The Vortech MP60 was undoubtedly one of the most exciting new products at MACNA 2010. This super-sized pump is aimed at the large tank market, but after seeing, hearing and touching this pump in action I think many MP40 owners, such as myself, will at least try and upgrade. Yes, with a cost of $695 [...]
The Vortech MP60 was undoubtedly one of the most exciting new products at MACNA 2010. This super-sized pump is aimed at the large tank market, but after seeing, hearing and touching this pump in action I think many MP40 owners, such as myself, will at least try and upgrade. Yes, with a cost of $695 and maximum output of 5,500 7,500 gph few tanks under 120g will utilize all the Vortech MP60 has to offer–but the engineering that went into this pump makes it a must have for any gadget conscious aquarist.
The two most noticeable operational differences between the Vortech MP60 and MP40 is heat and vibration. The new turbine fan makes the MP60 much cooler despite it’s larger and more powerful motor; it feels cooler than even our mini MP10s.
Remember that the fan pulls air through the vents from the back of the pump casing, visible in the above image, and pushes air radially to the sides of the pump. Paired with the new heatsink design, this thermal management duo reduces the operating temperature of the MP60 by 50C (122F).
Upon touching the pump, the vibration and its associated noise are also drastically reduced. This is thanks to the dynamically balanced magnetic on the dryside. To achieve a perfect balance the magnet is spun and analyzed by a computer. Any slight weight imbalances are corrected by drilling out tiny amounts in the area. It is then spun, analyzed and “drilled” again and again until a perfect balance is achieved.
The overall construction is also much improved. If the MP40 was EcoTech’s E-class, the MP60 is their beefed up AMG. The pump has a refined, stealth look that will be further enhanced by the final motor casing. What you’re seeing here is a raw prototype. President Tim Marks gave us a quick peek at the final casing and the matte black plastic material looks more like part of Batman’s superhero ensemble than any water pump we’ve seen.
Vortech MP60 w ES Details:
- Tank size (gallons): 120 – 1000+ gallons
- Flow (GPH): 2,500 – 7,500 GPH
- Wattage: 10 – 60 watts
- Aquarium Tank Wall Thickness range: 3/8” – 1”
- Dimensions: Wet side 4” diameter by 3” long
- Dry side 4” diameter by 2.8” long
- Clearance needed behind aquarium: 3.3”
- MSRP $695
In our opinion EcoTech has been very conservative in rating the MP60′s flow; this 4″ diameter pump is truly for large aquariums. While it may be wide spread, the water movement is unlike any like-sized propeller pumps we’ve come across on the market. Time will tell how the Vortech MP60 truly compares to the competition.
Keep an eye out for a formal GBD review of the Vortech MP60.
