EcoTech Marine Full EcoSmart User Manual

Eco

Smart

User Manual

Revision 1.1

Contents

Page

Chapter 1: Before You Start

Section 1.0: Introduction 3
Section 1.1: Safety Warnings 4

Chapter 2: Your VorTech Propeller Pump

Section 2.0: VorTech MP40w EcoSmart 6
Section 2.1: VorTech MP10 EcoSmart & MP10w EcoSmart 7

Chapter 3: Setup Your VorTech

Section 3.0: Pump Positioning 8
Section 3.1: Spacing VorTech Pump 9
Section 3.2: Attaching VorTech Pump 10
Section 3.3: Aligning VorTech Pump 11
Section 3.4: EcoSmart Driver 12
Section 3.5: Powering Your EcoSmart Driver 13
Section 3.6: Battery Backup 13
Section 3.7: Master/Slave/Independent 14
Section 3.8: Assigning Master/Slave Relationship 15
Section 3.9: Assigning Local Max Speed to a Slave 16

Chapter 4: Operational Modes

Section 4.0: Navigating Between Modes 18
Section 4.1: EcoSmart Operational Modes 19
Section 4.2: General Operational Modes 21
Section 4.3: Auto-Tune & Wave Motion Warning 25
Section 4.4: Other Modes 26
Section 4.5: Configuration Mode 28

Chapter 5: Pump Configuration for EcoSmart

Section 5.0: What Does EcoSmart Mean to You? 32
Section 5.1: Use of EcoSmart with Wireless Wave Driver 32
Section 5.2: Horizontal & Vertical Pump Positioning 33
Section 5.3: MP10’s Aren’t Just for Nano Tanks Anymore 33
Section 5.4: Advanced EcoSmart Pump Positioning 34

Chapter 6: Maintenance

Section 6.0: General Maintenance 35
Section 6.1: Disassembling Wet-Side 35
Section 6.2: Wireless Driver Firmware Upgrade 36
Section 6.3: Pump Disconnect Error Protection 38
Section 6.4: Full Driver Memory Clear 38

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

Section 7.0: Error Codes 39
Section 7.1: FAQS 40

Chapter 8: Appendix

Section 8.0: Contact Us 41
Section 8.1: Warranty 42
Section 8.2: FCC and CE Warnings 43

2

Before You Start

Introduction

Thank You For Choosing EcoTech Marine!

EcoTech Marine has revolutionized reef aquarium propeller pumps with its award-winning line of
VorTech products and accessories for aquariums ranging from 2.5 to 500+ gallons. Every product
from EcoTech Marine is backed with our industry-leading customer service.

Please Register Your Product

Registering your product guarantees that you will receive service and support in the event of a war­ranty claim. Additionally, you will be eligible to recieve exclusive offers and upgrades to our regis­tered customer base. To register your product, please visit our customer support section at www.
ecotechmarine.com. You will need the product’s serial number which is located on the back of your
pumps driver.

Optimal Use of Your Pump

To fully utilize the functionality of your new VorTech Propeller pump, please read this manual before
you begin for information on the placement, operational modes, wireless configuration of mutiple
pumps and troubleshooting of your new VorTech pump and EcoSmart Driver.

3

Section 1.0

Before You Start

IMPORTANT: Safety Warnings

• The VorTech utilizes very powerful magnets and can cause severe personal injury.

• NEVER connect the two halves of this device without a proper spacer in-between.

• NEVER place either half of this device near magnetically attractive surfaces or sensitive elec-

tronics.

• The motor and driver can become HOT. Be cautious around these surfaces.

• Never run the pump dry as the heat buildup may cause damage to its components.

• Do Not Drop Your VorTech Pump - VorTech pumps are highly engineered to be as small and

powerful as possible. As a result the VorTech pump is fragile. All precautions must be taken to
avoid dropping the wet-side and dry-side. After a fall onto the floor, both the wet side and dry
side can be permanently damaged. Evidence of this include cracking of the advanced ceramic
axle within the wet side (MP10 versions only), or the dry side running loudly. The VorTech
pump SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO FALL to the floor. Damage from dropping will not
be covered under warranty.

• Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference including interference that may cause unde­sired operation of the device.

• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by EcoTech Marine could void the user’s
authority to operate the VorTech Wireless Wave Driver.

