Tunze 6105 ORCA Initial Review

[mstgkillr]

I’ve been a Tunze fan for a long time. My first Tunze powerhead was a Stream 6000 back around 2007 (and I had an Osmolator even earlier). Since then, I’ve owned several generations of Stream pumps and Osmolators and they’ve all been rock solid. Any minor issues were quickly resolved by what is, hands down, the best customer service in the business. Honestly, it is the best customer service I’ve ever experienced, period.

After my house fire in 2018, I took a break from reefing. About a year later I slowly crept back in with a used 210 gallon system that came with four Vortech MP40s and two MP60s. Since I already had them, I gave Vortech a fair shot. I even bought two more MP60s and tried multiple combinations and placements, but I could never quite dial in the flow I was after. Later I added gyres to the mix, which still didn’t get me where I wanted to be, and it significantly increased maintenance.

This past Thursday I received two Tunze 6105 (black) ORCAs. My first impression is that these are absolutely in a league of their own. In my opinion, for my 210 gallon mixed reef (SPS heavy), they are without a doubt, the best flow option.

Two 6105 ORCAs are probably overkill, but they replaced over $5k worth of Vortech pumps while delivering noticeably better randomized flow and coverage, with significantly reduced power consumption. I have no doubt the 6105s themselves will outlast the Vortechs. If the ORCA components simply make it through the 5 year warranty, I’ll consider it money well spent. Honestly, at that point it’s a bargain.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Any video of them in action?

 

[areefer01]

I wouldn't say a league in their own, but they do provide another option for internal flow. Ed, over at Sea Swirl who held a patent on oscillating flow, should get credit where credit is due. Both oscillating return flow and power head flow such as attaching a Tunze power head or other brands.

With that out of the way, yes Tunze, and who they partnered with, enhanced it. In short:

• Full control over oscillating direction, degree
• Correlated flow patterns with a combination of control for power head flow, and direction of oscillation
• Time slot / schedule

These three provide more control than what Sea Swirl, and Sweeps, have. That in of itself is worth the entry price. Also Tunze, being Tunze, has a 5 year consolidated warranty and not partial. Tunze and Abyzz set the standards here.

Few other comments that may be of interest.

Price will be a sticker shock to some, please watch the video below of Tunze showing the build process. This is very important to understand in my opinion as this hobby is ripe with supporting knock offs and imports.

Option with power head, and without. So existing power head users that are supported can buy without and integrate without extra cost. I purchased the whole kit because I wanted a spare for both cleaning and emergencies. Also future upgrades. There is flexibility here.

• 3d printing is of high quality. Threads on screws are clean. No waste or mess
• 3d printing units are professional quality - these are not toys. Video shows 5 on the table, with more on the floor ready to be installed. They did not skimp on machine choice
• Injection mold was not an option, or due to cost, or not ready - thus the printers
• Euro brace support, and mounting option is flexible. Should work for most displays
• Head unit is clean, and small. A bit tall, but not in your face or loud
• Very quiet
• Requires 2.4 ghz wireless
• Requires its own app - not via the tunze portal or hub, but can be linked
• Control degree rotation, power head speed, 5 patterns, and standard schedule
• Adjustable carbon fiber shaft - uses detent type ball - press, move up, down to extend
• 6105 has some torque with high power and short pulse - shaft seems to support this

Below is the video of mine installed in the upper left. I installed it here to test. Avast plank feeder behind it for size reference. I have a review elsewhere but since I saw this post figured I would share a bit more information on the device. A few of us elsewhere have them installed and chatting about it with a few having purchased as a result and waiting for their kits.

Oh - I left off:

Tunze support - Roger - just a great man to talk to. Very helpful with product support which I have used with setting my ORCA up. Also very receptive to feedback. Gave a few suggestions. Also very kind if there is a disagreement. This is vital as I feel finding common ground is important in today's climate.


Tunze manufacturing:


My ORCA/Display - plan on making another one focusing on flow on the right side, torch area. The flow by the ORCA and the impact it has is, well, interesting. In a good way.

