 36 gallon but plan on upgrading soon to a 120 gallon. I was thinking about the mp 10 for now but since I am upgrading the mp40 makes more sense. Do you think that if I get just one and place it higher up in the tank that is will be enough flow or to much? I am hoping the flow will travel to the other side wall and come back around. I am not sure if that is the gyre effect. Looks like you have just one on small tank. Is it creating that effect? What would you recommend if I cant get that effect off one mp40? If its costly than something I can use when I upgrade. I had 2 Jaebo's for about 3 months and one broke right after the other! Shame because I really liked them! I now have 2 big non programable corelia's that I want to replace for one thing they balst directly on corals on one side. I was thinking of current usa ones as well. I could afford 2 smaller ones since they arent that expensive and can use them in my nano when I upgrade. I want something smallish and controllable and that will last! I was also considering a big gyre but not sure if I can get away with one for now to give flow to the whole 36 gallons.

[@ReefDork]

One MP40 certainly won't be too much. My tank is around 110 to 120 Gs and I have 4 MP40s. I don't think one will do what you want but a gyre will - the gyre mode on these is a bit rubbish IMO. Nothing wring with Jeboas...

[@paulnolan9634]

Very helpful. I am just starting out.

[@10reefman]

I use a lemon per each wet side work well

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

I've never used anything but scrub brushes and warm tap water to clean any equipment. Vinegar sounds excessive.

[@Rellikman]

Thank you for your revelation. I would not invest in these pump/wave makers. Random flow generators are the best solution without any moving parts except the main pump and plumbing. Biggest problem is hitting the dead spots and the vortex doesn’t achieve this.

[@ROTTERtube]

I switched to the reef octopus op4....so much better.

[@ReefDork]

Cool. Better how?

[@ROTTERtube]

@@ReefDork The op4 is more powerful, comes with the controller just like the vortech, they are magnetized to the magnetic base like vortech but can be positioned to aim anywhere in the tank. Basically, very much the same as vortech but at the next level...and more powerful, should you need crazy flow. Great channel you have! I had the mp40 for 5 years and just switched.

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

I am just getting back into the hobby and will be downsizing . I still have a lot of old equipment from my old 40 setup but will be setting up a 16gal cube with my old sapphire 26 sump behind the wall. Will my old Vortech MP20 be too strong even on lowest setting? I want to grow mostly acro and monti sps with some zoa in the bottom corners.

[@ReefDork]

I'd go for smaller powerheads personally but if you have them it's worth a try

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

@@ReefDork I'll give it a try, I can always use a 12v power supply to turn it into a mp10. The old vortech backup battery was 12v and it runs them at 50% if I remember correctly.

[@anthonyupham9381]

What schedule do you run yours at throughout the day?

[@billr6280]

I have an mp10 qd and it’s top notch

[@BlueDragonTeam]

How did you make the Waves? I have only one MP10. Pls what kind of Programm is it? Short Pulse?

[@ReefDork]

Not entirely sure to be honest - it seems to be a bit random, but the best wave is a few hours into the nutrient transport part of my schedule

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

Lost most of my SPS colonies that were my pride and joy all because of one MP40 rusting, and I’d only checked them the week before. When they burst with rust it’s within days. I will never buy them again, meanwhile other pumps I have that get pure vinegar dips have no problem. The vinegar thing is pure sidestepping from support I’d say. When paying this much I expect sealing of magnets to be a non issue. Just my view

[@LightSearch]

Are they still noisy? I had 2 MP10's that were really noisy, to the point I could hear them in another room with doors close.

[@ReefDork]

My MP40QDs are very quiet and my MP10s were too

[@username-kn3oh]

I hope something was wrong with your mp10s because I plan on buying 2 mp40s

[@LightSearch]

@@username-kn3oh It was difficult to get support for the problem in both pumps because I'm in Europe. I bought a new wet side for one of them, but it didn't help. Pulse mode was the worst.

[@jez6345789]

@@LightSearch There is a good distributor network in Europe where about are you

[@tonnyci]

@@LightSearch Hola el problema de estas bombas son los rodamientos del motor. Vas a tener que cambiarlos. La mía tiene 2 años y ya no funciona. Hay varios tutoriales para cambiarselos. Saludos

[@Wilfried78]

I use pure vinigar to soak my cheap Chinese Jecod powerheads for YEARS. So, what kind of sucky materials does Vortech use? I would expect a lot more for that amount of cash.

