Tunze 6105 ORCA Initial Review

[JGT]

How are the pump heads are far as detritus buildup? Is cleaning easy?

 

[Ironwill723]

Why do they suggest we buy a separate power supply ? Isn’t it included in the box ?

They are referring to upgrading the power supply from 12v to the 24v to convert it into the 6255.

 

[areefer01]

How are the pump heads are far as detritus buildup? Is cleaning easy?

The Tunze power heads? Hmm, not too different than any other. A lot of it will depend on the hobbyist nutrient levels and display maturity.

I've not cleaned the ORCA kit yet as it is only recently installed. I have cleaned my existing Tunze 6105's and they are not much different than anything else I've cleaned including my Gyres (Maxspect XF280, Icecap 4k, or Orbit 4).

Basically turn off the kit, disconnect end plug from HUB (or in this case the ORCA cable), disconnect from horseshoe collar, remove from display using a hand towel to prevent drip, guide cord/wire so that it does not fall into tank, take apart end cap/cage, blade, place in bucket of warm water citric acid, and soak. Couple hours later gently scrub, rinse, reattach blade, cage, guide wire, attach to horseshoe collar, connect cord, and power on.

Honestly it is not a huge deal. Cage can be a bit wonky but once you get used to it, it is fine. I use buy secondary units for this reason though. So I have a pair of 6105's already, I purchased the ORCA kit that has a 6105, I only need 2 powerheads, so I use the 3rd for cleaning. Off, swap, on, and clean when time allows. I do the same for my return pump. Less down time and if something does break I have a spare to replace while I sort out and get replacement or warranty.

Not sure if this makes sense but all in all it isn't difficult. The horseshoe is easy.

 

[t5Nitro]

Can anyone using them in operation comment on the controls? Are you able to set it up such that it could be on the back wall with 180 degree rotataion along with adjustable power based on degrees of rotation? Or is that too complex for the system?

Thinking if you had the typical rectangular tank, it might be nice to sweep 180 with a back wall mount. The flow should get progressively reduced when the pump nears 90 degrees and then start to pick up again when it moves towards 0 and 180 degrees from 90, down the length of the tank. This would avoid high output flow when it's aimed over the shortest section of tank, usually the width. Thinking about mixed reefs, more low flow corals on the bottoms and sandbed that might be thrown around like crazy if this weren't the case?

Wondering if anyone can comment on that functionality.
@rvitko
@rtparty

 

[rtparty]

The cage on the 6075 grows coralline like crazy. Whatever material that is loves coralline algae. I have found it to be quite weak though and I struggle getting them off. I completely broke one and had to buy some replacements to keep on hand

 

[rtparty]

Can anyone using them in operation comment on the controls? Are you able to set it up such that it could be on the back wall with 180 degree rotataion along with adjustable power based on degrees of rotation? Or is that too complex for the system?

Thinking if you had the typical rectangular tank, it might be nice to sweep 180 with a back wall mount. The flow should get progressively reduced when the pump nears 90 degrees and then start to pick up again when it moves towards 0 and 180 degrees from 90, down the length of the tank. This would avoid high output flow when it's aimed over the shortest section of tank, usually the width. Thinking about mixed reefs, more low flow corals on the bottoms and sandbed that might be thrown around like crazy if this weren't the case?

Wondering if anyone can comment on that functionality.
@rvitko
@rtparty

On the last page I put up a link to the tutorial I wrote on how to do this. Very simple once you see how it’s done

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

A 6105 and a 6255 are the same pump, one is running on 12V , one is 24V, when you buy a 6255 most of what you are paying for is the super strong magnets for 1" glass which are useless with the ORCA so you buy the 6105.501 and replace the power supply with 6101.240.

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

The cage on the 6075 grows coralline like crazy. Whatever material that is loves coralline algae. I have found it to be quite weak though and I struggle getting them off. I completely broke one and had to buy some replacements to keep on hand

Try the egg break method, gently tap the seam on the edge of a counter top, they should just pop off.

 

[t5Nitro]

Will check that out. Thanks!

On the last page I put up a link to the tutorial I wrote on how to do this. Very simple once you see how it’s done

 

[rtparty]

Try the egg break method, gently tap the seam on the edge of a counter top, they should just pop off.

I’ve tried that and that’s what broke the pieces on mine. I thought I saw Felix do it in a video so I’ll watch again and see what happened. It can be tough when they are slippery

 

[areefer01]

Can anyone using them in operation comment on the controls? Are you able to set it up such that it could be on the back wall with 180 degree rotataion along with adjustable power based on degrees of rotation? Or is that too complex for the system?

Thinking if you had the typical rectangular tank, it might be nice to sweep 180 with a back wall mount. The flow should get progressively reduced when the pump nears 90 degrees and then start to pick up again when it moves towards 0 and 180 degrees from 90, down the length of the tank. This would avoid high output flow when it's aimed over the shortest section of tank, usually the width. Thinking about mixed reefs, more low flow corals on the bottoms and sandbed that might be thrown around like crazy if this weren't the case?