 

[bubbgee]

I’m interested as well. Did you get rid of the gyres? Did you have one or two? Was thinking of adding one in a corner and spin at 45 to distribute water around from the front while the gyres remain the main source of flow.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I wouldn't say a league in their own, but they do provide another option for internal flow. Ed, over at Sea Swirl who held a patent on oscillating flow, should get credit where credit is due. Both oscillating return flow and power head flow such as attaching a Tunze power head or other brands.

With that out of the way, yes Tunze, and who they partnered with, enhanced it. In short:

• Full control over oscillating direction, degree
• Correlated flow patterns with a combination of control for power head flow, and direction of oscillation
• Time slot / schedule

These three provide more control than what Sea Swirl, and Sweeps, have. That in of itself is worth the entry price. Also Tunze, being Tunze, has a 5 year consolidated warranty and not partial. Tunze and Abyzz set the standards here.

Few other comments that may be of interest.

Price will be a sticker shock to some, please watch the video below of Tunze showing the build process. This is very important to understand in my opinion as this hobby is ripe with supporting knock offs and imports.

Option with power head, and without. So existing power head users that are supported can buy without and integrate without extra cost. I purchased the whole kit because I wanted a spare for both cleaning and emergencies. Also future upgrades. There is flexibility here.

• 3d printing is of high quality. Threads on screws are clean. No waste or mess
• 3d printing units are professional quality - these are not toys. Video shows 5 on the table, with more on the floor ready to be installed. They did not skimp on machine choice
• Injection mold was not an option, or due to cost, or not ready - thus the printers
• Euro brace support, and mounting option is flexible. Should work for most displays
• Head unit is clean, and small. A bit tall, but not in your face or loud
• Very quiet
• Requires 2.4 ghz wireless
• Requires its own app - not via the tunze portal or hub, but can be linked
• Control degree rotation, power head speed, 5 patterns, and standard schedule
• Adjustable carbon fiber shaft - uses detent type ball - press, move up, down to extend
• 6105 has some torque with high power and short pulse - shaft seems to support this

Below is the video of mine installed in the upper left. I installed it here to test. Avast plank feeder behind it for size reference. I have a review elsewhere but since I saw this post figured I would share a bit more information on the device. A few of us elsewhere have them installed and chatting about it with a few having purchased as a result and waiting for their kits.

Oh - I left off:

Tunze support - Roger - just a great man to talk to. Very helpful with product support which I have used with setting my ORCA up. Also very receptive to feedback. Gave a few suggestions. Also very kind if there is a disagreement. This is vital as I feel finding common ground is important in today's climate.


Tunze manufacturing:


My ORCA/Display - plan on making another one focusing on flow on the right side, torch area. The flow by the ORCA and the impact it has is, well, interesting. In a good way.

Thanks for those videos! Their manufacturing video makes me want to get into SPS so I can warrant one of these. lol

 

[RocketEngineer]

I have a question, if you don’t mind: Does it work with “older” 6105s? I have two of those pumps already and would LOVE to retrofit them with ORCAs. I’m willing to pay for newer pumps if necessary but not sure if I can reuse what I have already or not. A picture of how the pump and orca connect would be very helpful. Thanks!

 

[rtparty]

I have a question, if you don’t mind: Does it work with “older” 6105s? I have two of those pumps already and would LOVE to retrofit them with ORCAs. I’m willing to pay for newer pumps if necessary but not sure if I can reuse what I have already or not. A picture of how the pump and orca connect would be very helpful. Thanks!

It only works with Hub edition pumps

 

[RocketEngineer]

It only works with Hub edition pumps

Thanks for letting me know. Now I can place my order.

 

[Sean Clark]

An Orca with the 6105 is on my "to get" list. I plan on placing it on the far back corner of my peninsula.

 

[Sean Clark]

An Orca with the 6105 is on my "to get" list. I plan on placing it on the far back corner of my peninsula.

Well, I just ordered one. This thread pushed me over the edge. I caved to all of this pier pressure.