[@josephdarmanin4759]

Hi Andy I am based in the uk and was thinking of starting up a tank and had a question what is a good rodi system I should get please and thank you advance

[@ReefDork]

Something like this is a great start - www.osmotics.co.uk/products/4-Stage-50-Gallon-Per-Day-Reverse-Osmosis-System-with-DI.html It'll get you 0 TDS water, it's cheap and is easily upgradeable in the future.

[@malnogar2015]

For 1 MP40 I can get 2 and a half Tunze 6095, more flow, can change direction, more quiet and will last 10+ years. Thanks for review I wont buy MP40 after seeing this. Not for that price.

[@dillongilliland8884]

Do you need to have a clean up crew ima reef tank I have a lunar wrasse but I can’t have a clean up crew because of it

[@ReefDork]

Yep, absolutely.

[@hugomaaldrink1315]

@reefdork As I am having difficulty often with getting the wet side to restart properly after cleaning, do you have any useful tips to make that go easier? Often the prop won't turn and the dry side just falls off the glass.

[@ReefDork]

I had a problem like that too but I couldn't fix it - Ecotech sent me a free replacement though. So I'd say get in touch with them - they're really good to their credit (it's Xodis in the UK). You'll need your original receipt.

[@hugomaaldrink1315]

@@ReefDork hi, just did a WC and did the classic move. Unplugged and plugged the plug from the controller after putting the 2 halves together magnetically and aligning them. It's weird it only works for me that way, I'd hope the pause button would be enough. This is fine tho.

[@davidhartley9740]

I have a problem with noise when cranked up but only on one of the pumps and it is the dry side of it?

[@ReefDork]

Give ecotech a shout - I had a similar issue they fixed for me. If you're in the UK, you need to speak to Xodis

[@libtard678]

I've always used 50/50 Vinegar/RO. Are people with issues using straight vinegar?

[@ReefDork]

That's what I used too

[@leighmcgregor1242]

Just wondering, do the rust spots correspond with the dismantle clip holes?

[@ReefDork]

Hmm. Can't say I noticed I'm afraid and I sent the rusty wet sides back to Ecotech so I can't check.

[@pb3701]

Is there a wave maker that’s silent I got a jebao ow-10 and it was super loud and annoying

[@ReefDork]

I find the new sine wave Jecod pumps pretty quiet and the MP40QDs are pretty good too. Quieter than my return pump.

[@johnsteitz6310]

Currently using mobius app for my Versa Pumps. It is much like the AI app

[@darcy1226]

Does it work better by chance?

[@drivemyexotic5274]

Same. Not sure how good it is...it does lose contact with the pump at times even though I'm right next to it.

[@marksmith566]

I don’t use wave makers anymore (so 2019!) it’s all about circulation pumps and RFGs (Random Flow Generators) 👍

[@andyk7967]

How long did it take before you had this problem?

[@ReefDork]

From memory around 2 years

[@andyk7967]

@@ReefDork Ah, ok. I literally just got one, so I thought I'd better check. I thought you were going to say three months or something...

[@ReefDork]

Ah, yeah they're generally fine and I've bought two more MP40QDS since making this video, it's just something to look out for and I probably check them every 3 to 6 months 🙂

[@Boo-pv4hn]

I was going to buy one of these for a 240L fresh water tank tank,can anyone give me advice please? I was looking for lots of oxygenation ( don’t want a air bubbler) my smaller tank has an internal pump with a spray bar

[@ReefDork]

If it's just oxygenation, go for something else as you can't point these towards the water surface.

[@tylerbuckingham7411]

Alex can one vortex be able to be enough for a 30g long

[@ReefDork]

30 gallon tank? Yes, absolutely - an mp10 would be enough.

[@fishnerd1664]

Thanks really helpful 👍

[@nathaniliescu4597]

Do you have any experience with the Nero 5 ??

[@ReefDork]

No, afraid not. Sounds very good from what I hear - quiet, compact and powerful.

[@nathaniliescu4597]

@@ReefDork thanks for the reply. Sound advice in this vid too. 👍

[@wd11800]

My tunze 6095 is 4 years old and it gets soaked in almost pure vinegar every couple months and has not skipped a beat.... For half the money of an mp40. That is just cheap talk from ecotech not to soak the pumps in vinegar.

[@groteabbafan]

Very good to know.

