Disclaimer: This page contains advertisements and/or affiliate links. We receive compensation from clicks and/or purchases made through these links. Though we may not have tested the specific product(s) mentioned, we do our best to recommend products that are beneficial to our visitors.
Ecotech VorTech Review
Last updated on November 17th, 2023
Ecotech VorTech Pumps
The Ecotech VorTech line of wave maker pumps is known for high quality, strength, sleek appearance, and quiet operation. Not only is it one of the highest quality pumps on the market, its also one of the, if not *THE*, most popular pumps available today. The key feature that sets VerTech pumps apart from other powerheads is the fact that there are no cords in the aquarium.
How Ecotech VorTech Pumps Work
Ecotech Marine holds the patent on what is truly the biggest innovation in reef tank powerheads. That innovation is the ability to place the motor and cords (known as the "dry side") on the outside of the reef tank. Leaving only the propeller (known as the "wet side") inside the aquarium.
The dry side of the VorTech has a motor with a large magnet. The wet side also has a magnet connected to a propeller. The two pieced connect to each other through the glass using these magnets. As the magnet in the dry side spins, it causes the magnet on the wet side to spin, powering the propeller. This solution provides a variety of benefits, but comes with its own challenges.
Advantages of the Ecotech VorTech Powerheads
There are some key advantages of the VorTech pumps that aren't available with other powerheads and wave makers, including:
- The motor and cord being on the outside of the reef tank reduces the cluttered look within the reef tank.
- Another advantage is that with less space wasted in the reef tank to house the motor, there is more space within the tank itself. This lets the tank really show its true beauty while giving fish more space to swim.
- The flow modes provide a variety of current patterns and abilities to randomize flow patterns to optimize coral growth.
Ecotech VorTech Flow Modes and Scheduling
The Ecotech VorTech Propeller Pumps have a number of wave profiles that you can scheduled to change throughout the day utilizing the Mobius App. Mobius gives you the power of Ecotech's latest app and bluetooth technology. Mobius replaced the Ecotech Reef Link, though the word is still out on replacing the wireless technology with bluetooth entirely. Preventing the Ecotech VorTech from connecting with the Neptune Apex and can only be controlled from close proximity, no longer online.
The different profiles allow for the optimal waves and flow for coral growth and tank health depending on your goals or preferences. For a full description, see the below infographic from Ecotech Marine.
Disadvantages of the Ecotech VorTech Powerheads
There are a couple of disadvantages with the Ecotech VorTech pump. The only notable disadvantage is that it is common for the dry side of the pumps to fall off of tanks. Especially larger tanks with thick glass. The motors fall because the magnets slip when transitioning speed or profiles. Ecotech has multiple solutions though, including the ability to add a transition profile to slowly change the speed. The other solution is really an often ignored installation step. This is that the wire should be held upward.
Wires Up!
Though the logo on the dry side of the pump is directed in such a way to encourage it, the wires for these pumps are intended to go up and along the edge of the aquarium. The pumps ship with a zip-tie adhesive connector to assist in holding the cord upward. This is to relieve stress on the motors themselves, as the cable hanging off the bottom of the pump can cause a strain on the motor.
Additionally, if the magnets slip, the dry side will crash to the floor if the wire is not supported by the aquarium or zip-tie connector. Adding yet another reason to just install the pump correctly. When the dry side is zip-tied in place such that it can support itself, all of the magnet connection problems tend to resolve themselves.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintenance on these pumps is surprisingly simple. All you have to do is remove the wet side, while holding the dry side to ensure it doesn't fall. Then aggressively rinse in fresh water. Use a toothbrush to clear any stubborn algae or debris.
If there is anything that won't come off, soaking the wet side in citric acid for a few hours or overnight, and scrubbing with a toothbrush after, will help break down even the most stubborn algae. After soaking, just give the wet side another rinse in RO water to clear off any citric acid and loose algae. Ensure the propeller spins with ease, and place it back in the tank. That's all there is to it!
Though the above method is how I recommend cleaning this pump, Bulk Reef Supply offers another approach in their review video below.
Original vs Quiet Drive Controllers
The new QD, or Quiet Drive, provides the same great performance, but has reduced the noise produced by the pumps themselves. The original controller can be upgraded to have this feature without replacing the pumps and for a reasonable cost.
My personal opinion is that, though I prefer the quality and lower volume of the Quiet Drive Controllers, I have been running the original controllers as well and find they perform amazingly well. They are a little louder, but not horribly so. If the reef tank is near a bedroom, you may think differently. If the noise is a concern, I recommend the Quiet Drive upgrade or a new QD unit.
Where Can I Find the Ecotech VerTech Pump?
Here are some of the Ecotech VorTech pumps, accessories and upgrade kits, so you don't have to try to find them.
Ecotech VorTech Pumps
Extra/Replacement Wet Sides
Ecotech VorTech Accessories
- EcoTech Marine VorTech Battery Backup
- NemProtect Pump Guard for Ecotech VorTech MP10
- NemProtect Pump Guard for Ecotech VorTech MP40
- NemProtect Pump Guard for Ecotech VorTech MP60
wES to wQD Upgrade Kits
Conclusion: Reef Stable Rating
This is one of the few items where I can give a 9.5/10. These pumps are amazing! There are small gotchas with maintenance such as possibly breaking the plastic guard, but I find that more likely to be user error than anything else. Still, that is a concern. The changing of the intensity and flow mode throughout the day allow for nutrient transport daily as well as lesser flow at night. I also have my pumps switch their flow modes every few hours for additional randomization of current for my corals. Overall, I give the Ecotech VorTech Propeller Pumps a nearly perfect Score!
Recommended Reading:
- Reef Aquarium Flow Guide
- Benefits of Bare Bottom Fish Tanks
- Saltwater Aquarium Lighting Guide
- NEW From Ecotech - The Radion Gen 5 - Learn More HERE
Thanks for Choosing Reef Stable
If this article was helpful to you, please share it using the share buttons at the top of this page and help someone else that is looking for help determining the best flow rate for their aquarium.
About the Author
John Krenzer
John is a Software Engineer with a passion for saltwater aquariums, as well as the founder and president of Reef Stable. He started in the aquarium hobby as a child with a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium. His interest in aquarium life grew and in 2008, John set up his first saltwater aquarium.
Today, John maintains an over 300 gallon reef tank system, consisting of a 120g reef and a 210g reef. These large tanks are contained within the same system, sharing a sump as a means to reduce total maintenance and increase total water volume.
John writes articles for the blog as a means to learn about more reef aquarium topics. These articles act as a reference for the readers as well as himself. John updates these articles frequently to provide additional information or make corrections as new information becomes available.
If you would like to request an article, tank tour article, or to collaborate, let me know via the Contact Me Page!
Social Media