About one month back we did a post on the new MP20 Vortech made by Eco Tech, which made its public debut today in Germany. Our readers made us aware of a few problems on the MP40 so we were hesitant on both the 20 and 40. However, most of our fears have been calmed [...]
Copyright © 2008 glassbox-design.com. All rights reserved. Do not copy content without permission.
About one month back we did a post on the new MP20 Vortech made by Eco Tech, which made its public debut today in Germany. Our readers made us aware of a few problems on the MP40 so we were hesitant on both the 20 and 40. However, most of our fears have been calmed as Eco Tech has just announced at Interzoo the MP40 Gen 2.
The Gen2 improves upon the first generation with higher quality materials and controls. We’d like to congratulate Tim Marks, Patrick Clasen, Justin Lawyer and the entire Eco Tech team on the Gen2 MP40, the new MP20, and their recent Innovation Award from Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
Current MP40 owners don’t fret; Gen2 info quoted from the newsletter we received:
”Over the past year we have been listening to our valued customers, talking with our retailers, monitoring the market and are delighted to announce the VorTech MP40w Gen2,” said Tim Marks, EcoTech director of production. “As innovators in the reef aquarium industry, we strive to continually enhance our products, and Gen2 will once again raise the bar for the industry.”
The MP40w Gen2 features a new magnet, high performance plastic drive shaft screw, and revised wet frame cover. The new magnet is fully encapsulated within black plastic, cannot be scratched or damaged under normal use, is more durable, eliminates rusting and requires no regularly scheduled replacements.New features for the MP40w Gen 2 include:
A new Long Pulse Mode allows for wave pulse timings of between 2 and 60 seconds, enabling the creation of slow alternating flow throughout the tank. A new Night Mode enables the pump to operate for 14 hours in whichever mode is selected for the day and go back to Night Mode for 10 hours. Master pumps will tell their slaves to go into Night Mode as well. Pump Disconnect feature that automatically shuts down the pump if the dry and wet sides become separated.
Enhancements to existing modes include:
- Feed Mode has been slowed from 1000gph to 500gph to make it easier than ever to spot feed corals and slow moving fish with the push of a button.
- A modified range of adjustment for Short Pulse Mode makes it easier to fine tune wave form.
- A novel save function for Pulse Mode enables users to save their wave settings, providing an even higher level of customization.
- A more sporadic Reef Crest Mode for both single pump systems and multi pump systems enables more pronounced speed changes constantly throughout the day.
- A more sporadic Lagoon Mode for both single pump systems and multi pump systems provides enhanced variability to better simulate a lagoon environment.
In addition, the Generation 2 is backwards compatible with all VorTech pumps. “We are always working to upgrade and improve upon our products and we will continue to do so,” Marks said from Nürnberg. “As we have done in the past, we strive to make all upgrades backwards compatible at nominal costs so that our customers are able to have the latest and greatest EcoTech products in their aquariums.”
Generation 2 magnet upgrade kits can be purchased directly from EcoTech Marine for $9.45 plus shipping by calling 1.800.954.8480 then dialing for service, or emailing service@ecotechmarine.com. EcoTech will start shipping magnet upgrade kits late next week. Customers that purchase a first generation VorTech MP40w after May 23 can contact EcoTech at sales@ecotechmarine.com and include a scanned copy of their sales receipt and completed warranty registration card and EcoTech will waive the $9.45 charge. Customer will only pay for shipping.
Existing drivers can be upgraded to Gen2 through a simple code re-flash. Because of the programmability of the driver, once a driver is upgraded to Gen2, that driver can upgrade other Wireless Wave Drivers. The code upgrade itself is free though depending on the way a customer chooses to upgrade, shipping fees may apply. Customers can:
- Mail in their existing VorTech Wireless Wave Driver to EcoTech, along with their address and credit card information. Upon receipt, EcoTech will load the Gen2 code onto the driver and ship it back. The credit card will only be billed for the actual shipping rates. If new magnets are purchased at the same time, both driver and magnets will be shipped back together, helping customers reduce shipping cost.
- Take their driver to an EcoTech Marine dealer that has a Gen2 demo and upgrade at their location. If they do not already have a demo model available with the new code to perform the upgrade, the dealer can contact EcoTech Marine directly.
- Find a local reefer that has a Generation 2 driver. All Gen2 drivers have the ability to perform the re-flashing process on other MP40w pumps.
- Purchase a new driver from your favorite vendor or EcoTech Marine. All drivers purchased from EcoTech Marine will have the Generation 2 code.
Media Inquires:Andrew Stanten, Altitude Marketing andrew@altitudemarketing.com; 610.421.8601 Product Inquires:Tim Marks, EcoTech Marine610.954.8480; sales@ecotechmarine.com
One Comment
WOW, eco tech scores big points for the ability to upgrade….Imagine if I’d just spent 1200 on Tunze Stream 1s, I’d be ticked. But with the Vortechs, not so much.