• This product carries an ingress protection rating of IPX0 and must not
be immersed in water.

• Danger: To avoid possible electrical shock, special care should be
taken since water is employed in the use of aquarium equipment. For
each of the following situations, do not attempt repairs yourself; return
the appliance to the manufacturer for service or discard the appliance.

• DO NOT immerse in water. If the appliance falls into the water, DON’T reach for it! First unplug
it and then retrieve it. If electrical components of the appliance get wet, unplug the appliance
immediately. (Non- immersible equipment only)

• Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should not be plugged in if there is water
on parts not intended to be wet.

• Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, or if it is malfunctioning or if it
is dropped or damaged in any manner. The power cord of this appliance cannot be replaced: If
the cord is damaged, the appliance should be discarded. Never cut the cord.

• To avoid the possibility of the appliance plug or receptacle getting wet, position aquarium stand
and tank to one side of a wall mounted receptacle to prevent water from dripping onto the
receptacle or plug. The “drip-loop” should be arranged by the user for each cord connecting an
aquarium appliance to a receptacle. A “drip-loop” is that part of the cord below the level of the
receptacle, or the connector if an extension cord is used, to prevent water traveling along the
cord and coming in contact with the receptacle. If the plug or receptacle does get wet, DON’T
unplug the cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance,
then unplug and examine for presence of water in the receptacle.

CAUTION: Keep Dry-Side

Contents away from water.

4

Section 1.1

Before You Start

IMPORTANT: Safety Warnings (cont.)

• Close supervision is necessary when an appliance is used by or near children.

• To avoid injury, do not contact moving parts or hot parts such as heaters, reflectors, lamp

bulbs, and the like.

• Always unplug an appliance from an outlet and battery backup when not in use, before putting
on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.

• Never yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect.

• Do not use an appliance for other than intended use. The use of attachments not recommend-

ed or sold by the appliance manufacturer may cause an unsafe condition.

• Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed to weather or to temperatures
below freezing.

• Make sure an appliance mounted on a tank is securely installed before operating it. Read and
observe all the important notices on the appliance.

5

Section 1.1

Your VorTech Propeller Pump

VorTech MP40w EcoSmart Propeller Pump

The award-winning technology of the MP40w provides wireless operation on tanks between 50 and
500+ gallons, producing 200 to 3,200 gallons per hour of flow and the smallest in-tank footprint for
full-size reef aquariums. The EcoSmart Wireless Driver enables wireless coordination and en­hanced functionality between multiple MP40w ES units right out of the box, with no extra equipment
to buy—making it the most effective solution on the market for larger aquariums.

Specifications and Operating Parameters

Flow: 1,000 - 3,200 gallons per hour (3,785 -12,100 liters per hour)
Power Consumption: 9-28 watts
Maximum Motor Temperature: 50-60 degrees Celsius
Aquarium Wall Thickness Range: 3/16”-3/4” (4.76mm - 19mm)
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 50-500+ gallons (190-1,800L)
Dimensions: Wet-Side - 3” diameter by 2.25” long (76mm x 57mm)

Dry-Side - 3” diameter by 2.25” long (76mm x 57mm)

Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 3” (76mm)
Power Supply Specifications:

Input: 100-240V ac 1.2A 50/60 Hz
Output: 24v - 2.5A

Getting to know Your Pump

Open up the box to your new VorTech Pump. You should see the following pieces:

1.) VorTech Wet-Side

2.) VorTech Dry-Side Motor

3.) EcoSmart Driver

4.) Power Cables

5.) Quick Start Manual

When dissambled, the wet-side of your pump looks like the below image. Having the ability to dis­sasemble the wet-side allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of your pump. For more informa­tion on how to dissasemble and clean your pump, see Chapter 5: Maintenance of Your Pump.

Ceramic Bearing

Drive Shaft Nut

Propeller

Nozzle

Drive Shaft

O-ring

Washer

Wet Frame

Plastic Coated Magnet

6

Drive Shaft Screw

Frame Cover

Section 2.0

Your VorTech Propeller Pump

VorTech MP10 EcoSmart & MP10w EcoSmart Propeller Pump

Designed especially for nano-reef aquariums, the MP10 and MP10w from EcoTech Marine are
small yet powerful pumps. The MP10 and MP10w—ideal for tanks from 2.5 to 50 gallons—create
gentle flows of 200 to 1,575 gallons per hour, helping the tanks feel more like the ocean.The MP10
and MP10w share the same award-winning technology as the MP40w and lets you take full con­trol of the flow. Similarly to the MP40w, the MP10w comes with the EcoSmart Wireless Driver that
enables wireless coordination and enhanced functionality between multiiple With all the electrical
components outside the aquarium and a variety of easy-to-program modes, the VorTech is the saf-

est, most versatile pump on the market.

