Selecting the perfect water pump is crucial to the success of your reef or saltwater aquarium. Ecotech Marine offers industry-leading options with its Vortech and Vectra pump lines, each designed to deliver high performance, intelligent control, and reliability. But which model is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the decision based on your tank setup, livestock needs, and control preferences.
1. Understand the Two Ecotech Lines: Vortech vs. Vectra
Vortech: Flow Pumps
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Purpose: Create circulation and wave patterns inside the display tank.
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Models: MP10, MP40, MP60
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Mounting: Magnetically coupled—dry motor outside, wet side inside the tank.
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Ideal For: Reef aquariums with SPS/LPS corals that need turbulent, oxygen-rich environments.
Vectra: Return Pumps
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Purpose: Push water from your sump back into the display tank.
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Models: S2, M2, L2
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Mounting: Inline or submersible
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Ideal For: Systems with sumps or closed-loop circulation.
2. Match Pump Size to Your Tank Volume
| Tank Size (Litres) | Recommended Vortech Model | Recommended Vectra Model |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 L | MP10 | S2 |
| 100–300 L | MP40 | M2 |
| 300+ L | MP60 | L2 |
💡 Tip: Always size slightly above your needs for future growth or additional coral load.
3. Consider Your Reef Type
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Soft Coral Tanks: Moderate flow, usually a single MP10 or MP40 will suffice.
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LPS-Dominant Reefs: Prefer variable flow. MP40 with Reef Crest or Random modes is effective.
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SPS-Dominant Reefs: Require high, chaotic flow. Multiple MP40s or an MP60 are ideal.
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Mixed Reefs: Choose pumps with programmable schedules to simulate tidal variation.
4. Take Advantage of Smart Control with Mobius
Both Vortech and Vectra lines are Mobius-compatible, allowing:
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Easy scheduling of flow modes (lagoon, reef crest, gyre, nutrient transport, etc.)
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Device syncing for coordinated wave action
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Real-time performance monitoring
This smart ecosystem also integrates with Radion lights and Versa dosers for full-system automation.
5. Quiet Operation & Clean Design
Ecotech pumps are known for ultra-quiet performance and minimal in-tank footprint:
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Vortech’s external motor means no wires or bulky units in your display.
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Vectra’s variable-speed design reduces noise at low speeds and ramps intelligently.
6. Accessories & Extras to Consider
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Battery Backup: Keep water moving during power outages—essential for sensitive reef tanks.
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Flow Meters & Sensors: Monitor water movement and catch blockages early.
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Mounting Brackets: Keep external motors and drivers tidy and secure.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're building a nano reef or scaling up to a large SPS-dominated system, Ecotech pumps offer unmatched flexibility and power. Shop the full range of Ecotech saltwater pumps at Charterhouse Aquatics and reach out to our expert team if you need help choosing the right setup.
