Elite Reef | Vortech MP10 Review

Operational Modes:
Constant Speed Mode - Pump runs continuously at a constant speed which can be set by the user.
EcoSmart Nutrient Transport Mode (NTM) - A two phase program to promote maximum health and nutrient export, as well as increased growth for corals. Alternates between a resonant standing wave and a surge effect to stir up and export nutrients.
EcoSmart Tidal Swell Mode (TSM) - Creates a harmonic balance in your aquarium reminiscent of the changing flow conditions that would be found in nature. Flow varies from left to right, right to left, calm, and ends with a great surge.
Reef Crest Random Mode - Reef Crest Random Mode simulates the high-energy conditions of a natural reef crest environment.
Lagoonal Random Mode - Simulates the gentler reef zone found in a natural lagoon.
Short Pulse Mode - Allows for wave pulse timings between 0.3 and two seconds, enabling the creation of FAST alternating flow throughout the tank. Use this mode to create a resonant standing wave.
Long Pulse Mode - Allows for wave pulse timings of between 2 seconds and 60 seconds, enabling the creation of slow alternating flow throughout the tank.
Feed Mode - Slows down pump to allow user to feed aquarium. User can select the duration and speed for Feed Mode.
Night Mode - Automatically reduce speed and operates continuously at that speed for a period of time during the night. User can select the duration and speed for Night Mode.
Battery Backup Mode - When used with our battery backup accessory, the VorTech pump will switch to Battery Backup Mode in the event of a power outage and will operate at a user set speed. The LED’s on your EcoSmart driver will count down to indicate how much power is available within the battery.
Auto-Dim - LED’s are turned off and display knob dimmed significantly, but pump functions in its current mode. User can program how long after use before the driver enters Auto-Dim.
On/Off Switch - Tap the on/off switch to turn off and turn on a pump. Hold this button to turn off all pumps in a master/slave group. Tap any pump in the groups’ on/off switch and that pump will turn back on.
Specifications:

Flow: 200 to 1575 gph (750 – 5962 lph)

Wattage: 8 to 18 watts
Maximum Tank Thickness: 3/8″ (9.5mm)
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 2.5 to 50 gal (9.5 – 190L)
Dimensions: Wet Side- 2.5″ diameter by 1.5″ long (63.5mm x 38.1mm),
Dry Side – 2.5″ diameter by 2″ long (63.5mm x 50.8mm)
Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2.25″ (57mm)

Review:

Vortech pumps may be some of the most expensive ways you can add flow to an aquarium, but they also offer some features that no other pump on the market can. The most noticeable difference for someone viewing a Vortech for the first time is their tiny size. When compared to the Koralia 5 Magnum (which offers comparable flow of 1650 gph), the MP10 looks tiny. For nano aquariums or larger tanks where space is at a premium there is no equal to a Vortech.



Dive further into the Vortech world by installing an MP10 on your tank and you will really begin to get a sense of why they are worth every penny. The flow pattern is completely unique to Vortech pumps. The do not project a moving jet of water like most pumps but instead, they instead create a wall of soft moving water. Think of it like the nozzle on the end of a hose. With no restriction on the end the water comes out nice and softly but with the same flow rate. When water is forced through a more restricted column (like most other pumps), the flow rate is the same but the flow turns into a smaller harsher jet of water.

The next thing you will find that sets an MP10 apart from the competition are the programmable modes. Reef crest seems to be the most popular, and I have to agree that it does an amazing job of creating random flow that corals love. Lagoon mode is very similar but lacks the brisk changes in flow that reef crest has. It is great for soft corals and others that don’t adjust quickly to flow changes. Both pulsing modes are probably the most useful. Short pulse is capable of creating waves in appropriately sized tanks, but it should not be tuned this way. The key in pulsing modes success is the fact that it gives large amounts of osculating flow then a break in between. If timed right the undertow during the break from flow can help to buffer corals from the backside and keep them from being damaged by too much flow from the front side. This is the best setting for a mixed reef because it can provide high flow for SPS corals without damaging LPS and soft corals.


Durability, in my experience, is second to none. I pre-ordered my MP10 and received it over a year ago. It truly is first GEN from the machining process and I have had NO problems with it to date. I have run it at full blast in almost every mode, had snails shot through it, dropped it on the floor, and it just keeps right on running like new.


A Vortech MP10 may be the most expensive investment that goes into your reef, but the space savings, ground breaking features and durability make it one thing you will never regret.

For more equipment reviews, visit the Elite Blog at:
Elite Reef | The Marine Reef Aquarium Source

 

My question is how loud are they? are they as quiet as a regular powerhead?

 

nice review Mike, I just put my MP10es on my tank, had been in the box waiting for a bit. I love this thing, the design is so cool and so many options. I'm still learning it, deciding which mode to settle on. I mounted it really cleanly so you can barely notice any wiring, just the main wire going up to my trim where it runs to my overflow, so seamless & hidden.

Can't wait to really play around with it when I have some time.

@sos it's very quiet IMO, you can hear a small "whirring" of the motor but I can't hear it over my overflow draining, which is also quiet. I'd say as quiet as my Koralia Evos when I first got them.

 

Thank you for the write up Mike, very informative.:thumbs_up