 

[Michael71]

These orcas have thrown a curve into my build equipment plan. Since some of ya'll have them running would you recommend 1 of these as the sole powerhead in a 100gl display that is 24"x48"x20" deep, mounted in a back corner? Excluding the return pump obviously. If yes, should i go with the 6105 or the 6075... total system volume with sump will be about 150gl. This is going to be a mixed reef...SPS, LPS, Softies and will have clams as well.

 

[rtparty]

These orcas have thrown a curve into my build equipment plan. Since some of ya'll have them running would you recommend 1 of these as the sole powerhead in a 100gl display that is 24"x48"x20" deep, mounted in a back corner? Excluding the return pump obviously. If yes, should i go with the 6105 or the 6075... total system volume with sump will be about 150gl. This is going to be a mixed reef...SPS, LPS, Softies and will have clams as well.

One 6105 might work but I’d be prepared to add a second. 2 of the 6075 will work for that size tank

 

[X-37B]

I would do 2 6105's. You can always turn them down. I run 2 sweeps with 6255's in my 60×30×21. All the flow I will ever need for that system.

 

[skey44]

And for us plebeians the old ac pumps are on clearance at Premium aquatics. I ordered one and am excited. The orca and my nanostream I’ve had since 2004 got me looking at Tunze again. Great company. Definitely a cool product, but out of my current price range.
Thanks for sharing your experience and video.

 

[X-37B]

I have a question, if you don’t mind: Does it work with “older” 6105s? I have two of those pumps already and would LOVE to retrofit them with ORCAs. I’m willing to pay for newer pumps if necessary but not sure if I can reuse what I have already or not. A picture of how the pump and orca connect would be very helpful. Thanks!

If you have older pumps a sweep will work. This is an older sweep with a Jebao mow 22 I will use on my ext 112.
You can get a paddle to attatch any pump you want.

 

[exnisstech]

@areefer01 what are your thoughts on two 6075 units on this tank? Its 36x22x22" and currently running a total of 6 powerheads. It's getting to be a pain to get the 4 on the back wall for cleaning due to coral growth and clumsy hands and the ones on the end are an eyesore. I'm thinking one each back corner sweeping side to side may work out nicely?

Crappy pics to show the tank layout

 

[areefer01]

@areefer01 what are your thoughts on two 6075 units on this tank? Its 36x22x22" and currently running a total of 6 powerheads. It's getting to be a pain to get the 4 on the back wall for cleaning due to coral growth and clumsy hands and the ones on the end are an eyesore. I'm thinking one each back corner sweeping side to side may work out nicely?

Crappy pics to show the tank layout

I am a relatively new user to the Tunze powerhead family. Very new to the ORAC as I've only had it for a couple of days. Just need to put that out there first. Oh, one more note. I'm a bit biased in oscillating flow as I also run Sea Swirls on my returns. Honesty in reefing. Oh - I have only used the Tunze 6105's.

Few notes up front:

The ORCA just about has unlimited directional movement as it relates to left and right. Part of the setup has you place it in center position as this will vary among us. It has you then add another stop point/position limit and then the ORCA knows its operating rotation ranges (left, right, movement). For comparison sake the Sea Swirl motor linkage limits it to 180 degrees or a lower 39 I think (motor, linkage, vs ORCAs design). The ORCA allows fine tuning of the left, right, range which will help in some mounting positions. Not sure if I described this correct so apologies if it isn't clear.

Tunze power head horseshoe and ball design allow us to sort of aim the flow. This hasn't changed. Also there is some control of power head horseshoe and shaft extension including directional flow by pointing it. Depth. This is not too bad as they have to consider torque of both directional motor and shaft. Shaft is carbon fiber btw. Nice touch. So the standard directional facing Tunze ball/horse shoe design is still here is all I am saying.

Your specific question on corner placement. I am testing mine as the video showed in the upper left corner. Compared to my Sea Swirl returns there is more depth control (shaft extension) and left, right, directional movement. The main reason is that the setup will have you point the powerhead and set position 0 or center. The next part of the setup will have you move it to the stop point (if I remember correctly). So corner placement will be fine as you can control more than 180 degrees of left, right, movement. Tunze with their horse shoe design will allow you to position the flow output as well or added directional.

