{"product_id":"vortech-mp40qd","title":"EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40QD Wavemaker","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNothing electrical goes in the water, and nothing is left sitting in the display.\u003c\/strong\u003e The EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40QD is a magnetically coupled propeller pump for reef aquariums from 190 to 1,800 litres. The motor clamps to the outside of the glass and drives a wet side that is little more than a propeller and a magnet, so there is no cord in the tank, no motor heat going into the water, and very little to look at. It moves up to 19,000 litres an hour on 9 to 37 watts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry motor outside the glass\u003c\/strong\u003e — the electrical half never touches saltwater, removing the two things that kill conventional powerheads: corrosion and stray voltage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo heat into the display\u003c\/strong\u003e — a submerged 37 W motor dumps its waste heat in the tank. This one dumps it into the room, which matters through a Brisbane summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUp to 19,000 L\/h on 9–37 W\u003c\/strong\u003e — the large propeller moves a lot of water slowly, clearing dead spots without sandblasting the corals in front of it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvery flow mode lives on the driver\u003c\/strong\u003e — Reef Crest, Lagoon, Gyre, Tidal Swell, Nutrient Transport, plus Feed and Night, all without an app.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMounts through 4.76 to 19 mm glass\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the widest thickness ranges of any magnet-mount pump.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBattery backup ready\u003c\/strong\u003e — the 12 V DC input keeps flow going through an outage, which is the difference between a scare and a tank crash.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVorTech MP40QD (QuietDrive)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMagnetically coupled propeller pump \/ wavemaker\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaximum flow\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19,000 L\/h (5,000 US gph)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower consumption\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9–37 W across the full speed range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRated tank volume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e190–1,800 L (50–500+ US gal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGlass thickness range\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.76–19 mm (3\/16″–3\/4″)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDriver input\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32 V DC, 1.875 A, 60 W power supply\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMains supply\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e240 V \/ 50 Hz, Australian plug\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBattery backup input\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 V DC (EcoTech Battery Backup, sold separately)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDriver dimensions\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e127 × 89 × 35 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFlow modes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelectable on the driver — see the mode table below\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine, reef and freshwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 months, with registration inside 30 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance across the speed range\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA wavemaker is bought on one number and run on another. The 19,000 L\/h figure is the pump wide open, and almost nobody runs it there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSetting\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower draw\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it is for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9 W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding, night mode, softie and LPS tanks, or a second pump breaking up one dead corner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypical reef range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–25 W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhere most mixed reefs settle once the sand has stopped shifting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e37 W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19,000 L\/h. SPS-dominant systems and large displays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEcoTech publishes power draw across the full range and flow at maximum, but not flow at intermediate settings — so none is stated here rather than interpolated. The typical running range is our observation from installs, not a manufacturer figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich VorTech do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe range is a ladder, and the deciding factor is usually glass thickness rather than tank volume — a pump that will not clamp through your glass is the wrong pump no matter how well the litres line up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaximum flow\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRated volume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGlass thickness\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMP10QD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9,500 L\/h\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.5–190 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–19 W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 9.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMP40QD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e19,000 L\/h\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e190–1,800 L\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e9–37 W\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.76–19 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMP60QD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e34,000 L\/h\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e450–3,800 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–60 W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.5–26 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGlass thicker than 19 mm needs the MP60QD. Two MP40QDs at opposite ends of a long tank almost always beat one MP60QD in the middle — opposing flow instead of a single push.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it fit my tank?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure the glass before you order. The MP40QD ships with two plastic spacers and a gasket, and which one you use is set by thickness:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGlass thickness\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to fit\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 mm (1\/4″) or less\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThick-glass spacer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6–13 mm (1\/4″–1\/2″)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThin-glass spacer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOver 13 mm (1\/2″)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGasket only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 mm (5\/8″) and above\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGasket only — do not fit the plastic spacers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBelow 4.76 mm the magnet has too little to grip; above 19 mm it will not hold at all. You also need clear, flat glass at the mounting point — a brace bar, external overflow box or stand upright behind that position will stop the dry side sitting flush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFlow modes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMode\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it does\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConstant Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFixed output at whatever the dial is set to\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLagoon Random\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow-energy random variation, suited to softies and LPS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Crest Random\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh-energy random surge, the SPS default\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort Pulse\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUniform high–low pulsing from 0.2 to 2 seconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGyre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlternating directional pulsing, 2 seconds to 2 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTidal