A pair of Vortech MP40s vs. a pair of Tunze 6105s
by
, 02-09-2010 at 09:19 PM (7695 Views)
I did a search today and every comparison or poll I could find was from early "09". I'd like to get a more recent opinion from my peers regarding the two.
For comparison, Im going to use two of each for a six foot tank.
First, cost
Vortech MP40s $840
Tunze 6105s with the new 7096 multi controller $813
Flow
Vortech's 3200 each = 6400GPH
Tunze's 3434 each = 6868GPH
Electricity consumption / full speed
Vortech's 28W each = 56KWH
Tunze's 45 each = 90KWH
Appearance
The vortech has equal parts outside and inside the tank
The tunzes are inside the tank except a small magnet outside of the glass
At this point I can only compare with my experiences
Noise
Vortechs vs Tunze
Currently I have four tunze nano's, a MJ mod and a vortech MP20 running on my tank. The MP20 is the only powerhead I can hear from across the room when it ramps up. Really, its the only one I hear at all. Keep in mind, my tank is almost dead silent due to a remote tank room.
I do have a friend that runs tunze 6305's and they can also be heard when running full speed. Frankly, at 7925GPH, I'm not surprised that I can hear the water moving.
Customer service
I've only heard good things about Tunze's customer service and pretty much the same about vortechs. I've had two experiences with Vortech. One was fine and the rep even gave me a pointer to extend the bearing life which was extremely helpful. My first experience was not so perfect IMO. Everything was fine, but I didnt get the response I would expect after just spending $300. I''m sure it was and isolated case.
Here's a nice little write up comparisont that I found.
The Tunzes put out a "stream", while the Vortechs truly create multi-directional flow. When you place a Tunze 6200 cover on a 6100 pump, you start to get the type of flow pattern that a Vortech produces, but the Vortech still has a more broad flow pattern. For my size aquarium, and the broader spread of "flow", I prefer the Vortech. However, the Vortech is not as powerful as a Tunze and is significantly louder even in modes other than "pulse". The Tunzes are also obviously much larger and severly detract from the "clean" look of Elos which I've spent thousands of dollars on! Finally, a Vortech is more energy efficient and does not directly heat up the aquarium water as much as a Tunze. The design of Elos aquariums makes for a very quiet environment and two Vortech 's in "pulse" mode can become distrubing. In other constant modes, the vortechs produce a humming noise but resonates at a frequency that get's irritating. The tunzes resonate at a lower frequency which is less noticable.
Im sure I missed something.
Give me your opinions please.