Specifications and Operating Parameters

Flow: 200 - 1,575 gallons per hour (750 - 5,962 liters per hour)
Power Consumption: 8-18 watts
Maximum Tank Thickness: 3/8” (9.5mm)
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 2.5 - 50 gallons (9.5-190L)
Dimensions: Wet-Side - 2.5” diameter by 1.5” long (63.5mm x 38.1mm)

Dry-Side - 2.5” diameter by 2” long (63.5mm x 50.8mm)

Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2.25” (57mm)
Power Supply Specifications:

Input: 100-240V ac 1.2A 50/60 Hz

Output: 24v - 1.5A

Getting to know Your Pump

Open up the box to your new VorTech Pump. You should see the following pieces:

1.) VorTech Wet-Side

2.) Vortech Dry-Side Motor

3.) EcoSmart Driver

4.) Power Cables

5.) Quick Start Manual

When dissambled, the wet-side of your pump looks like the below image. Having the ability to dis­sasemble the wet-side allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of your pump. For more informa­tion on how to dissasemble and clean your pump, see Chapter 5: Maintenance of Your Pump.

Ceramic

Washer

7

Nozzle

Rotor

O-Ring

Wet Frame

with Axle

Dry­Side

Section 2.1

Setup Your VorTech Pump

Pump Positioning

Preparation

Once you have chosen the location where you wish to install your VorTech pump, clean away any
algae, calcified or otherwise using an aquarium scraper. Use caution when using an aquarium
scraper.

Notes on Placement

The VorTech pumps create a large amount of low velocity flow within your aquarium. Take care to
place the VorTech in a suitable location where corals are not directly in the line of flow. Place the
pump sufficiently high enough above a fine sand bed so that sand is not blown around by the out­put or undertow created by the VorTech. For more information on pump placement on your tank,
see section 5.2: Horizontal & Vertical Pump Positioning.

Protect the Pump From Water

The VorTech dry-side motor assembling and EcoSmart driver are NOT WATERPROOF. Any wa­ter allowed into these components can damage them enough to require replacement. This kind
of damage is NOT covered under EcoTech’s product warranty. Protect these components from
splashes of any kind.

Advanced Pump Positioning

For advanced and complete pump positioning of multiple pumps refer to Chapter 5: Pump Configu­ration of EcoSmart Modes

8

Section 3.0

Setup Your VorTech Pump

Spacing VorTech Pump

Adjusting the Pin Spacer (MP40w ES Only)

• The VorTech pump is designed to operate with a constant
gap between both halves of the device. The pin spacer is
used to ensure the proper spacing for various aquarium
wall thicknesses.

• Make sure to measure your aquarium’s glass thickness us­ing a ruler or contact the aquarium manufacturer in order to
determine the exact thickness.

• To adjust for the proper aquarium thickness, pull the rub­ber pin spacer from the motor housing. Then align the
VorTech’s power cord emerging from the motor with your
aquarium’s wall thickness to achieve the proper offset from
your aquarium.

Note: 3/4” (19mm) thick aquariums do not use the pin spacer at all.

IMPORTANT: When adjusting the pin spacer, be sure not to bend the rubber pins as they are inserted into the
holes within the heat sink as this may permanently damage your VorTech. Bent pins WILL NOT be covered
under warranty

Adding Rubber Spacer (MP10 ES and MP10w ES Only)

• The MP10 ES and MP10w ES will sometimes require you
to adjust the spacing between the dry-side moter and wet­side propeller.

• Make sure to measure your aquarium’s glass thickness us­ing a ruler or contact the aquarium manufacturer in order to
determine the exact thickness

• For glass thicknesses of 1/8” (3.2mm) and 3/16” (4.8mm)
you must use the included rubber spacer in between the
motor and the glass. Failure to use the included rubber
spacer on glass thicknesses of 1/8” (3.2mm) and 3/16”
(4.8mm) can damage your pump. Damage of this sort will
not be covered under warranty.