To your specific question on 6075's - I do not own one so not sure how they compare to 6105's. I'm sure in relationship to flow it will be fine. Tank size and model, I am honestly not sure. Maybe @rtparty can help here as I am too new to the Tunze family. Honestly, if you are thinking of upgrading or have a larger tank I would probably go with the 6105's just because it would provide an option of handling a larger system. Pretty sure the build quality is there to last 5+ years so why not. Especially if you are mounting them in the corner.

Edit: You could look at both 6075 and 6105 and see if there is a side by side or way to visualize the size difference between them. I tend to go larger only because I'm more of a buy once and reuse if I upgrade.

You can also buy one to test if you want. If it doesn't work out I'm pretty sure you would recoup most of your money back by reselling it. This is difficult for me to judge since our hobby is a challenge at times in relationship to used gear. I mean Tunze has a 5 year warranty and very well built - I'm thinking you would be OK here but this is a personal decision and I am of no help, I'm sorry.

My display is 54 x 30 x 30 and the one I have now is able to reach the other side. I'm using the wide flow adapter too, not the cage that offers more direct flow. There is a lot of control both directional and flow with schedules. So it packs a lot of functionality. Flow is important in our displays. My goal is to purchase a second unit and place on the opposite side.

TL; DR - I purchased one and being honest, it was an investment. I wanted the whole kit with powerhead because I wanted a spare powerhead. So far, I like how it works and the additional control it has over the Sea Swirl/Sweep is impressive. It is a bit large, but I can say without a doubt I see more detritus suspended than before and my torch on the right side a bit more happy.

I apologize as I feel I am not answering but rather rambling. Long and short is that I believe it offers more control in relationship to both left, right movement and power headflow than anything else on the market today. Ed and the Sea Sweep do, but it does not tie directional movement (left, right) with powerhead intensity. That is the main difference.

Edit: I think I see your overflow in the middle. The ORCA attachment, at least on my EURO brace, has the powerhead away from the glass. I think in your case that you would be able to get flow past that overflow box or limit the movement to stop just before hitting that overflow wall.

 

[exnisstech]

I am a relatively new user to the Tunze powerhead family. Very new to the ORAC as I've only had it for a couple of days. Just need to put that out there first. Oh, one more note. I'm a bit biased in oscillating flow as I also run Sea Swirls on my returns. Honesty in reefing. Oh - I have only used the Tunze 6105's.

Few notes up front:

The ORCA just about has unlimited directional movement as it relates to left and right. Part of the setup has you place it in center position as this will vary among us. It has you then add another stop point/position limit and then the ORCA knows its operating rotation ranges (left, right, movement). For comparison sake the Sea Swirl motor linkage limits it to 180 degrees or a lower 39 I think (motor, linkage, vs ORCAs design). The ORCA allows fine tuning of the left, right, range which will help in some mounting positions. Not sure if I described this correct so apologies if it isn't clear.

Tunze power head horseshoe and ball design allow us to sort of aim the flow. This hasn't changed. Also there is some control of power head horseshoe and shaft extension including directional flow by pointing it. Depth. This is not too bad as they have to consider torque of both directional motor and shaft. Shaft is carbon fiber btw. Nice touch. So the standard directional facing Tunze ball/horse shoe design is still here is all I am saying.

Your specific question on corner placement. I am testing mine as the video showed in the upper left corner. Compared to my Sea Swirl returns there is more depth control (shaft extension) and left, right, directional movement. The main reason is that the setup will have you point the powerhead and set position 0 or center. The next part of the setup will have you move it to the stop point (if I remember correctly). So corner placement will be fine as you can control more than 180 degrees of left, right, movement. Tunze with their horse shoe design will allow you to position the flow output as well or added directional.

