Vortech sync question

cilyjr · Sep 17, 2017

Hi all. I'm thinking of switching to vortech. I have a question for those using 2 in master/slave setup.
Some RF communicating pumps don't sync perfectly, meaning when both are set to pulse simultaneously, one might be a fraction of a second off and eventually they will be completely out of sync. Has anyone noticed this with the vortech pumps?

AdamNC · Sep 17, 2017

I've got mine in anti-sync. While one is ramping up the other is ramping down. I've got them running random settings all day long and never noticed it a problem. Even before I got my WXM though I was using Reefcrest constantly.

cilyjr · Sep 17, 2017

Thank you

Antics · Sep 17, 2017

Mine always stay perfectly synced together in pulse mode.

cilyjr · Sep 17, 2017

Ok. Is the reeflink worth the 100 bucks? I use an apex classic as well but the thought of writing all the apex statements vs sliding a few buttons on my phone seems like a headache.

We're I to purchase a reeflink I would hard wire it rather than use wifi. I've heard it can lose wifi connection from time to time

Antics · Sep 17, 2017

I think the Reeflink is great, but I think you only get the most value out of it by having the entire Ecotech product line. I have Vectra/Vortech/Radion's so its a nice little tool for having quick access to all the individual elements of Ecotech.

If you only have/are planning to have the Vortech's I still think its a great investment because of how easily the different flow modes can be managed. Syncing everything is also really easy and overall it's pretty intuitive. Is that worth 100$ on it's own? Hard to say. I've never used Apex's modules for controlling Vortech's etc so I can't compare it there.

BigJohnny · Sep 17, 2017

cilyjr said:
Ok. Is the reeflink worth the 100 bucks? I use an apex classic as well but the thought of writing all the apex statements vs sliding a few buttons on my phone seems like a headache.

We're I to purchase a reeflink I would hard wire it rather than use wifi. I've heard it can lose wifi connection from time to time

Totally worth it imo. Mine is hardwired to my router which is next to my tank. I have 3 vortechs and run a variety of modes at different intensities throughout the day.
I also use it to change the sync/anti sync/master/ecosmart relationships between all the pumps, and I even change my full schedule every now and then as well.

My flow is probably 100x more random/varied than if I did not have reeflink. I also like to reduce my pumps power by just a little bit at night and ramp up for when the lights are on, but night mode drops the flow too much imo. Reeflink allows me to do that at whatever percentage with whatever program I desire.

I personally use ecosmart live on my computer to adjust my schedule, so I can't comment on the performance/ease of use of the app.

AdamNC · Sep 17, 2017

The WXM is all sliders and simple values, no code to write.

BigJohnny · Sep 17, 2017

AdamNC said:
The WXM is all sliders and simple values, no code to write.

Looks simple to me, I will say that I don't have an apex so the reef link was a no brainer to me. I think either option is good if they have the same features. Can you adjust sync/anti sync/ecosmart relationships through a wxm? How much is a wxm module?

AdamNC · Sep 18, 2017

MAP pricing at $125.00

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vortech-wireless-module-wxm-neptune-systems.html

AdamNC · Sep 18, 2017

Yes you can do all that. Even run QD and ES synced together. I run an MP40wES and an MP40wQD.

cilyjr · Sep 18, 2017

@AdamNC thanks for the screen capture. That was exactly what I needed. It's not that I can't write the statements I just don't want to anymore.. lol

Homer Allman · Sep 18, 2017

question for you guys. Why do people who use Vortechs with program modes built in vary those modes with their Apex. For example: why would you ever adjust your reef crest down to 40%. The reef crest modes does this it's self through out it's program. Here is my Apex Vortech schedule with all modes running at 100% letting them do what they are designed to do.

cilyjr · Sep 18, 2017

I too am curious

PedroYoung · Sep 18, 2017

If your Vortech is oversized you might want to limit so you're not blowing sand all over the tank.

Homer Allman · Sep 18, 2017

PedroYoung said:
If your Vortech is oversized you might want to limit so you're not blowing sand all over the tank.

That's a great answer. thanks

WesleyC · Sep 18, 2017

Yeap, what PedroYoung said. Also, in my case, my pulse mode give me over 5" water wave and splashing water out of the tank if I run it at 100% in my 6' tank. On the other hand, I need close to 100% in some other modes to get the entire tank water moving. So I program mine accordingly.

AdamNC · Sep 18, 2017

PedroYoung said:
If your Vortech is oversized you might want to limit so you're not blowing sand all over the tank.

Like mine. I use MP40s in a 29 gallon tank. Why? I got one for free in a giveaway and I got the other locally cheap.

cilyjr · Sep 18, 2017

I bought 2 mp40qd and a wxm today.

saltyhog · Sep 18, 2017

PedroYoung said:
If your Vortech is oversized you might want to limit so you're not blowing sand all over the tank.

To accomplish that you just set your maximum speed to the level that won't disturb the sand bed. I thought that was referring to varying the maximum speed of Reef Crest(or Lagoon for that matter) through out the day. There is no reason to do that as that is part and parcel of what the program is. Just set the max speed and let the program do it's thing.

I have no problem at all with Reef Link and mine is running wifi. Not hard to set up at all. No statements to write.