Swell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHarmonic variation played out over hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNutrient Transport\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo-phase cycle that lifts detritus and then moves it to the overflow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeed Mode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemporary flow reduction for feeding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNight Mode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReduced overnight output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWave Auto Tune\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinds the resonant pulse interval for your tank's dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll modes are set on the driver itself. Current EcoTech production is also Mobius-ready for app control and multi-pump syncing; if app control is the reason you are buying, confirm the driver revision with us before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWet side (propeller assembly and magnet)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDry side motor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuietDrive driver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower supply and power cord\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoam guard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo plastic spacers and a gasket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour mounting tabs, two velcro strips and four zip ties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNot included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBattery backup.\u003c\/strong\u003e The driver takes a 12 V DC backup input, but the EcoTech Battery Backup unit is a separate purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA second pump.\u003c\/strong\u003e Tanks over about 1.2 m generally want two for opposing flow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef aquariums from 190 to 1,800 litres with glass between 4.76 and 19 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSPS and mixed reefs needing broad, variable flow rather than a jet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge freshwater displays, including planted tanks run at low output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone who wants nothing electrical in the water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlass or acrylic outside 4.76–19 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e — step up to the MP60QD or down to the MP10QD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall tanks.\u003c\/strong\u003e Below about 190 L even the minimum setting is too much water movement in too small a box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow-sensitive livestock.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bettas, fancy goldfish, axolotls and fry tanks do not want this pump at any setting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTanks with no clear, flat external glass\u003c\/strong\u003e at a sensible mounting height.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRunning costs and noise\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt full output running continuously, the MP40QD uses about 324 kWh a year — roughly $97 at 30c per kWh. In the 15–25 W band where most reef tanks sit, expect 130–220 kWh and $40 to $65. The tile above shows the full-output figure, which is the worst case rather than the likely one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eQuietDrive is EcoTech's motor and driver redesign aimed at cutting running noise against the earlier wireless generation. EcoTech does not publish a decibel figure, so none is quoted here. In practice the audible noise from any VorTech is mostly propeller and magnet against glass — a clean wet side is the biggest part you control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrip and clean the wet side every 3 to 6 months.\u003c\/strong\u003e Coralline under the magnet causes grinding, vibration and premature bearing wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoak it in a mild vinegar solution to lift coralline, rinse well, then re-lubricate the shaft and bearings before refitting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the foam guard clear — a blocked guard makes the pump work harder for less flow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the driver dry and mounted above any likely splash or drip line.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSafety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNever put the dry side or the driver in the aquarium.\u003c\/strong\u003e Neither is waterproof and water damage is explicitly excluded from warranty.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun the power supply through an RCD-protected outlet and leave a drip loop in the cable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWave-making places extra stress on tank glass and silicone joints. On an older or larger tank, check with the tank manufacturer before running sustained wave modes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe magnets pinch badly. Keep fingers clear when joining the halves, and keep them away from cards, drives and pacemakers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/power-supply-for-mp40qd-vectra-s1-s2-32v-1-875a-mp007\"\u003ePower Supply for MP40QD, Vectra S1\/S2 — 32V 1.875A\u003c\/a\u003e — the replacement supply, and the part most likely to need replacing first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/molykote-lube-6g-3pk\"\u003eMolykote Lube 6g 3pk\u003c\/a\u003e — the correct lubricant for the wet side at each service.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/radion-xr30-gen6-blue\"\u003eRadion XR30 Gen6 BLUE\u003c\/a\u003e — the matching EcoTech lighting side of a reef build.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ecotech-coral-glue\"\u003eEcoTech Coral Glue\u003c\/a\u003e — mount frags securely before you turn the flow up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEcoTech Marine warrants the MP40QD for 12 months against defects in materials and workmanship. Registration within 30 days is required and the warranty is non-transferable. It excludes water damage to the dry side or driver, unauthorised repair, and operation outside the stated parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which cannot be excluded. Supplied for 240 V \/ 50 Hz with an Australian plug. Standard freight — no oversize or dangerous goods handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat size tank is the VorTech MP40QD for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe MP40QD is rated for aquariums from 190 to 1,800 litres and moves up to 19,000 litres an hour. On tanks longer than about 1.2 metres, two units at opposite ends beat one unit run harder — opposing currents make turbulence rather than a single directional push.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eHow thick can my glass be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe MP40QD mounts through glass or acrylic from 4.76 mm to 19 mm. Under 13 mm you fit one of the two supplied plastic spacers; over 13 mm, the gasket alone. At 16 mm and above the plastic spacers must not be used. Thicker than 19 mm needs the MP60QD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much power does it actually use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBetween 9 and 37 watts depending on speed — roughly $40 to $97 a year at 30c per kWh. Because the motor sits outside the glass, none of that power arrives in the tank as heat, which is a real advantage over submerged powerheads in a Queensland summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy is my VorTech getting noisy?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost always coralline algae or grit built up under the wet-side magnet or on the shaft. Strip the wet side, soak it in a mild vinegar solution, rinse thoroughly and re-lubricate the bearings. A wet side serviced every three to six months stays quiet; one left a year does not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat happens in a power cut?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlow stops unless a battery backup is connected. The driver has a 12 V DC input for the EcoTech Battery Backup, sold separately, which keeps the pump turning over through an outage. Runtime depends on the backup unit and the speed the pump is set to.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EcoTech Marine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242260676899,"sku":"AA1612","price":749.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/vortech-mp40qd-43876719001891.webp?v=1790239539","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/vortech-mp40qd","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}