VorTech Propeller Pump - MP40W
- 9-28 Watts (depends on flow rate you have set).
- Measures 5 inches long (protruding 2-1/2 inches from the outside, intruding 2-1/2 inches inside) with a diameter of 3 inches.
No Heat Transfer
Due to the use of high intensity metal halide lighting, inefficient return pumps and powerheads, many aquarists must resort to expensive equipment or loud fans to keep their water temperature stable. The VorTech induces very little heat into the aquarium because of EcoTech Marine's patent-pending, magnetically coupled design, which transfers motion through the glass, but not heat.
Controllable
The VorTech uses the most advanced motor technology available, allowing the water flow rate to be completely controllable. Operating on tanks between 20 and 500 gallons and producing between 100 and 3,000 gallons per hour of flow, the VorTech is the most versatile flow product on the market. The VorTech is designed to operate on gap thicknesses from 1/8" to 3/4".
No AC Current
The VorTech is safer than existing products because there is no dangerous AC electricity brought into the aquarium. This keeps your fish and corals happy and healthy, while minimizing your own risk of electrocution.
Run-Safe Design
The VorTech is designed to be the safest and most reliable product on the market:
- Over-current protection - if the propeller becomes jammed, the microcontroller will sense the problem and shut the motor down to prevent overheating.
- Magnetic couple protection - if the VorTech becomes separated into two parts during operation, the microcontroller will sense the separation and cut power to the motor.
Energy Savings
The VorTech moves more water within your aquarium than conventional powerheads, plus you save money by not having to invest in and run a costly chiller.
Low Maintenance
The VorTech is virtually maintenance free. Classic powerheads use an impeller attached to a magnetic assembly, which needs to be cleaned every few months. The VorTech needs only minimal service to replace a simple, economical bearing.
VorTech Propeller Pump - MP20
The MP20 from EcEcoTech Marine has revolutionized reef aquarium propeller pumps. Ideally suited for aquariums smaller than 70 gallons, the MP20 produces unmatched broad yet gentle flow while placing the motor outside the aquarium - preserving the beauty of your aquarium and enhancing the health of your aquarium's ecosystem.
With all the electrical components outside the aquarium and a variety of easy-to-program modes, the VorTech Propeller Pump - MP20 is the safest, most versatile pump on the market. And, if your aquarium needs to grow, the MP20 can be upgraded to the MP40W-providing you wireless communication between your pumps and even more functionality and flow.
Upgrading the MP20 to the MP40W
The VorTech Wireless Wave Driver will upgrade an MP20 model pump to an MP40W model allowing for wireless communication between this and other MP40W pumps.
To execute this upgrade:
- Unsnap the MP20 driver box, gently remove the motor's plug from the MP20 driver board, and plug it into the new Wireless Wave Driver board.
- Gently snap the new box top onto the base and enjoy the upgraded flow, many modes, and wireless communicating functionally inherent in your new upgraded MP40w pump! Multiple Wireless Wave Drivers can wirelessly communicate with one another to coordinate random and pulse wave modes.
Operational Modes
- Feed Mode - slows down your pump for 10 minutes to allow you to feed your aquarium.
- Constant Speed Mode - the pump runs at a constant speed you set based on your aquarium's specific needs.
- Reef Crest Mode - simulate the high-energy conditions of a natural reef crest environment.
- Lagoon Mode - simulate a calmer, lagoon reef environment.
- Optional Battery Backup - keeps the circulation going during power failure for up to 30 hours.
Specifications
- Flow: 500-2000 gallons per hour
- Power Consumption: 6-18 watts
- Maximum Motor Temperature: 50-60 degrees Celsius (122-140 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Aquarium Wall Thickness Range: 3/16"-3/4"
- Appropriate Tank Size Range: 20-70 gallons
- Dimensions: Wet Side - 3" diameter by 2-1/4" long, Dry Side - 3" diameter by 2-1/4" long
- Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 3"
Battery Backup Accessory
The battery backup powers the EcoTech Marine VorTech Propeller Pump for up to 30-hours during a power outage emergency.
VorTech MP10
Warning: Do not drop your MP10 Pump. The MP10 is highly engineered to be as small and powerful as possible. As a result, the MP10 is more fragile than a larger pump may be. All precautions must be taken to avoid dropping the MP10 wet side and dry side. After a fall onto the floor, both wet side and dry side can be permanently damaged. Evidence of this includes cracking of the advanced ceramic axel within the wet side or the dry side running loudly. The MP10 should never be allowed to fall to the floor. Damage from dropping will not be covered under the pump's warranty.
