If you're into reef aquariums, you already know how important a reliable powerhead is for maintaining optimal water flow and coral health. The Jecod DMP 40 has recently caught my attention as a budget-friendly alternative to the iconic Ecotech Vortech MP-40. After testing the Jecod DMP 40 for a few weeks, I’m excited to share my honest and detailed Jecod DMP 40 review that covers everything from price and specs to app control, flow performance, and noise levels. Whether you’re a seasoned reef hobbyist or just starting out, this article will help you understand if the Jecod DMP 40 could be the right powerhead for your tank.
Table of Contents
- Price and Specifications: An Affordable Alternative
- Design and Build Quality: Practical but Not Premium
- App Control: Quirky but Functional
- Flow Performance: Matching the MP-40 in Real-World Testing
- Noise Levels: Quieter Than Aged MP-40 Units
- Overall Thoughts: Great Value but Some Trade-Offs
- FAQs about the Jecod DMP 40
- Final Thoughts
Price and Specifications: An Affordable Alternative
The first thing that stands out about the Jecod DMP 40 is the price, it's very affordable!
To put this into perspective, the original Ecotech Vortech MP-40 costs a lot more. That means the Jecod DMP 40 can be anywhere from 55% to 70% cheaper than the MP-40 — a huge difference for reefers on a budget.
In terms of performance specs, the Jecod DMP 40 claims to deliver 20,000 litres per hour, while the Ecotech MP-40 advertises over 17,000 litres per hour. The Jecod line also includes other sizes:
- DMP-5: Q.max 4000 L/H | 8W
- DMP-10: Q.max 5000 L/H | 10W
- DMP-15: Q.max 8000 L/H | 15W
- DMP-20: Q.max 9000 L/H | 15W
- DMP-40: Q.max 20000 L/H | 30W
- DMP-30: Q.max 15000 L/H | 25W
- DMP-55: Q.max 25000 L/H | 40W
- DMP-65: Q.max 28000 L/H | 45W
For comparison, the Ecotech MP-10 offers just over 6,000 litres per hour, and the MP-60 behemoth delivers 34,000 litres per hour. However, Jecod doesn’t have an equivalent to the MP-60 yet.
Design and Build Quality: Practical but Not Premium
Having unboxed the Jecod DMP 40, I can say the build quality is pretty average. It doesn’t hold a candle to the refined design of the Ecotech MP-40, which has been a staple in the hobby for years. However, the Jecod is still functional and well thought out.
One practical design difference is in the mounting system. The Jecod uses both magnets and suction cups to secure the powerhead to the aquarium glass, whereas the MP-40 relies solely on magnets. This means the Jecod can attach to glass up to 21mm thick, compared to the MP-40’s 19mm limit.
In my experience, the Jecod grips my 19mm glass more firmly than the MP-40 does, which is a nice bonus. However, the Jecod is physically larger — it looks fine on my six-foot tank but may appear bulky on smaller tanks under three feet.
The control box also reveals the difference in build quality. The Jecod’s controller feels a bit cheap compared to Ecotech’s sleek design. Most notably, the Jecod lacks a port for a plug-and-play battery backup, which Ecotech offers as a simple, elegant solution. Although DIY battery backups are possible for the Jecod, the absence of a ready-to-go option is a significant downside.
Despite these shortcomings, Jecod is known for producing reliable pumps, and after using dozens of their products over the last decade, I’ve had very few issues. So far, the DMP 40 seems to hold up well, but only time will tell how it performs long term.
App Control: Quirky but Functional
The Jecod app is a mixed bag. It’s Bluetooth-based rather than WiFi, which is perfectly adequate for controlling a powerhead. The interface is clean, colourful, and simple to navigate.
That said, there are some odd quirks. For example, the app calls your aquarium an “aquascape” and uses “linkage” instead of “sync” or “anti-sync” to describe flow modes. You also have to long-press to select options rather than just tapping, which feels a bit unintuitive.
Despite these minor annoyances, the app offers:
- Three distinct flow patterns
- A constant speed mode (rarely used)
- Programmable schedules with varying intensities
- A feed timer to pause pumps at set times daily
The app even displays a little arrow pointing to the current flow mode in action, which is a nice touch. One issue I encountered was an occasional “controller under voltage” warning, despite the power supply specs being correct and the pump working fine. While I might have contacted Ecotech support for such a problem, Jecod’s customer service isn’t as easily accessible, so for now, I’m ignoring it.
Flow Performance: Matching the MP-40 in Real-World Testing
When it comes to flow, the Jecod DMP 40 impresses. I tested a single unit in my six-foot by two-foot tank with all other pumps off. Comparing footage with my original MP-40 units was tricky since they’re several years old and positioned at different heights in the tank, but after staring at the clips for ages, I couldn’t tell a meaningful difference.
Both powerheads generated strong flow, moving water effectively even five feet away from the pump, ensuring plenty of movement around my corals. If one is more powerful than the other, the difference is marginal at best, so I’m calling it a tie.