Wondering if anyone can comment on that functionality.
@rvitko
@rtparty

Yes. I believe we mentioned it earlier. You have control of the oscillation and power head intensity (power). During the setup it asks you to set center, then set another position. You have control after that to set position and power and limits.

Here are two screen gabs that may show it:

 

[areefer01]

It can be tough when they are slippery

For this very reason is why I wear nitrile gloves. I'm pretty clumsy...

 

[exnisstech]

Thoughts on a 6105 on a 3ft tank 36x22x22" I'm seriously considering one of these to start off, maybe a second later. I like the idea of the 6105 in case I move to a larger tank but wonder if it would be too much? I'm thinking with the wide flow attachment I should be able dial it down enough but would like thoughts. Its an SPS currently running 6 powerheads 2 MP40s,1 Jebao MP40 knock off and 3 neros but getting down to two orcas would be nice @rvitko thoughts?
Tank images in the post below for reverence

@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

 

[minus9]

Thoughts on a 6105 on a 3ft tank 36x22x22" I'm seriously considering one of these to start off, maybe a second later. I like the idea of the 6105 in case I move to a larger tank but wonder if it would be too much? I'm thinking with the wide flow attachment I should be able dial it down enough but would like thoughts. Its an SPS currently running 6 powerheads 2 MP40s,1 Jebao MP40 knock off and 3 neros but getting down to two orcas would be nice @rvitko thoughts?
Tank images in the post below for reverence

I run four 6075's on the back wall of my 36x36x16 acropora tank and they move a wall of water, but I could easily replace them with just two 6105's and turn them down. If I had two Orca's with 6105's the flow possibilities would be endless. If you know you're going to upgrade in the future, I would just go for the 6105(s) and be done with it. Otherwise, a pair of 6075's w/Orcas would do the trick as well.

 

[rtparty]

Thoughts on a 6105 on a 3ft tank 36x22x22" I'm seriously considering one of these to start off, maybe a second later. I like the idea of the 6105 in case I move to a larger tank but wonder if it would be too much? I'm thinking with the wide flow attachment I should be able dial it down enough but would like thoughts. Its an SPS currently running 6 powerheads 2 MP40s,1 Jebao MP40 knock off and 3 neros but getting down to two orcas would be nice @rvitko thoughts?
Tank images in the post below for reverence

It’s $100 more for 2 of the 6105s. I’d go that route and just run them lower

 

[t5Nitro]

This is a great video recently released.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

If your tank is more than 4 feet, the 6105

I think the 6105 I have is going to be too much on my 4 foot tank. I know I can turn it down but I’ll have to see if the minimum speed is low enough to not blow sand around on the short side.

I won’t be able to install my 6105 for 4-6 weeks as I’m waiting on a new lid. If you want to pay for shipping I’ll send it to you to test it out and you can ship it back once done.

@X-37B
I think you both have seen my display. What I am thinking is dead center of my tank (96x36). On the over flow side I have 2 swirls in a loop w/L2, 2 6255. On the short side I have another 2 swirls w/L2 on a different loop, 1 - 6255 and 2- Stream 3 pushing 8 foot and 2 L2 returns dumping. From the bottom pushing up in a circular motion is my 3rd loop driven by an A400 through 12 - 3/4 outlets. I want the Orca at the center on my fish room side doing a 180 degree sweep. I think this will really create some meaningful turbulence. I already have some great flow. But I think this will really break it up and make it truly random.

 

[johnnycamp5]

Love these!

Only bummer I see (that I haven’t seen mentioned yet unless I missed it) is the voltage/powerline in the tank

I thought this was the whole point for using Vortech MP’s which is what the OP compares it to

 

[areefer01]

Love these!

Only bummer I see (that I haven’t seen mentioned yet unless I missed it) is the voltage/powerline in the tank

I thought this was the whole point for using Vortech MP’s which is what the OP compares it to

Your point regarding the MP's is correct, no wires inside the tank. The OP, as I read it, was frustrated with internal flow. They mentioned a 210 gallon tank with 4 MP40's and 2 MP60's and said they couldn't get flow they way they wanted it.

Personally, I do not see how that is possible but that is another story.

 

[johnnycamp5]

Your point regarding the MP's is correct, no wires inside the tank. The OP, as I read it, was frustrated with internal flow. They mentioned a 210 gallon tank with 4 MP40's and 2 MP60's and said they couldn't get flow they way they wanted it.

Personally, I do not see how that is possible but that is another story.

Agreed.
I’ve got one MP 40 in my 60” long by 30” wide by 27” tall (mounted under the weir) and it’s more than enough flow.
It blows the fish all over hell and back. Lol.
I only have soft corals and LPS though