Vortech Mp60QD

• Up to 9,000 GPH (34,000 LPH) – full-size flow for large reef and fish-only-with-live-rock systems.
• 10–60 W power draw – wattage tracks the flow mode in use, not a fixed maximum.
• Corded driver-to-pump connection – a physical cable links the external QuietDrive driver to the submerged wet-side pump, rather than the wireless power link used on the Mobius model.
• App-controlled flow modes – programmed and adjusted from the driver without a separate controller.
• QuietDrive motor – EcoTech's quieter-running motor generation, a meaningful step down in operating noise from earlier VorTech drives.

Suits glass or acrylic from 9.5 mm to 26 mm thick – outside that range the magnetic mount isn't rated to hold or drive the wet side reliably. It's built for displays from roughly 450 L up to large custom systems.

This MP60QD and the MP60 (Mobius) Quiet Drive sold separately on this site share the same wet-side pump and the same flow, wattage, tank size and glass-thickness ratings. The difference is how the wet side gets its power: this model runs a cable from the driver to the pump; the Mobius version transfers power wirelessly across the glass with no cable at all, at a higher price. For a smaller or nano system, the MP10 or MP40 in the VorTech range are sized down from the MP60.

• Suitable for: reef and mixed marine displays from roughly 450 L upward that need broad randomised or directional in-tank flow.
• Suitable for: tanks where routing a slim cable from the back of the tank to the wet side is not a problem.
• Not suitable for: installations where no cable at all can cross the waterline – choose the Mobius version instead.
• Not suitable for: glass or acrylic outside the 9.5–26 mm range.

Wet-side pump and propeller, dry-side QuietDrive driver, connecting cable, mounting spacer, foam propeller guard, mounting hardware and power supply. Sump return pumps, plumbing and additional VorTech units for multi-pump sync are not included.

As with every VorTech, there's no head-versus-flow curve to publish: the pump sits in the display and pushes water directly into the tank rather than lifting it through external plumbing, so head height doesn't apply. The figure that matters is the adjustable range, 10 to 60 W, delivering up to 9,000 GPH (34,000 LPH) at the top end. Running continuously at a mid-range 35 W average works out to roughly 307 kWh a year, about $92 at 30c/kWh – lower on gentler flow modes, higher on the highest setting. Run it on a gentler flow mode day to day and reserve the highest setting for clearing detritus off the sand bed.

Mains-powered aquarium equipment. Use only the supplied power supply, route the driver-to-pump cable so it isn't pinched or pulled taut, and keep the foam propeller guard fitted at all times.

Rinse the wet-side pump and propeller regularly to clear coralline algae and detritus, which otherwise slows the impeller and increases the wattage needed for the same flow. Inspect the driver-to-pump cable periodically for wear at the point it enters the water.

• VorTech MP60 wet-side assembly – the field-replaceable spare for when the motor or bearing eventually wears.
• A second VorTech MP60 – for synced multi-pump flow on larger displays.

Covered by EcoTech Marine's manufacturer warranty in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard parcel freight – no oversize or dangerous-goods class applies.

What's the difference between this and the Mobius version on this site?

Both use the same 9,000 GPH wet-side pump. This model connects the driver to the wet side with a cable; the Mobius version does it wirelessly across the glass, at a higher price.

Do I need a separate controller to change flow modes?

No – flow modes are set from the on-board driver.

Will it fit a 100 L nano tank?

No – the MP60 is sized for 450 L and up. For a smaller system, look at the MP10 or MP40 in the VorTech range.

Is the flow rating the same at every setting?

No – 9,000 GPH is the maximum, reached only on the highest flow setting. Day-to-day flow modes run well below that.