Note: There is no need to use this spacer on glass thicknesses of 1/4” (6.4mm) or 3/8” (9.5mm).

9

Section 3.1

Setup Your VorTech Pump

Attaching VorTech Pump

Once you have chosen where to place your pump and you have prepared the area for placement
you are ready to begin attaching your VorTech Pump to the tank. Follow these instructions to en­sure your pump is properly attached and will function properly.

• Attach the motor assembly

• Apply the rubber gasket at the chosen location for the

VorTech pump, on the outside of your aquarium.

• Apply the cord mounting tab approximately 2” (50.8mm)
above this location. Make sure the glass is clean and free
of any grease or dirt prior to applying this tab.

• Place the VorTech motor, with or without the pin spacer
attached as necessary, upon the black gasket, and se­cure the cord to the mounting tab using one of the pro­vided wire-ties.

• The cord must be positioned pointing upwards so that
if the VorTech were to fall off the aquarium, it does not
swing and damage your aquarium. When operating,
make sure the gasket is properly recessed within the pin

spacer

• Attach the wetside assembly.

• Place the wet side into the aquarium, making sure to al-

low ALL air to escape from the propeller housing.

• Carefully connect both halves of the pump together and
visually align both halves of the pump.

Note: Protect the pump from falling. Due to the nature of the magnetically coupled design, it is pos­sible for the VorTech to become dislodged from the aquarium glass and fall to the ground. The cord
should be positioned vertically above the pump with the mounting tab directly above the motor to
ensure that the motor does not move in the event of a decoupling of the magnets. The provided cord-

mounting tab MUST be used to prevent damage to the motor or the surrounding environment.

10

Section 3.2

Setup Your VorTech Pump

Aligning VorTech Pump

• Turn the speed up to the maximum speed by using the
speed control knob on the driver.

• Plug the power supply into the driver. If vibration or noise is
detected, carefully adjust the propeller housing by moving it
VERY slightly left, right, up or down, until the noise/vibration
is eliminated or minimized as much as possible.

• After alignment has been ensured, turn the speed control
knob to achieve the desired flow rate within your aquarium.

• Important: If the VorTech is not properly aligned, a strong
vibration will be heard. If the alignment is not corrected,
this can cause increased electrical consumption, excessive
wear on the components, excessive heat and excessive
noise.

11

Section 3.3

Setup Your VorTech Pump

EcoSmart Driver (wireless and non-wireless)

The EcoSmart driver unlocks the full potential of your VorTech pump by allowing you to be in
complete control. Capable of controlling your VorTech pump in a variety of different ways, the
EcoSmart driver allows for virtually endless flow possibilities within your reef tank. Please note that
not all EcoSmart drivers are wireless enabled. If your EcoSmart driver is wirelessly enabled the ‘w’
at the top of the driver will illuminate blue.

Specifications

Wireless Enabled: ‘w’ versions only
Dimensions:Length: 5” (127mm)

Width: 3.5” (89mm)
Depth: 1.375” (34.9mm)

Power Input: 24 volt DC input
Battery Backup Input: 12 volt DC input

4.) Wireless Indicator

(Illuminates on wireless versions only.)

1.) Set Button

2.) Mode Button

3.) Battery Backup Input

1.) Set Button: Used to set different settings in each operational mode.

2.) Mode Button: Used to select between different operational modes.

3.) Battery Backup Input: Input slot for EcoTech’s Battery Backup for protection against power

failures. Available at your local retailer.

4.) Wireless indicator: Blue LED that will illuminate on wireless versions

5.) LED Strip: Blue LEDs that will illuminate to indicate modes, speeds, time, etc.

6.) Option/Power Button: Used to select different options in certain configuration modes and used

to power pump on/off.

7.) Control Dial: Used to change speeds, times and other settings.

8.) Pump Cable Slot: Input Slot for the pump cord. Note: Pump comes attached to driver.

9.) Power Input: Input slot for attaching the power supply to the pump.

