Has anyone else seen this on ecotech pumps

[chris3del]

To more that failed this month bringing the total to 3. One I just used plain RO water to clean and never used Vinegar or citric acid on just to see what happens

 

[Jonreefer]

hmmm. makes me think about selling off the MP10 I have and just getting a 2nd Gyre
Never liked Ecotech and always felt these pumps are just so grossly overpriced but the fact so many bought into the koolaid that they are worth every penny and defend anything they make. Its like apple and its fan base.

 

[ksanfranfan]

To more that failed this month bringing the total to 3. One I just used plain RO water to clean and never used Vinegar or citric acid on just to see what happens

What mode or settings do you run your vortechs on? I'm just curious.

 

[shred5]

Possible. I have only cleaned with muriatic acid fwiw.

That would be even worse. I mean people have to clean these and I would bet over 80 percent of the hobby uses vinegar. The rest use some other acid like muriatic acid or that tunze stuff etc.
To me muriatic acid would be even stronger.
Also if it was vinegar Ecotech marine should let people know that vinegar was a issue then and not to use it.

 

[Jonreefer]

i have never used vinegar for cleaning. just water and a good tooth brushing. I have some molykote 111 coming today I am going to grease the shaft every time I clean it. My pump is only 2months old so hopefully maybe it will last if its lubed after each cleaning

 

[chris3del]

What mode or settings do you run your vortechs on? I'm just curious.

Reef crest and pulse

 

[chris3del]

That would be even worse. I mean people have to clean these and I would bet over 80 percent of the hobby uses vinegar. The rest use some other acid like muriatic acid or that tunze stuff etc.
To me muriatic acid would be even stronger.
Also if it was vinegar Ecotech marine should let people know that vinegar was a issue then and not to use it.

Bulk reef supply made a video using it on ecotech and tunze products saying it was completely safe to use

 

[Jonreefer]

I never like pulse on these pumps. The way it sounds when its ramping up just sounds like it wants to break something. its not a smooth ramp up. its just to large and heavy of a magnet for that tiny skinny little ceramic shaft

 

[shred5]

Bulk reef supply made a video using it on ecotech and tunze products saying it was completely safe to use

What is safe to use?
Both Vinegar and muriatic acid should be safe.
most use one or the other to get calcium deposits or coralline off.

 

[ksanfranfan]

Reef crest and pulse

Ok, I was just curious. When I first started vortechs I would usually run them on short pulse, long pulse and constant speed at 80-100 percent. I found that short pulse seemed to be the hardest on the pumps. The drysides would be much hotter than usual. On constant speed I wouldn't have to run them at such a high setting and got the most flow out of them. Long pulse doesn't produce nearly as much heat even at 100 percent. I still get good flow. I think there is excessive wear on certain parts depending on the mode and speed settings. I have friends who noticed more wear as well on certain settings. The bearings definitely wore out faster and the ceramic on the wetsides became and issue. I definetely believe the change in settings and lubrication of the wetsides has helped with some of my problems. Imo I don't think the pumps are fully capable of handling what they are put through long term on certain settings and modes.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

What is safe to use?
Both Vinegar and muriatic acid should be safe.
most use one or the other to get calcium deposits or coralline off.

I'm also curious. For those not using some sort of acid in cleaning, how do you remove the coraline? Mine are almost completely covered within 3 months. I generally use 50/50 water/vinegar.

 

[Jonreefer]

so I just cleaned my MP10 and applied the molykote 111 to the shaft and ceramic base. It is definitely quieter now running then it was after a cleaning. So maybe greasing on every clean will make them last longer. I tried it on Pulse at 100% and it is obvious its running better. Not as loud on ramp up
if anyone is interested I bought this one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X7JXM4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
there is enough in this jar to lube the MP10 probably over 1000 times

 

[chris3del]

so I just cleaned my MP10 and applied the molykote 111 to the shaft and ceramic base. It is definitely quieter now running then it was after a cleaning. So maybe greasing on every clean will make them last longer. I tried it on Pulse at 100% and it is obvious its running better. Not as loud on ramp up
if anyone is interested I bought this one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X7JXM4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
there is enough in this jar to lube the MP10 probably over 1000 times

Thanks for the info going to try it out. You have better advice then Ecotech Marine. I think the got to big to fast and their ego has exploded and they have forgot that with out us as the consumer they would not have a company

 

[Mical]

I clean with vinegar & RO water 50/50. Then coat shaft and all contact points with vegetable glycerin (Amazon) never had an issue.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

so I just cleaned my MP10 and applied the molykote 111 to the shaft and ceramic base. It is definitely quieter now running then it was after a cleaning. So maybe greasing on every clean will make them last longer. I tried it on Pulse at 100% and it is obvious its running better. Not as loud on ramp up
if anyone is interested I bought this one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X7JXM4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
there is enough in this jar to lube the MP10 probably over 1000 times

I ordered some too after reading. I'm hoping it will make mine run a little quieter and last longer. I'm receiving today or tomorrow so will report back after it's applied.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

I ordered some too after reading. I'm hoping it will make mine run a little quieter and last longer. I'm receiving today or tomorrow so will report back after it's applied.

So I applied it today after work. I'm optimistic that it will cause my MP40's to last longer, but there was no sound reduction. They're almost silent already, but you can hear them if you stand next to the tank.

 

[ksanfranfan]

I never paid attention to my vortechs when I would buy a complete pump. When I had to start replacing the wetsides I noticed that the new ones were lubricated. Whenever the wetsides would get cleaned the lubrication gets removed too. Over time I started noticing markings and more noticeable wear on the ceramic and magnet.
I contacted Ecotech to find out what they used to lubricate the wetsides with. They told me it was silicone grease. He didn't give me specifics on the grease or the manufacturer.
Since I've been using molykote the ceramic hasn't failed on any replacements.
The molykote will look slimy over time but it still keeps keeps the parts lubricated. I check every 2 months and sometimes every 3 months. When I take them apart I just clean the wetsides with water now and put fresh molykote on.
The viscosity of the molykote is pretty similar to the original lubricant that the wetsides are shipped with.
I can't say that the wetsides are quieter with lubrication but they do seem to run smoother. That's probably due to less friction from the magnets grinding into the ceramic sleeves and base.
Be careful not to put too much lubricant on. Molykote 111 is a NGLI grade 2 lubricant, about the consistency of peanut butter. Too much will make the motor have to work harder to turn the wetside or it might not turn at all if it is put on too thick. You'll know if you put too much on if you give the propeller a whirl and it doesn't turn or spin somewhat freely.
I just got another new mp40 wetside again. The magnets failing is still going to be another issue.

 

[ksanfranfan]

I know this thread hasn’t been active in a while but my recent mp40 purchase has already began to breakdown. Just purchased this wetside in January and another one previously in October or November( need to see if I can find the sales transaction).

The ceramic sleeve has separated from the metal shaft. It is now grinding on the plastic. I’ve sent Ecotech an email and waiting for a reply. My mp40’s only run at 50% power and get have regular maintenance every other month.
I’m tired of replacing parts.
If I could trade my mp40’s for 2 Tunzes I would do it without hesitation. I only clean my 2 Tunzes once a year if that and they have never given me any trouble.

 

[ksanfranfan]

Other photo didn’t load,

 

[Mical]

I would contact ecotech their customer service is very good