The Unique “Sign Mode” Standing Wave
One standout feature of the Jecod DMP 40 is its “sign mode,” which the MP-40 lacks. This mode creates a stunning standing wave effect, gently swaying corals side to side in a visually pleasing way. It’s easy to achieve by setting the pump to sign mode and lowering the frequency.
I absolutely love this effect — it’s mesmerizing to watch the corals sway back and forth. While the Tunze wave box can create a similar motion, it comes with a warning about extra stress on aquarium seams. The Jecod’s sign mode likely carries the same risk, so I recommend limiting its use to an hour or two per day, ideally when you’re nearby to enjoy the view.
This is my first Jecod powerhead, so I’m curious if other Jecod WiFi models offer the same feature. If you know, please share your experience!
Noise Levels: Quieter Than Aged MP-40 Units
Noise is always a concern with aquarium equipment. I found the brand-new Jecod DMP 40 to be quieter than my seven-year-old Ecotech MP-40 units, especially above 80% power where the MP-40 tends to get a bit noisy in long pulse mode.
While I can’t provide a direct like-for-like comparison, my impression is that the Jecod is probably quieter overall. I’ve included sound clips for reference, but keep in mind that audio quality is hard to capture accurately on video.
Overall Thoughts: Great Value but Some Trade-Offs
Summing up my Jecod DMP 40 review, I’m genuinely impressed. It delivers strong flow, the app is user-friendly despite minor quirks, it’s quiet, and the standing wave “sign mode” is a fantastic visual bonus.
However, the lack of a plug-and-play battery backup option is a significant downside. I personally love the Ecotech ecosystem’s convenience, where the Mobius app can simultaneously turn off all flow and adjust my AI blade lights with a single tap — perfect for tank maintenance or photography.
For me, the original Ecotech MP-40 remains the superior powerhead, mainly due to its polished design and integrated ecosystem. That said, the Jecod DMP 40 represents incredible value for money and performs at least as well as the MP-40, if not better in some areas, at roughly a third of the price.
Ecotech should take note: the Vortec MP-40’s design hasn’t changed much in nearly a decade, yet prices have risen from $350 USD in 2015 to $470 USD in 2024. While adjusting for inflation shows a marginal price drop, the R&D costs have long been recouped, so I’ve always felt the Vortec line should be getting more affordable, not more expensive.
The Jecod DMP series is a capable alternative that challenges Ecotech’s dominance in this market segment. That said, it shares some limitations with the Vortec — you can’t angle the pump up or down like a traditional powerhead, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
In the end, powerheads like these fall into a “nice to have” category rather than an absolute necessity. Always consider if your budget might be better spent on corals or other equipment that provides more enjoyment or impact.
FAQs about the Jecod DMP 40
Is the Jecod DMP 40 as reliable as the Ecotech MP-40?
Jecod has a solid reputation for reliability, and I’ve had very few issues with their pumps over the last decade. While I can’t yet speak to the long-term durability of the DMP 40 specifically, initial impressions are positive.
Can the Jecod DMP 40 be controlled via WiFi?
No, the Jecod DMP 40 uses Bluetooth control through its app, which is sufficient for powerhead operation. It doesn’t offer WiFi connectivity like some other brands.
Does the Jecod DMP 40 support battery backup?
Unfortunately, it does not have a dedicated port for a plug-and-play battery backup, unlike the Ecotech MP-40. DIY solutions are possible but less convenient.
What is the “sign mode” on the Jecod DMP 40?
Sign mode creates a standing wave effect that gently sways corals side to side, adding a visually appealing dynamic to your aquarium. It’s unique to the Jecod DMP 40 and easy to set up via the app.
How does the noise level of the Jecod DMP 40 compare to the Ecotech MP-40?
The Jecod DMP 40 is generally quieter than older Ecotech MP-40 units. It runs smoothly and quietly even at higher speeds, making it a good choice for noise-conscious reefers.
Can the Jecod DMP 40 be mounted on thick aquarium glass?
Yes, it can be mounted on glass up to 21mm thick thanks to its combination of magnets and suction cups, compared to the MP-40’s 19mm maximum glass thickness rating.
Final Thoughts
The Jecod DMP 40 is a compelling, affordable alternative to the Ecotech MP-40. It delivers comparable flow, comes with a functional app, and offers a unique standing wave mode that adds flair to any reef tank. While it lacks some premium features like a plug-and-play battery backup and the polished ecosystem of Ecotech, it excels in value and performance.
If you’re looking to save money without sacrificing quality and want to try something new, the Jecod DMP 40 is definitely worth considering. For those invested in the Ecotech ecosystem or who prioritize top-tier design and seamless integration, the MP-40 still holds the edge.
Whichever you choose, remember that the best investment in your reef tank is always the one that brings you the most joy and success in keeping your aquatic friends happy and healthy.
Happy reefing!
This article was inspired from the video A Complete Review of the Excellent Jecod DMP-40 (Ecotech MP-40 Clone)