Your VorTech Propeller Pump
To remove the nozzle from the wet frame, remove the entire wet half of the pump from the aquarium and place on a non-metallic surface. Gently but firmly press down on the nozzle with your palm and twist clockwise. The nozzle should become free of the wet frame. It may then be cleaned of any obstructions. Be careful to minimize force when twisting the wet frame.
Specifications and Operating Parameters
Flow: 200 to 1,575 gph
Wattage: 8 to 18 watts
Maximum Aquarium Thickness: 3/8"
Appropriate Aquarium Size Range: 2-1/2 to 50 gallons
Dimensions: Wet Side- 2-1/2" diameter by 1-1/2" long, Dry Side - 2-1/2" diameter by 2" long
Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2-1/4"
Before You Start
Preparation
Once you select the location where you wish to install your VorTech pump, clean away any algae (calcified or otherwise) using a razor blade or cleaning device. Use caution when handling the razor blade.
Notes on Placement
The VorTech MP10 creates over 1,575 gallons per hour of low velocity flow within your aquarium. Take care to place the VorTech MP10 in a suitable location where corals are not placed directly in the line of flow. If you have a sand bed, place the pump sufficiently high enough so that sand is not blown around by the output or overflow created by the MP10 pump.
Protect the Pump from Water
The VorTech MP10 motor housing and driver are NOT waterproof. Any water allowed into these components can damage them and void your warranty. Protect these components from any contact with water.
Warnings:
- The VorTech utilizes very powerful magnets and can cause severe personal injury.
- Do not connect without a proper spacer in between the two halves of this device.
- Do not place either half of this device near magnetically attractive surfaces or sensitive electronics as this may damage your VorTech MP10 and void your warranty.
- The motor and driver can become extremely HOT. BE cautious around these surfaces.
- Never run the pump dry as the heat buildup may cause damage to its components and void the warranty.
Attach the VorTech MP10
Attach the motor assembly
- Apply the cord mounting tab approximately 2 inches above the desired location of your VorTech pump. Make sure the glass is clean and free of any grease or dirt prior to applying this tab.
- Place the VorTech motor upon the aquarium wall in your predetermined location and secure the cord to the mounting tab using one of the provided wire-ties.
- The cord must be positioned pointing upwards so that if the VorTech MP10 were to fall off the aquarium, it does not swing and damage your aquarium or your pump.
Attach the wet side assembly
- Place the wet side into the aquarium, making sure to allow ALL air to escape from the propeller housing.
- Carefully connect both halves of the pump together and visually align both halves of the pump.
Protect the Pump from Falling:
Due to the nature of the magnetically coupled design, it is possible for the VorTech MP10 to become dislodged from the aquarium glass and fall to the ground. The provided cord mounting tab MUST be used to prevent damage to the motor or the surrounding environment. The cord should be positioned vertically above the pump with the mounting tab directly above the motor to ensure the motor does not move in the event of a de-coupling of the magnets.
Align the VorTech
- Turn the VorTech MP10 pump to constant speed mode (indicated by a green LED) by pressing the MODE button located on the driver. Set to the maximum speed by pressing the speed control knob on the driver.
- Plug the power supply into the driver. IF vibration or excessive noise is detected, carefully adjust the propeller housing by moving VERY slightly left, right, up, or down until the noise/vibration is eliminated or minimized as much as possible.
- After alignment has been ensured, adjust to the mode of your choice and turn the speed control knob to achieve the desired flow rate within your aquarium.
Important: If the VorTech M10 is not properly aligned, a strong vibration will be heard. If the alignment is not corrected, this can cause increased electrical consumption, excessive wear on the components, excessive heat and excessive noise.
Your VorTech Wave Driver
Your VorTech Wave Driver can operate in one of five modes: Constant Speed Mode, Lagoon Random Mode, Reef-Crest Random Mode, Short Pulse Mode, or Long Pulse Mode.
Wave Motion Warning:
The generation of waves within your aquarium places additional stress on the aquarium glass and joints. Not all aquariums are designed to withstand this stress and failure of the glass and or joints could result. Before generating waves, it is encouraged to consult with your aquarium manufacturer to determine if your aquarium construction is adequate to withstand the additional stress generated by the wave motion. It is also encouraged to confirm the stability of your aquarium stand or furniture to ensure it is adequately stable to withstand the additional stress resulting from wave generation.
Advanced Features
Night Mode
Enter the following button sequence to set Night Mode at the precise time when you desire your pump to enter into Night Mode. The pump's internal timer will then enter Night Mode for ten hours and return back to your previous mode for 14 hours.
Step 1) Wait until the exact time you wish Night Mode to begin.
Step 2) Press and hold the Mode and Set buttons to enter Setup mode. The LED will blink red/white/blue.
