buying used vortechs.

reeferkeeper420

Distinguished Member
Joined
May 15, 2013
Location
Ingersoll, Ontario
Is there things i should look for when buying used vortech mp40s. Im going to be buying a cpl used ones and juat want to know what things i should ask about them and look for.. ill be putting them in a little tank with water when they arrive with the guy. Thanks
 

Poseidon

Distinguished Member
Joined
May 15, 2012
Location
SW Ontario
Yea one thing- don't

I've heard so much negative stuff about them - noise, failure, replacing parts etc etc and I guarantee there still more $ used than a brand new wp40 or 60 is
 

parksy

Super Active Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2011
Location
Sarnia, Ontario
I bought used (included in a total display tank package). One was the older model and the wet side needed to be replaced at a cost of $100 and was very smooth after that. If you buy used look for a newer model (Wes). I would buy used again if the price was right keeping in mind that I may have to replace the wet side. If you end up going to look at them ask what, if any parts have been replaced and make sure you hear them operating before you hand over the cash.
 

spyd

Super Active Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2011
Location
Kitchener, Ontario
I agree. If you are going to go with the Vortechs, make sure you see them in action first. Lots of issues with needing the wet side replaced periodically. Also, I would get the full battery back-up units.
 

DerekL

Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2013
Location
Windsor, Ontario
I bought both of mine used off of 2 different ppl. I bought an older mp40 that the wet side had been replaced only a few months before I bought it and also bought a battery back up off of him that was only a few months old as well. The guy that was selling it put it in his tank and showed me it and the battery back up both worked fine. It has been running fine for me now for 8 months. Then I bought a newer mp10 off of someone here that was only a few months old no problems with either of them and for the price that I got both of them and the battery back up I would buy used again. I know everyone here loves the Jabeo WP's and they are awesome but my question was will they last as long as the vortechs? I know guys who have have vortechs for many years and they are still going strong.
 

reeferkeeper420

Distinguished Member
Joined
May 15, 2013
Location
Ingersoll, Ontario
Well he says there about 3years old nothings been replaced, he sayss hell be testig and cleaning before sale. Hes selling then because hes getting out of the hobby.. but if everytjing works great theyll be a steal at what im paying...i kight have one up for sale ;) lol doubtfull but maybe.
 

spyd

Super Active Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2011
Location
Kitchener, Ontario
I run the older model Tunze 6101's. They are at the very least 6 years old (bought them used a couple years ago) and they just keep on truckin'. They are probably the best built workhorse powerheads out there.
 

Jewel

Guest
Joined
Oct 11, 2011
Location
Wingham Ontario
I bought a MP40WES off another member. It was used and came with an extra wet side, I could of bought 4 WP40 for the money I paid but i'm glad I bought it, It's silent and easy to program. You've gotta check them for noise. But you can buy a tune up kit for them and they've got great resale value.
 

TORX

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Nov 27, 2010
Location
Blenheim, Ontario
Website
www.thefragtank.ca
I have known people who have had them for years with no issues and others who have to replace parts yearly. I had 2 mp10's and will never go back to vortec. Seeing that ot os a getting out sale, you are probably safe, but it is a chance you take when going used.

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Giglio324

Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2012
Location
Windsor, Ontario
If it comes with the box, which i would suggest asking, check the manufactures date on the box. That will give you a definite age to the unit. The only thing mine ever need is a vinegar bath every 6-8 months. I broke a shaft once only because the 2 wet sides stuck together and i panicked pulling them apart and the one shaft broke. Why do you buy a vortech? No chords in the tank, still the best
 

reeferkeeper420

Distinguished Member
Joined
May 15, 2013
Location
Ingersoll, Ontario
Ok ill ask him about that, and ill be puttig them in a little tank with water. Should they be silent or some noise? Sorry havent payed much attention when around one in a tank.
 

EricTMah

Aquariums by Design
Joined
Mar 2, 2014
Location
Kitchener, Ontario
Website
www.aquariumsbydesign.ca
I bought mine used with no issues.  And mine is the old style MP40.  Mine makes a little noise when cranked up.  But at lower speeds it's virtually silent.  Has been running on my system since feb and previous owner had it for 4 years.  I got it for an amazing price so I figure it was worth a shot.
 

reeferkeeper420

Distinguished Member
Joined
May 15, 2013
Location
Ingersoll, Ontario
Yeah i found a really good deal on a pair. Cheaper than one brand new, probably what alot of people woild charge for one used one. So figire why not, as long as the seller doesnt sell it to someone else.
 
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