[@jameslazarus8714]

Thanks! I enjoy what you do, Keep it up! ...and I'm sorry but that wallpaper is hideous....that's me just being a douche. Hope I didn't insult your wife, I'm sure you can take it. ;-)

[@THEFIFTHDIMENTION]

Vortec pumps are the apple of pumps. Even after decades of existance they are still very expensive 😅

[@michellecrossley4828]

Hi my mp40 cage has started loosing it's supports to hold the propellor in. Does anyone know if I can order the cage on its own

[@ReefDork]

Contact Xodis - they'll be able to tell you.

[@michellecrossley4828]

@@ReefDork Thank you

[@915Mang]

Thumbs Up 👍 Reefer

[@rudolphsmith2894]

get a background/spray/wrapp

[@ReefCommunityWorldwide]

Gyres need cleaning at least one a week they’re piss poor, Neros are really easy to clean, easy to set up and low profile.

[@reefcubedan2680]

They tell you to use vinegar to clean it

[@ReefDork]

I didn't realise that - how ridiculous!

[@reefcubedan2680]

Reef Dork I’ve asked for advice before when mine stalled, not 100% on the mix but think they said 50% water 50% vinegar they didn’t say soak it for long tho, I’ll have to try dig the email out and send you it

[@reefcubedan2680]

I’ve found the email if you want a look?

[@ReefDork]

Thanks - my email is in the description. I guess the length of time is key

[@c4snipar]

Just get a jebao for god sake. Works as good and save you a few hundred bucks. When it breaks simple get another one.

[@AceHardy]

📝

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

$366 for THAT?..Insane...just buy pump of 1,000 gph and use it only to recirculate. You can get those for $150 or so.

[@AJ-bi6ns]

Stan TheObserver controllability and aesthetics cost a pretty penny in the hobby

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

@@AJ-bi6ns What I don't get is..what esthetics don't mind those black things attached to the side glass? Never see those at a public aquarium. Might as well buy a dedicated pump and then you only see the return pipe.

[@eal1]

I bought 2 mp40qd after seeing this, around Xmas 2021. One lasted until now one is broken on the dry side 5 months in and rattles if shake it, makes such a racket running. The forums are full of problems with this brand. Huge regrets. Avoiding this cheap overpriced brand in future. You feel like you're paying over the odds for a prototype and then you read so may others have the same issues. Nice idea bad execution. Maybe their customer service is good am still in warranty but yet to try but why do I need to send a pump away after 5 months? It's not a vintage Ferrari. I paid for cutting edge but get the the feeling eco stands for economy in their efforts. Avoid!

[@duskosreef4952]

I can't believe it, literally today I used vinegar for the first time ever to wash my MP40s, because Google search told me that's what I should do! And now I see this video.... I mean, wth! hahaha I hope once isn't going to destroy them?

[@ReefDork]

It'll be fine - Ecotech even recommend vinegar in the manual. Longer exposure is where potential problems arise

[@duskosreef4952]

@@ReefDork Thanks! 👍🏻

[@PazLeBon]

think i paid 6euros n works great haha

[@natalbreefing5934]

Im screwed. I forgot one of mine in vinegar solution for like 2 days... 🤣🤣 we’ll see what happens.

[@ReefDork]

🤣

[@kayjoe7237]

Happened to me also ... I said f*ck it.. will just order 2 more.

[@ReefDork]

🤣

[@danmaltby3271]

yea Its shiny and pretty but alot of shekels

[@Jimbobhill2039]

I get clicking on mine I hate it so much

[@ReefDork]

Have you completely stripped it down and cleaned it? That should fix it.

[@Jimbobhill2039]

@@ReefDork yes I did and it’s still a click not supper load but it sounds like a click been doing it right out of the box 3/4 inch thick glass with the 3/4 dry spacer is it supposed to make a sound or is it supposed to be Uber quite

[@ReefDork]

@@Jimbobhill2039 try again, it can be something tiny that causes it - it should be almost completely silent

[@Cjx0r]

You can't aim them. /video

[@ricardocarneiro7797]

I can hereby tell you fellow reefers, that mobius is absolute crap.

[@Sammy31Dee]

EGO tech....bc there's more EGO in our prices than Quality

[@davidshoard3271]

That is not a reef, it's a selection of corals on the bottom of an aquarium

[@harryt988]

Do you ever have any positive to say ? Ugh 😑

[@ReefDork]

90% of this review was positive...

[@2019freddie]

overpriced, non directional. much better, cheaper alternatives.

[@phokusonmi6375]

had some fears about these. you seemed to cover my main issues though. thank you.

[@buddybonbutt7510]

I was following along perfectly until you said that their customer service Rivals Apple. If that's the case I don't think I trust their customer service at all