Vortech's w/o ReefLink or Apex

[Homebrewer]

Hey all,

Long time follower, first time posting... though I've been in the game for 13+ years. I had an account on a different website, and needless to say I've abandoned that one and joined up here... because as you all know, this is clearly the best forum out there!

Anyway, I'm shopping for a new powerhead (or two); I've compared them all, weighed the pros and cons, but I need a real-world answer on one aspect. For the Vortech MPs, my impression is that many people use them with the ReefLink module or the Neptune controller. My question is, how are they to operate as stand-alone products using the driver only? My understanding is that they aren't smart-phone controllable without a separate link. If I'm wrong, please correct me!

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

 

[dwest]

Hey all,

Long time follower, first time posting... though I've been in the game for 13+ years. I had an account on a different website, and needless to say I've abandoned that one and joined up here... because as you all know, this is clearly the best forum out there!

Anyway, I'm shopping for a new powerhead (or two); I've compared them all, weighed the pros and cons, but I need a real-world answer on one aspect. For the Vortech MPs, my impression is that many people use them with the ReefLink module or the Neptune controller. My question is, how are they to operate as stand-alone products using the driver only? My understanding is that they aren't smart-phone controllable without a separate link. If I'm wrong, please correct me!

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Welcome aboard! I now now use a ReefLink, but I used my mp40’s stand alone for several years first. They worked fine that way. The only thing I use my ReefLink for is changing modes through the day and reducing flow at night. Neither which really matter in my book.

 

[Homebrewer]

Thanks @dwest - very helpful!

Your reply touched on exactly why I needed to ask. So the ReefLink is needed to change modes throughout the day and reduce flow at night? I am primarily interested in the lagoon and reef modes of the MPs, and I like the idea of having it higher energy during the day, then a little calmer through the night. I note you don't think they matter much, and you may be right (I kind of think you might be, though I don't know because I've never had a controllable PH)... I guess the crux of my questions is to find out if I would have the capability to make these mode changes without the ReefLink or a controller.

Any further clarity is again appreciated!

 

[ca1ore]

It’s been many years since I ran my vortech pumps without apex/WXM. Much easier with the latter, certainly. You cannot switch modes automatically via the driver (other than night mode), but there are modes like reefcrest that vary speeds. I’d view something like reef link as a necessity because I particularly dislike the cludgy driver buttons.

 

[AdamNC]

Without the Apex or Reeflink it’s one mode only all day long with the other set to sync or anti-sync. There is a 10 hour night mode also. The Apex/Reeflink route is definitely nice to have but not at all necessary.

 

[davocean]

I have no controller at all on my tank right now, and I'm using 2x MP40QD's set to reefcrest mode, and I'm perfectly fine w/ it.
I don't bother to sinc or feel the need to change flow patterns at all other than what RC mode does for me.

 

[lapin]

I have 3 mp60's . I turn them down manually to feed and at night. I have other random flow thru some sea swirls.

 

[dwest]

Thanks @dwest - very helpful!

Your reply touched on exactly why I needed to ask. So the ReefLink is needed to change modes throughout the day and reduce flow at night? I am primarily interested in the lagoon and reef modes of the MPs, and I like the idea of having it higher energy during the day, then a little calmer through the night. I note you don't think they matter much, and you may be right (I kind of think you might be, though I don't know because I've never had a controllable PH)... I guess the crux of my questions is to find out if I would have the capability to make these mode changes without the ReefLink or a controller.

Any further clarity is again appreciated!

Others have said this, but yes, one mode without the controller. You can manually change speeds and modes, but need the ReefLink to do it automatically. You can get mp40’s now and then ask Santa later for ReefLink. But only if you’ve been good

 

[Homebrewer]

Thanks everyone.

My tank is 3' (70G) and it's anemone/softie dominant, so I don't know if switching modes is super-important. I'm really looking for a primary pump that can produce a variable yet gentle flow. The out-of-the-box mode variations of the new Nero look pretty slick, but of course the MPs are a time-tested standard (so to speak). [not a fan of the gyre look in case you were wondering, plus there are too many complaints about noise, which would absolutely be an issue for me]

Sounds like I could get the variations I desire out of the MPs, though without the ReefLink I'm limited to a single daily mode, which is likely good enough for my goals. Cost is a factor and its good to know that the $100 add-on for the ReefLink isn't absolutely needed.

I have some more thinking to do; I think all my questions here have been answered though... but if anyone has any other opinions, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks once more to all those who replied!

 

[dwest]

Thanks everyone.

My tank is 3' (70G) and it's anemone/softie dominant, so I don't know if switching modes is super-important. I'm really looking for a primary pump that can produce a variable yet gentle flow. The out-of-the-box mode variations of the new Nero look pretty slick, but of course the MPs are a time-tested standard (so to speak). [not a fan of the gyre look in case you were wondering, plus there are too many complaints about noise, which would absolutely be an issue for me]

Sounds like I could get the variations I desire out of the MPs, though without the ReefLink I'm limited to a single daily mode, which is likely good enough for my goals. Cost is a factor and its good to know that the $100 add-on for the ReefLink isn't absolutely needed.

I have some more thinking to do; I think all my questions here have been answered though... but if anyone has any other opinions, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks once more to all those who replied!

I just remembered something...You can actually set a night mode manually on the controller. If I recall the night mode time would drift some however without the ReefLink. Maybe 10 minutes or so each week. The cord outside the tank is the difference to me between the ecotech and other manufacturers. Good luck!

 

[lapin]

MP's They do have pulse modes. My mp40 has both long and short pulse modes. You can set the level and duration.
Long Pulse Mode:
Long Pulse Mode allows for pulsing the pump from a minimum to a set maximum of between two seconds and one minute per pulse.
To use Long Pulse Mode, tap MODE until the LED turns pink. Now by adjusting the knob you can change the maximum speed that the pump achieves during Long Pulse Mode, which will be indicated by the LED strip. Tap SET to save this maximum speed and to begin tuning the frequency. When you adjust the knob, you will see that the frequency changes corresponding to the pulse frequency in the LED strip. You can now save this pattern by holding SET. The LED knob will blink and then start breathing pink, indicating that the pattern has been saved.