Vortech owners (advice please)

[ksicard]

Does anyone else have the urge to take off the filter screen that comes with the vortech pumps? I clean them daily, every other day at the latest and there is a significant difference in flow when they are off. I feel like I'm restricting a lot of my vortechs power with the filter but I'm unsure whether it would be wise to not use it or not. Any advice on the matter would be appreciated, and I mean there's a huge difference in flow strength when the filter pad is off even after a fresh cleaning.

 

[acroholic]

I bought my first Vortech about 4 years ago, and used the filter cover for about 1 day. They suck. Take it off. I haven't used one since. I run four MP60s and three MP40s between my two reef tanks.

 

[edulover]

The only reason to use them is if you have a wandering nem.

 

[ralph atl]

i've never used them.

 

[reeferman]

me either

 

[jef4y]

Acroholic;858744 wrote: I bought my first Vortech about 4 years ago, and used the filter cover for about 1 day. They suck. Take it off. I haven't used one since. I run four MP60s and three MP40s between my two reef tanks.

I'll +5 that.

 

[silver surfer]

They never made it out of the box.

 

[tbettis]

Never

 

[snowmansnow]

take it off

 

[joseayes]

Mine still new! anyone need it? there should be an upgrade on this specific sponge media, another filtering material or protector should be designed to prevent any particle or tank inhabitant to clog or get stuck on the impeller, if it's not removed right on the moment would cause damage to the whole pump, wet/dry side, overheating the unit or breaking the impeller.

 

[jef4y]

Generally when things crawl into your Vortechs you hear them. It's not like snails are super fast, it's a slow grinding process and most of the time they turn around when they start getting ground up.

 

[joseayes]

JeF4y;858849 wrote: Generally when things crawl into your Vortechs you hear them. It's not like snails are super fast, it's a slow grinding process and most of the time they turn around when they start getting ground up.

Yeah! I'm talking about when your not home for a week lol! happens to me, that's why I'm saying :up:

 

[jef4y]

It's a calculated risk. In running vortechs for 4 years, I've snapped 2 shafts ($6 part) due to snails, and once was because I used to shut the pump off for periods during the day.

I've had snails climb in and make noise, but it's not a real frequent occurrence.

Just saying that from practical experience, you run more risk of problems with leaving those foam bands on vice taking them off.

 

[joseayes]

I have read people had some problems with nems getting stuck on their powerheads too.

 

[jj ocean]

Had vortechs for several years – 2 comments:

1. <span style="color: black">I only use the filter cover when I first introduce an anemone to a tank. Once they settle down for 3 days I remove.</span>
2. <span style="color: black">I never turn the pumps off &#8211; just turn down to 20% at night or feeding time. Lost a blenny and cut a tang when turned off because they were getting at the algae in the vortech when it was off - got pinched when it turned on.</span>