Are VorTechs Worth The Cost?

[Shep]

So after my frag tank got wiped out and took all my corals with it, I thought I was out of the hobby but I guess I am not sure that I am ready to give it up yet. So I was thinking of starting a shallow reef tank and was starting to piece together an equipment list. I normally I use the 2 Hydor nano powerheads with their smart wave controller but I was wondering if the VorTech might be a better choice, the tank is 36x16x8. I like the features that MP10 has but I just don't know if its worth the extra $220 compared to the Hydor nanos. Opinions?

 

[Chris-tico]

im in the same situation.!

BUMP!

 

[vic67]

USED Vortechs are definitely worth the cost IMO. I like have the pump outside the tank and I like the various modes of operation. I don't have any experience with the Quiet Drives or the Gyres.

 

[glweek]

Been using jebao wp series since they came out

 

[AquamanE]

I have an MP40 that has been in my tank for 10 years. LOVE IT. Never had an issue.

6 months ago I put a maxspect Gyre on other side. I cant put a Vortech cause motor end would sit in middle of my halway from living room to family room. (before that i had, tunze, koralia, jeabo's, they all stunk IMHO). So far maxspect has been doing a good job but INHO inferior to Vortech.

 

[Chris Adams]

mp10 on my 38 nuvo no complaints except wish it was cheaper. Also have jabeo wp10 on another tank. MP blows it away.

 

[Shep]

So you think the MP10 would be worth getting?

 

[Mr E Wrasse]

I'd go with the Jebao rw15.. ive had mine for a couple months and love it! I've had several mp40s in the past and they're not worth the price when you can get an rw15 for $80! Yea it won't last as long as a Vortech... but for 1/4 the price i'll buy one every two years if i have to... ive got it dialed in so it makes a 1/2"-3/4" wave and my fish have never been happier

 

[redfishbluefish]

Back in the day I always thought people who spent that much on a powerhead were blithering idiots. At the time I had the old-school Koralia's ......K-4's to be exact. The only issue with these is that they might re-start in reverse. Otherwise they were workhorses.....I was happy with them. When the new Koralia's came out, I purchased four of these....I think 1400's....and slowly watched each one die. In my mind, major snafu for Koralia....turned me off.....very poor design.

So today I now have three MP40's and two MP10's. I think that makes me a major blithering idiot.....just don't tell my wife.....not about I'm an idiot, but about owning five vortechs....she already knows I'm an idiot.

 

[Chris Adams]

Back in the day I always thought people who spent that much on a powerhead were blithering idiots. At the time I had the old-school Koralia's ......K-4's to be exact. The only issue with these is that they might re-start in reverse. Otherwise they were workhorses.....I was happy with them. When the new Koralia's came out, I purchased four of these....I think 1400's....and slowly watched each one die. In my mind, major snafu for Koralia....turned me off.....very poor design.

So today I now have three MP40's and two MP10's. I think that makes me a major blithering idiot.....just don't tell my wife.....not about I'm an idiot, but about owning five vortechs....she already knows I'm an idiot.

I think we all have to be blithering idiots to be in this hobby in the first place. :)

 

[Shep]

I have had some of my Koralias for a few years and they still work as long as you clean them every now and then. I just keep almost getting the VorTech...but dang that price

 

[Shep]

So I have heard a lot about the Jebao RW Series powerheads, what is your opinions on them?

 

[buckeye82]

I have 2 mp40s and 4 jebao rw-8 and for the price the rw -8 hold their weight

I will be getting another jebao (probably rw-15) as I've been really satisfied with the brand along with my wallet.

 

[ronnie]

Here's my opinion on whether it's worth owning and buying vortechs:

Yes. Get them. :)

 

[acolotto]

save the money, get a gyre you wont regret it

 

[knukles55]

I've had koralias and various other power heads. None compare to my mp10...... mind you I bought 2 used mp10 from 2 different people and have had them for almost a year now. With quiet drive out now prices on used ones have gone even lower in my opinion I got one of mine for 160.00 and the other for 60.00 with partial coral trade. Play the market right and find a good deal and offer trades to bring down the price ;) good luck in your decision.

 

[Stephanie11]

I hope your acans are fine!

I use 4 jebaos on two different tanks for over 2 years, never had a problem. Never had a vortech to compare.

I know there's a huge debate about if your going to raise animals to use the best stuff, but let's face it, I can't afford 5+ x the cost per unit for say 25% better.

 

[Shep]

save the money, get a gyre you wont regret it

Tank is much too small for a gyre or i would have gotten one already. Its only 20g and its a shallow tank, gyre would turn it into a sandstorm

I hope your acans are fine!

I use 4 jebaos on two different tanks for over 2 years, never had a problem. Never had a vortech to compare.

I know there's a huge debate about if your going to raise animals to use the best stuff, but let's face it, I can't afford 5+ x the cost per unit for say 25% better.

They sadly all but one of my 26 died :'(
Thats kind of what has been holding me back, I love all the features of vortechs....but man that price is tough to get past lol

 

[MontiFanatic402]

Buy a used vortech....its totally worth it! I used to think that vortechs were for snobs, and rich people.........well I may be a snob, but I'm still not rich! Buy the vortech, and never look back!

 

[cloak]

I apologize for not reading through the entire thread, but if you can achieve the same results for half the price than I guess a Vortech wouldn't be worth the money IMO. Some of these other pumps I have would have to break down & be replaced twice before I'm even near that plateau. No worries though. Some of us just have deeper pockets than others. GL.