The revolutionary pump

After some time with the Tunze´s Nanostream 6055 and different configurations regarding their position and functional programs in order to create a wider and aleatory circulation, I reached the conclusion that only two pumps were just not enough, regarding the rock layout. There were always spots with high flow and others with none, creating dead spots for detritus build-up. Also, it was very hard to get adequate circulation reach the corals and so, after much brainstorming between placing two more Nanostream or upgrading to a Vortech MP40, the decision fell on the Vortech. What really convinced me was the fact that I have the opportunity to visit regularly a 1.50m SPS dominant tank in which the circulation is made only by a MP40 pump at a 3/4 throttle. The results are at excellent: every single polyp moves within the flow´s rhythm, creating natural and aleatory currents that have positive ramifications in coral health.

I placed the order for the pump and after a week, I was receiving my Vortech MP40. Looking inside the box, there´s a feeling that this is an extremely easy pump to set up and has low demand regarding cables and storage. A quick look to the instruction manual and we easily understand how the pump should be set up in order for us to get the maximum potential from the pump itself, its controller and the overall maintenance.

Since the pump has two sides that get united through a powerful magnet, leaving the electronic part outside the tank ( dry side) and the mechanical ( wet side) inside the tank, one should carefully follow the instructions in order to achieve a good and stable fixation of the both sides to the glass, thus preventing vibrations by abnormal effort from the rotor with consequent de calibration and disturbing noise. The magnet itself should be calibrated for the tank´s glass thickness and the wet side should be perfectly aligned with the dry side. Concerning the wet side of the pump, it is a very light and easy to handle component, as well as sufficiently discrete to pass unnoticed inside the tank. This was one of the major reasons that took me to buy this pump. Only 7cm of the pump are viewable which is a very positive detail when one´s tank is not that big.

Regarding the controller, I must say that I really enjoy the work that Ecotech has put on this component. Like the pump itself, it has a discrete, simple but very compact look, allowing the user to place it over an horizontal surface or attach it to a vertical one through four screw-holes available in its four corners, thus preventing its accidental fall. I have chosen to station it under the Aquatronica console, on the exterior of the electric compartment. Through the illustrations in the instructions manual or even on the backside of the controller, it is possible to configure the pump for the type of flow that most suit us, set up the primary/secondary ( slave) in case of having two pumps and knowing the buttons for those purposes.

As final comments it is undoubtful an excellent choice for high demand flow tanks, whether for the rock layout or for the type of chosen corals. Not only has a great capability of being discrete inside the tank due to the small dimensions of the wet side but also is sufficiently and efficiently powerful to, in most cases, keep only one pump in the tank as major circulation vehicle. It is also very maintenance friendly for the simple fact that the part that actually gets dirty is the part that has no wires nor electronic components to get in the way. One has to simply remove the wet side from the water, submerge it in vinegar or pass it through muritic acid, let the acids take effect and it is as good as new. It is something that deserves some serious thoughts when it comes to primary circulation because instead of getting ( in my case), at least, three Tunze´s Nanostream in order to have decent flow and good handling, ending with only one pump such as the Vortech is a great alternative in every way.

With the Tunze´s:

With the Vortech:

Text: André Silvestre

Photography: André Silvestre