Apex - Ecotech or Tunze

[bkelley02]

I currently have an Apex and am looking to try some new wavemaker pumps that it can control I know it can work with both Tunze and the Vortechs and was looking for some feedback with pros and cons for both. One of the big thins for me would be additional modules and boxes hanging around. Would both work with a VDM and not need the use of other controller that comes with the pump? Should I wait for the wave for the simple plug and play?

 

[gcrawford]

I know you didn't ask, but I'm really impressed with the Jebao RW series controlled with my apex units.

 

[hybridazn]

A VDM can be used to control tunze with the proper cable. But if your not already using your variable speed ports in your main apex you can just use those with the tunze cables and not need to get a VDM . to control vortechs you will need the WXM module, ecotech will not work with the vdm. This will also control the radions as well.

 

[bkelley02]

I've had a bad experience with the Jebao's where they just stopped working so wan't looking at them right now.

Hybrid, the VDM's are the same as the 0-10 volt control ports, right? I'm using them for my lighting right now. If they're different, then I might be good to go with something else without adding another module.

 

[gpwdr]

I used Vortech wave pumps for many years. I can't think of anything bad about them. They are expensive but you get what you pay for.
Gene

 

[bkelley02]

I used Vortech wave pumps for many years. I can't think of anything bad about them. They are expensive but you get what you pay for.
Gene

Do they plug directly (with correct connecting cable) to the apex or do you still need to use the controller they come with too?

 

[gpwdr]

Do they plug directly (with correct connecting cable) to the apex or do you still need to use the controller they come with too?

I use the controller that came with them and don't know much about the Apex. I like them so much I'm going to buy two of the brand new models.

Gene

 

[hybridazn]

I've had a bad experience with the Jebao's where they just stopped working so wan't looking at them right now.

Hybrid, the VDM's are the same as the 0-10 volt control ports, right? I'm using them for my lighting right now. If they're different, then I might be good to go with something else without adding another module.

The VDM and the main apex use variable speed ports so they are the same. You just need to order the tunze cable to hook it up to either the apex or VDM

Do they plug directly (with correct connecting cable) to the apex or do you still need to use the controller they come with too?

No the vortechs must be wireless to work with the wxm. They still utilize the stock vortech controller but you program everything thru the apex. Its much nicer because you can have multiple set points with the vortech thru the apex to do different things throughout the day. For instance I have mine on short pulse anti sync for most of the day, then night mode until 1pm. Then from 1pm-330pm I have it on nutrient export mode. The possibilities are endless with programming

 

[bkelley02]

I don't even know what that means! Nutrient export mode.

 

[gpwdr]

I don't even know what that means! Nutrient export mode.

The nutrient export mode creates a back and forth wave to keep the detritus particles suspended. Then the pumps automatically change to a driving force to remove the detritus to your sump.

Gene

 

[bkelley02]

Thanks Gene! Appreciate that. Hadn't heard the definition before.