Step 3) Press and hold the Mode and Set buttons again to set Night Mode. The LED will now switch to "breathing" white.
Night Mode will operate in Constant Speed Mode at 50% of the Day Mode speed. After programming Night Mode, the pump will enter Night Mode at the same time every day until the driver loses power. If the driver loses power, Night Mode setting must be re-enabled.
You can force a pump out of Night Mode holding both Mode and Set. The pump will automatically resume Night Mode at the originally set time. Once you have forced a pump out of Night Mode, it cannot be re-entered manually and you must wait until the originally set time.
Pump Disconnect Calibration (optional)
Your VorTech can automatically shut down in the event of a pump disconnect. To set-up this mode, you must calibrate your motor using the following sequence of operations:
Step 1) Go into Feed Mode Enter Feed Mode by holding the Mode button for 3 seconds. Feed Mode is indicated by a blinking white light.
Step 2) Remove pump from your aquarium Remove the motor and wet side assembly and set aside separately. Motor will still be running so set it in a safe place with magnet facing upwards. (Do not connect both halves of the pump!)
Step 3) Hold Mode and Set buttons Holding both buttons while in feed mode will change the light from a blinking white to a cycling white and yellow, this indicates that you have entered Calibration Mode.
Step 4) Let the program run The white and yellow cycling light will continue for about sixty seconds and then the pump will restart.
Step 5) Re-attach the pump to aquarium You have now completed the Pump Disconnect Calibration and now have error codes enabled.
General Operational Modes
Constant Speed Mode
When a pump is in Constant Speed Mode, the dial is used to set the operational speed.
Lagoon Random Mode
When pump is in Lagoon Random Mode, the dial is used to set the maximum operational speed and the driver will automatically randomize pump output to simulate a low energy lagoon reef environment.
Reef-Crest Random Mode
When pump is in Reef-Crest Random Mode, the dial is used to set the maximum operational speed and the driver will automatically randomize pump output to simulate a high-energy reef crest environment.
Short Pulse Mode
When a pump is first entered into Short Pulse Mode, you must set the maximum pump speed by adjusting the dial. When the desired speed is achieved, press the Set button to lock this speed. The LED will now begin to blink. This blinking LED represents the pulsing frequency. Now adjust the dial to make the pump pulse faster or slower. To save this wave, press and hold Set until the LED flashes green/white indicating that the wave is saved.
Long Pulse Mode
When the pump is entered into Long Pulse Mode, the maximum speed of the pump is set by adjusting the dial. When the desired speed is achieved, press the Set button to lock this speed. The LED will now begin to blink. The blinking LED represents the swelling frequency. Now adjust the dial to make the frequency increase or decrease. To save this wave, press and hold the Set button until the LED flashes green/white indicating that the wave is saved.
Feed Mode
To enter Feed Mode, press and hold the mode button for three seconds. The LED will now blink white indicating that the pumps are in feed mode. The pumps will spin very slowly for ten minutes and then resume their prior operating conditions.
Optional Battery Backup
When a battery backup accessory is added to the VorTech pump, the pump will automatically switch to Battery Backup mode during a power outage. The pumps will run at the minimum speed to maximize their run time during this critical period.
Maintenance
Cleaning your VorTech
The VorTech may need thorough cleaning of the components periodically to keep it running optimally. This can be accomplished by disassembling the wet side assembly of the pump and gently brushing the components with a soft brush under running water. Soaking these parts in a mild acid solution such as vinegar may be necessary if there is debris buildup. Do not use strong acids as this may damage the components.
Troubleshooting
Break-in
The VorTech pump is engineered to adapt to its aqueous environment. During the first week of use, your pump may run noisier or stall. The noise should quiet dramatically over night and any stall conditions can safely be reset by manually cycling the power to your pump.
My Pump is spinning
Sometimes you may find that your wet side is spinning slowly in place within your aquarium. To correct this, apply pressure to the wet side against the aquarium glass. You will notice that some air escapes from the MP10 wet side gasket as the sponge is compressed against the glass. After this operation, your pump should be held firmly in place against the glass without spinning. Repeat this operation anytime the wet side is removed and placed back in the aquarium.
Error Codes
Over Temperature Condition
In the event of a motor overheating, the pump will automatically shut down for a period to allow for cooling. Once the motor has cooled, the driver will automatically restart and resume normal operation. You may experience an overheating error from a misalignment.
Stall Condition
In the event of a motor stall, the pump may have stopped for a few possible reasons. You should first check that there is not something blocking the propeller from spinning.
Pump Disconnect Error
Enabled after performing the Pump Disconnect Calibration. This error is directly attributed to the wet side and the dry side becoming disconnected from each other and will cause the motor to shut off.
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