as the question asks.... is there a cheaper subsitute to the ruler of the world "VORTECH"? 
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is there a cheap subsitute to the vortech?
- Thread starter Exoticreef
- Start date
Re: is there a cheap subsitute to the vortech? think I found one!
I think we found one!!!
Thank you hidden reef!
Coralife DC Wavemaker New
Wavemaker pumps with DC controller allow for the ability to create customized water patterns similar to reef currents and river flows found in nature.
Four operational modes:
Continuous Flow Mode: Adjust either pump to flow from 40-100% of maximum power to eliminate specific dead zones or create more current for coral health.
Tidal Mode: The two pumps are positioned at opposite ends of the aquarium. Pump A runs at maximum flow while Pump B runs at low flow for 12-hour cycle. The two pumps then switch speeds after 12 hours so Pump A runs at low flow, while Pump B runs at maximum flow, simulating a natural tidal ocean current.
Turbulence Mode: Both pumps begin at the lowest flow settings and increases up to maximum flow, then power off for five seconds before repeating. The run time to get from the lowest to maximum flow can be adjusted from 10-60 seconds.
Continuous/Turbulence Mode: Pump A runs continuously from 40-100% of maximum power while Pump B is in Turbulence Mode.
•Eliminates dead zones
•Improves water quality and coral health
•For use in salt and freshwater environments
•Available in 2600 and 5800 GPH flow rates
•Limited Lifetime Warranty
I think we found one!!!
Thank you hidden reef!
Coralife DC Wavemaker New
Wavemaker pumps with DC controller allow for the ability to create customized water patterns similar to reef currents and river flows found in nature.
Four operational modes:
Continuous Flow Mode: Adjust either pump to flow from 40-100% of maximum power to eliminate specific dead zones or create more current for coral health.
Tidal Mode: The two pumps are positioned at opposite ends of the aquarium. Pump A runs at maximum flow while Pump B runs at low flow for 12-hour cycle. The two pumps then switch speeds after 12 hours so Pump A runs at low flow, while Pump B runs at maximum flow, simulating a natural tidal ocean current.
Turbulence Mode: Both pumps begin at the lowest flow settings and increases up to maximum flow, then power off for five seconds before repeating. The run time to get from the lowest to maximum flow can be adjusted from 10-60 seconds.
Continuous/Turbulence Mode: Pump A runs continuously from 40-100% of maximum power while Pump B is in Turbulence Mode.
•Eliminates dead zones
•Improves water quality and coral health
•For use in salt and freshwater environments
•Available in 2600 and 5800 GPH flow rates
•Limited Lifetime Warranty
Meh, I'm not impressed and I don't even think it's a "cheap substitute" at all.
For one, Coralife always seems to try to make cheap versions of all the good equipment in the hobby. However, they also tend to be cheaply made and hardly ever compare to the better name brands in quality and performance.
The DC Wavemaker:
- Doesn't have a dry side/wet side design where the motor and heat is on the outside of the tank. (One of the biggest advantages of the Vortechs)
- Doesn't have a magnet holder, but instead uses a suction cup mounting (although it does appear to be a heavy duty one, I'll give them that)
- It seems to require 2 pumps per "comparable" GPH rated Vortech models single pump.
- Doesn't have a wireless option to syncronize multiple pumps wirelessly like Vortechs. (You can even control pumps in separate rooms of the house wirelessly with a Vortech if you wanted to!)
- Uses a light sensor to control day/night mode (Although it's a good idea, the Vortechs have programming to allow you to do the same thing by manually setting it in the controller without needing the extra sensor and wiring to clutter the tank.)
- Custom Wavemaking is not nearly as robust as the options available for a Vortech, especially with the EcoSmart driver models.
Those are just a few things I noticed in the few minutes I spent looking at the specs of these things.
For one, Coralife always seems to try to make cheap versions of all the good equipment in the hobby. However, they also tend to be cheaply made and hardly ever compare to the better name brands in quality and performance.
The DC Wavemaker:
- Doesn't have a dry side/wet side design where the motor and heat is on the outside of the tank. (One of the biggest advantages of the Vortechs)
- Doesn't have a magnet holder, but instead uses a suction cup mounting (although it does appear to be a heavy duty one, I'll give them that)
- It seems to require 2 pumps per "comparable" GPH rated Vortech models single pump.
- Doesn't have a wireless option to syncronize multiple pumps wirelessly like Vortechs. (You can even control pumps in separate rooms of the house wirelessly with a Vortech if you wanted to!)
- Uses a light sensor to control day/night mode (Although it's a good idea, the Vortechs have programming to allow you to do the same thing by manually setting it in the controller without needing the extra sensor and wiring to clutter the tank.)
- Custom Wavemaking is not nearly as robust as the options available for a Vortech, especially with the EcoSmart driver models.
Those are just a few things I noticed in the few minutes I spent looking at the specs of these things.
The first 2 post look like a AD answering a question that nobody asked. If you look at the timestamp it only took him 20 minutes to find the answer and why did he feel compelled to share when it's not even close to a Vortech. Possible vendor? You are being watched.
I had the same suspicion Bob, but figured I'd give the benefit of the doubt.
TanksNStuff said:
+1
"Coralife always seems to try to make cheap versions of all the good equipment in the hobby"? I beg to differ.. I mean come on look at the super skimmer and the power strip :TanksNStuff said:
.. I think Bob can back me on the power stripCan it core a apple?
The_Codfather said:"Coralife always seems to try to make cheap versions of all the good equipment in the hobby"? I beg to differ.. I mean come on look at the super skimmer and the power strip :TanksNStuff said:
Sid, I know about the power strip as well. I purchased two of them that had the built in timers. Both crapped out on me within a two month period.
Thanks for making my point Sid. ;D
One thing I have learned in this hobby. Is the saying "you get what you pay for" holds true all the time. Yeah you could save a few bucks buying cheap stuff, but in the end the better stuff works and lasts much longer. Not to mention the customer support of those better made items is usually much better.
Rbu1 said:
I can agree with that opinion. The Gen2 Vortech that I got from you that was on your 75g in your living room is still kick'n.