To your specific question on 6075's - I do not own one so not sure how they compare to 6105's. I'm sure in relationship to flow it will be fine. Tank size and model, I am honestly not sure. Maybe @rtparty can help here as I am too new to the Tunze family. Honestly, if you are thinking of upgrading or have a larger tank I would probably go with the 6105's just because it would provide an option of handling a larger system. Pretty sure the build quality is there to last 5+ years so why not. Especially if you are mounting them in the corner.

Edit: You could look at both 6075 and 6105 and see if there is a side by side or way to visualize the size difference between them. I tend to go larger only because I'm more of a buy once and reuse if I upgrade.

You can also buy one to test if you want. If it doesn't work out I'm pretty sure you would recoup most of your money back by reselling it. This is difficult for me to judge since our hobby is a challenge at times in relationship to used gear. I mean Tunze has a 5 year warranty and very well built - I'm thinking you would be OK here but this is a personal decision and I am of no help, I'm sorry.

My display is 54 x 30 x 30 and the one I have now is able to reach the other side. I'm using the wide flow adapter too, not the cage that offers more direct flow. There is a lot of control both directional and flow with schedules. So it packs a lot of functionality. Flow is important in our displays. My goal is to purchase a second unit and place on the opposite side.

TL; DR - I purchased one and being honest, it was an investment. I wanted the whole kit with powerhead because I wanted a spare powerhead. So far, I like how it works and the additional control it has over the Sea Swirl/Sweep is impressive. It is a bit large, but I can say without a doubt I see more detritus suspended than before and my torch on the right side a bit more happy.

I apologize as I feel I am not answering but rather rambling. Long and short is that I believe it offers more control in relationship to both left, right movement and power headflow than anything else on the market today. Ed and the Sea Sweep do, but it does not tie directional movement (left, right) with powerhead intensity. That is the main difference.

Edit: I think I see your overflow in the middle. The ORCA attachment, at least on my EURO brace, has the powerhead away from the glass. I think in your case that you would be able to get flow past that overflow box or limit the movement to stop just before hitting that overflow wall.

Thanks for the info. I checked the dimensions of the 6175 and it isn't too much larger than the MP40 wetside it could work. I have an old 6105 that's been a work horse for almost 10 years and is still going strong in my mixing barrel so I'm confident in tunze build quality. I would have a couple on the way I weren't so heavily invested in vortechs already. I've made up my mind i won't be adding new ecotech gear so these are on the radar.

 

[rtparty]

I have the 6105 in hand and the pump itself is HUGE. I’ve never used a Tunze larger than the 6095 so I haven’t seen these larger Tunze in person.

I have a brand new 6075 I can open and put the pumps side by side and snap a pic. Sitting in a back corner likely doesn’t matter what the pump size is though.

The 6075 is 2000gph max. The 6105 is like 3200gph. For $100 more (2 pumps), you get a lot “more” from the 6105 but do you need that much? My tank is roughly 48*22*22 and 2 of the 6075s has been plenty. I probably didn’t need the 6105 as my second but wanted to see the differences. Tunze has videos of just a few orca 6105s on like 10 foot tanks. Maybe 15 foot tanks? I can’t recall off the top of my head. That’s crazy they can move that much but they sure do.

The oscillation with full control of the pump and oscillator is a game changer. 2 pumps turns into 50 lol

 

[areefer01]

I have the 6105 in hand and the pump itself is HUGE. I’ve never used a Tunze larger than the 6095 so I haven’t seen these larger Tunze in person.

I have a brand new 6075 I can open and put the pumps side by side and snap a pic. Sitting in a back corner likely doesn’t matter what the pump size is though.

The 6075 is 2000gph max. The 6105 is like 3200gph. For $100 more (2 pumps), you get a lot “more” from the 6105 but do you need that much? My tank is roughly 48*22*22 and 2 of the 6075s has been plenty. I probably didn’t need the 6105 as my second but wanted to see the differences. Tunze has videos of just a few orca 6105s on like 10 foot tanks. Maybe 15 foot tanks? I can’t recall off the top of my head. That’s crazy they can move that much but they sure do.

The oscillation with full control of the pump and oscillator is a game changer. 2 pumps turns into 50 lol

TY for helping on the comparison and flow. I appreciate it.