EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40QD Propeller Pump w/ Wireless QuietDrive Driver

The Ecotech Marine Vortech Quite Drive MP series is the Cadillac of the aquarium powerhead market. The newly redesigned powerheads now have a “Quite Drive Technology” making them one of the quietist pumps on the market. The Vortech series of powerheads come in three sizes the MP10, MP40 and MP60 with the available “Quiet Drive Technology” these powerheads are leading the pack in saltwater and freshwater aquariums.

The Vortech Mp 10 is capable of producing 1,500 GPH in flow and only uses 8-18 watts of power. The best size tank for the MP10 is 2.5-50 Gallons and the max glass thickness for proper installation is 0.375.  

•    Flow: 1,500+ gph
•    Power Consumption: 8 to 18 Watts
•    Tank Range: 2.5-50+ gallons
•    Max Glass Thickness: 0.375"
•    Dryside Dimensions: 2.5" Diameter, 2" Height
•    Wetside Dimensions: 2.5" Diameter, 1.5" Height
•    Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2.2

The Vortech MP 40 is the next size up and has an amazing reputation as the go to powerhead for the busiest of Reef tanks. With a 4,500 plus GPH flow the MP40 can handle just about any aquarium situation.  

•    Flow: 4,500+ gph
•    Power Consumption: 9 to 38 Watts
•    Tank Range: 50-500+ gallons
•    Max Glass Thickness: 0.75"
•    Dryside Dimensions: 3" Diameter, 2.25" Height
•    Wetside Dimensions: 3" Diameter, 3" Height
•    Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2.5"

The Vortech MP60 is by far the biggest powerhead the EcoTech makes, it can handle up to 7,500 GPH of flow and only consumes 10-60 watts of power.

•    Flow: 7,500+ gph
•    Power Consumption: 10 to 60 Watts
•    Tank Range: 120-1,000+ gallons
•    Max Glass Thickness Range: 0.375" - 1.00"
•    Dryside Dimensions: 4" Diameter, 3" Height
•    Wetside Dimensions: 4" Diameter, 2.8" Height
•    Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 3.25"

The Vortech MP series of powerheads have preprogrammed features to help the user set up the right flow pattern for whatever tank they are designing. These settings are;

•    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 two 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 the EcoTech 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
  LEDs are turned off and display knob dimmed significantly, but pumps 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.