5.) LED Strip

6.) Option/Power Button

7.) Control Dial

8.) Pump Cable Slot

9.) Power Input

12

Section 3.4

Setup Your VorTech Pump

Powering Your EcoSmart Driver

You EcoSmart Driver now has the capability to be turned off without unplugging the power supply
from your driver. When turned on, the option button can be used simultaneously with either the set
or mode buttons to perform certain configurations. To turn on or off your driver, simply just press the
power/option button. If you have a master/slave relationship setup, the power/option button allows
you to power off locally or power off the whole system, including each slave pump. To power off
just one pump, only press the power/option button. To power off the system of master/slave pumps,
press and hold the power/option. Note: If you power off a system of master/slave pumps together,
you can power them all back on by pressing the option/power button on any of the pumps in that
master/slave relationship. This is useful if you have an EcoTech Marine Battery Backup, so that you
can power off your VorTech Pump without having to unplug your driver from the Battery Backup.

VorTech Battery Backup

In an aquarium with no flow, fish and corals begin to die in
as little as 4 to 10 hours. The VorTech Battery Backup is
reef tank insurance in an aluminum housing. By adding the
VorTech Battery Backup, your tank is insulated from power
interruptions for up to 36 hours with the MP40w and up to 72
hours with the MP10 and MP10w.

Simply plug in the battery backup into an outlet with the
power supply and connect the battery backup to your
EcoSmart pump and your protected.

Product Features

Backup power for 30 or more hours on a VorTech Pump.

Can connect to another Battery Backup for two times the run time.

Comes with trickle charger so you’re always prepared.

Complete package comes with all the wiring cables needed.

Specifications

18 Amp-Hour 12 Volt sealed battery.

Powder-coated white aluminum housing.

Dimensions (L x W x H): 9” x 7” x 3.25” (228mm x 177mm x 82.5mm)

13

Section 3.5

Setup Your VorTech Pump

Master/Slave/Independent

EcoSmart controlled VorTech pumps work together in ways not
previously possible to create a variety of flow options. The EcoSmart
driver comes out of the box in Independent mode. In Independent
mode, the EcoSmart driver does not broadcast wireless signals for
other pumps to hear (with the exception of Feed Mode, which all
pumps broadcast and all pumps listen for). If you are only running
one VorTech propeller pump, then this will be ideal for you. When
you add additional VorTech pumps, any EcoSmart driver is capable
of operating either as a master or a slave pump. A master pump
broadcasts a wireless signal and a slave pump receives this wire­less signal. On any one aquarium, you can have up to six different
master pumps broadcasting on unique frequencies. Each of these
master pumps can be synced with an infinite number of slave pumps
for endless flow possibilities.

When a master pump is initiated and running in any one of the normal modes (such as Constant
Speed, Random, Short Pulse, or Long Pulse Mode), it sends out a signal telling other pumps what
mode it is operating and what speed it is running at. VorTech pumps set to operate as slave pumps
will listen for the master pump’s wireless signal and will do either the same as the master pump

Master

Master Pump shown
here in Constant Speed
Mode (GreenControl
Dial).

(Sync Mode), or the opposite of the
master pump (Anti-Sync Mode). Slave
pumps set in Sync Mode will perform
exactly the same as the master pump
and will be indicated by a white LED

Slave Pumps speed,

shown here by the blue

LED strip, synced with

master pump.

Slave

Slave

Slave Pumps speed,
shown here by the blue
LED strip, independent
of master pump.

on the EcoSmart driver’s knob. Slave
pumps set in Anti-Sync Mode will per­form exactly the inverse of the master
pump and will be indicated by an or­ange LED on the EcoSmart driver’s

Slave

knob.

Driver shown here Indepen-

dent in Constant Speed Mode

(Green Control Dial).

For example, if the master pump is running at 80% speed, a slave pump in sync mode will run at
80% speed as well. If that same slave pump was operating in Anti-Sync Mode, it will run at 20%
speed (this is the inverse speed of 80%). As the master pump slows down, a slave pump in Sync
Mode will slow down with it and a slave pump in Anti-Sync Mode will speed up.

To select between Sync and Anti-Sync Mode on a slave pump, simply tap the MODE button, the
LED will change color to reflect which mode the pump is in.

For more information on assigning master and slaves, see section 3.5: Assigning Master/Slave Relationship. For more information
on wireless configuration of multiple pumps and pump positioning, see Chapter 5: Pump Configuration of EcoSmart Modes.

14

Section 3.7