Extending Ecotech MP40 Cords (Calling Electrical Nerds)

dangles · Oct 24, 2023

So I'm VERY logistically/financially committed at this point in the game to mounting all my electrical equipment on a large controller board on the OTHER side of the wall my new tank will be up against. However something I overlooked when designing everything is the length of the MP40 cords.

Has anybody ever looked into DIYing an extension for those? It doesn't appear that it would be too challenging to splice a 12-18" extension in the middle somewhere. Or maybe on the end that connects to the little white connecter on the PCB?

Yes I understand this would void the warranty.

EDIT - I'm embarrassed to say I didn't Google this first. I should have known I wasn't the first person to run into it. The first few replies answered my question. But DANG those are pricey! I assume I could easily find the components and DIY that extension for pretty cheap. Any suggestions on where to find those specific components?

EDIT EDIT - I'm really short-bussing it today. I found a thread here that details DIYing the extension cables. Consider this thread closed

dangles · Oct 24, 2023

GlassMunky · Oct 24, 2023

you can get extensions directly from ecotech. you just have to call and ask, they arent normally sold on their site or through retailers. i got 15 ft extensions for all my radions and vortechs

Troylee · Oct 24, 2023

Extension for Ecotech Marine Vortech MP10/40 QuietDrive pumps | AquaLifeStudio

Sometimes 8 feet is just not enough, and if you are like me, mounting that Vortech driver and being limited to where you can put it can be a huge disappointment. The other option being you have the perfect spot to place your driver but now you are limited to where you can mount your pump. Again...

www.aqualifestudio.com

dangles · Oct 24, 2023

Well that was WAY easier than I was anticipating! I should have figured I wasn't the first person to run into this issue!

Thanks everybody!

GlassMunky · Oct 24, 2023

Troylee said:
Extension for Ecotech Marine Vortech MP10/40 QuietDrive pumps | AquaLifeStudio

Sometimes 8 feet is just not enough, and if you are like me, mounting that Vortech driver and being limited to where you can put it can be a huge disappointment. The other option being you have the perfect spot to place your driver but now you are limited to where you can mount your pump. Again...

www.aqualifestudio.com

i stand corrected. this is the first ive seen them directly for sale online. good info!

dangles · Oct 24, 2023

Troylee said:
Extension for Ecotech Marine Vortech MP10/40 QuietDrive pumps | AquaLifeStudio

Sometimes 8 feet is just not enough, and if you are like me, mounting that Vortech driver and being limited to where you can put it can be a huge disappointment. The other option being you have the perfect spot to place your driver but now you are limited to where you can mount your pump. Again...

www.aqualifestudio.com

It looks like that's an aftermarket cable. Which is fine, but do you have any idea how that price compares to one directly from Ecotech?

Troylee · Oct 24, 2023

dangles said:
It looks like that's an aftermarket cable. Which is fine, but do you have any idea how that price compares to one directly from Ecotech?

I do not.. I’m sure it’s much cheaper thou.. I love eco tech but man!!! Prices are nuts

flyboysmb · Nov 9, 2023

I called EcoTech recently and they said they stopped selling the extensions as there were some ”issues” with the “operation” of the pumps. Hs anyone experienced any issues running an extension (DIY or purchased)???

Thanks,
Steve

dangles · Nov 9, 2023

Well that would be an unhappy turn of events

air_run · Nov 9, 2023

flyboysmb said:
I called EcoTech recently and they said they stopped selling the extensions as there were some ”issues” with the “operation” of the pumps. Hs anyone experienced any issues running an extension (DIY or purchased)???

Thanks,
Steve

Steve, I made (2) DIY extensions for two of the four MP10's that I have on a 45g and they have been running for a little over two years. No issues at this time. I also have (2) DIY extensions I made for two of my four MP60's. Been running those for about 6 months and no issues to date as well.

I'm not sure how just extending a wire can cause "issues" unless it has some something to do with resistance and really long runs. My runs though happen to be only about 2 to 3 feet longer for what it's worth.

Maybe Ecotech just doesn't want to hassle with making extensions anymore? Though, they still sell the complete dry side with extra long cables. See below.