So I finally have my p4 running. Currently the tank has two Sicce xstream SDC wave pumps but I picked up a Vortech controller for the p4 as part of a package and debating switching to a pair of MP40s. I was all in on switching to ecotech when I thought I could also control a vectra return pump with the p4 through the vortech controller but just read last night that my assumption on that was very wrong so am rethinking the whole thing. So far, here are the pros and cons I can think of and would value any opinions to sway me:
Sicce:
Pros:
Can adjust where they are pointing to divert around the big ugly center overflow in my tank and to get some more surface agitation
Sicce reputation for longevity
Cons:
Wires in the tank/bulkier in tank/not as sleek look as MP40
Controlled by a separate app so with p4 could only turn on and off but could create complementary schedules and hope clocks stay synced
Can change flow patterns by schedule but no truly random flow mode
MP40:
Pros:
Integrate with p4
Minimal look in tank
Good random flow modes
Cons:
Can’t direct flow (not sure how huge a deal this is with random flow and bouncing off tank walls; control is an illusion)
Expensive
Probably less robust/durable than Sicce (don’t want to start a war here, just that I see more threads about vortech pumps being fussy, having problems but that may just reflect the install base and people being extra mad when something so expensive doesn’t last forever, there are plenty of 8 year old plus ones out there still running). Not sure if this is a valid concern.
Have heard rare issues with dropping connection to p4
Doesn’t help me with integrating control of the return pump which annoys me
Anyway, opinions very welcome. I have the MP40s on hand but before I open them and make them unreturnable want to make an informed choice.
As a side note, it’s really annoying that every pump/wave maker/lighting manufacturer is coming out with their own half-done and very closed control app rather than just having a standard that would allow good controller makers (i.e., GHL) do the controlling and pump makers to make good pumps and not add in the cost of programming that really isn’t good and doesn’t integrate into a whole system. The last thing I want is to control lights with one app and return pump with another and wave pumps with another, etc, etc. What a pain! OK, rant over
Sicce:
Pros:
Can adjust where they are pointing to divert around the big ugly center overflow in my tank and to get some more surface agitation
Sicce reputation for longevity
Cons:
Wires in the tank/bulkier in tank/not as sleek look as MP40
Controlled by a separate app so with p4 could only turn on and off but could create complementary schedules and hope clocks stay synced
Can change flow patterns by schedule but no truly random flow mode
MP40:
Pros:
Integrate with p4
Minimal look in tank
Good random flow modes
Cons:
Can’t direct flow (not sure how huge a deal this is with random flow and bouncing off tank walls; control is an illusion)
Expensive
Probably less robust/durable than Sicce (don’t want to start a war here, just that I see more threads about vortech pumps being fussy, having problems but that may just reflect the install base and people being extra mad when something so expensive doesn’t last forever, there are plenty of 8 year old plus ones out there still running). Not sure if this is a valid concern.
Have heard rare issues with dropping connection to p4
Doesn’t help me with integrating control of the return pump which annoys me
Anyway, opinions very welcome. I have the MP40s on hand but before I open them and make them unreturnable want to make an informed choice.
As a side note, it’s really annoying that every pump/wave maker/lighting manufacturer is coming out with their own half-done and very closed control app rather than just having a standard that would allow good controller makers (i.e., GHL) do the controlling and pump makers to make good pumps and not add in the cost of programming that really isn’t good and doesn’t integrate into a whole system. The last thing I want is to control lights with one app and return pump with another and wave pumps with another, etc, etc. What a pain! OK, rant over