Apex ready return pumps

Cmarez93 · Jul 13, 2018

I am working on a new build at the moment. I’m upgrading from a 90 gal to a 330 with 75 sump. With this new build the tank has dual Durso overflow. I’m going to be picking up an Apex system over the next few weeks and have been trying to find an apex controllable return pump that won’t break the bank. I’m not a brand loyalist, so if anyone could point me in the direction of a pump that would fit the bill for this size of tank.

ihavecrabs · Jul 13, 2018

Ecotech can be hooked into Apex and you can control program (if you are on closed loop setting) or flow strength on either return pump/closed loop.

I believe Apex even came out with their own branded return pump.

Unless you are doing closed loop, I don't see control (other than on/off) as important for the apex.. However, maybe I don't know of something awesome that exists!!!

ihavecrabs · Jul 13, 2018

By the way.. #WelcometoR2R

Crabs McJones · Jul 13, 2018

Welcome to R2R!

I agree with the ecotech pumps. They're great pumps, and are controllable in different modes as well as speeds

Reeferdood · Jul 13, 2018

Varios pumps work as well, I just picked up the Neptune pump.
Pricewise, I think most new pumps that are compatible with the Apex will be close in price.

Reeferdood · Jul 13, 2018

Oh, and I missed the opportunity to say......

Cmarez93 · Jul 13, 2018

Thanks for all the input. I think I read somewhere that the Jebao pumps could work if you got an adapter?

Fudsey · Jul 13, 2018

Welcome to R2R ! ! !

tastyfish · Jul 13, 2018

Cmarez93 said:
Thanks for all the input. I think I read somewhere that the Jebao pumps could work if you got an adapter?

I've been running a Jebao DC-6000 for almost 4 years now with a Jebao/Apex adaptor. It's rock solid and has worked flawlessly. I also control a couple of Jebao cross flow pumps with the new AQLink interface units which again works very well.

You can program to the same level as something like the COR, you wont get pretty flow graphs, but the functionality is there except for the foreign object alert (if something gets into the pump and stalls it). However the Jebaos come with a strainer, whereas the CORs are missing theirs (rather inexplicably IMHO).

If in the US and running the pump through the EB832, you could use current detection. If outside the US/Canada or using the EB6, there is no current detection. You can use flow monitoring with the Fluid monitoring module to further monitor the performance of any pump

LobsterOfJustice · Jul 13, 2018

Unless something changed recently, the ecotech return pumps are not controllable/compatible with Apex.

I use a waveline pump (I think these are discontinued now) and a Varios. I would recommend the Varios.

Tom Stevens · Jul 13, 2018

LobsterOfJustice said:
Unless something changed recently, the ecotech return pumps are not controllable/compatible with Apex.

I use a waveline pump (I think these are discontinued now) and a Varios. I would recommend the Varios.

I think you need an Apex WXM module to use EcoTech pumps / LEDs. I have been looking into this too. Apex pump may be the most economical since it does not appear to need a separate module.

Terence · Jul 13, 2018

You cannot control (other than off/on) a Vectra pump. It is not Apex Ready. We tried for years but they were not interested.

Other 0-10v Apex Ready pumps such as the RO, RD and Abyzz work great. The COR has the most integration functionality, of course.

ca1ore · Jul 13, 2018

I had to buy a reeflink to get adequate control over my Vectra pump. WXM controls the vortechs only (maybe radions too, dunno). I originally had intended to wait for the COR, but it took too long. BTW a controllable return pump is mostly unnecessary anyhow.

Kyl · Jul 13, 2018

The cheapest you will get with a modern pump is a Jebao DC(P/S/T) with their Aqualink A1 controller (via 0-10v). This is not officially Apex supported as they do not partake in the program, but it does work. The next step up in terms of price would be Reef Octopus / COR, and Abyzz /RD at the very high end.

ca1ore said:
> BTW a controllable return pump is mostly unnecessary anyhow.

I agree, unless using it for a closed loop. I'd wager quite a few people can't even make use of the 'no back-siphon' marketing since the minimum GPH via RPM is too high.

ca1ore · Jul 14, 2018

Kyl said:
I agree, unless using it for a closed loop

True. I figured the OP was talking return pump, but you are right that controllability is very useful in a closed loop pump. In fact, that's what I use my Vectra M1 for.

LobsterOfJustice · Jul 14, 2018

For what’s its worth, I find controllability for the return pump a great way to vary flow in the tank. I ramp up return pump flow rate as a way to mimic the type of flow generated from surge tank systems... it generates a whole different level of flow than just moving water around with power heads.

Reeferdood · Jul 14, 2018

Feed mode alone makes controllable pumps worth it..
I would never be without it again.

User1 · Jul 14, 2018

Cor 15 and Cor 20. Neptune/Apex ready (obviously), made by Neptune. Built like a tank. I own two Cor 15's one on my skimmer the other on the return pump. Main reason to run the 2nd on the skimmer is in case something goes wrong with the return I can swap out in 1 minute or less since the skimmer isn't necessary and I have time to debug/replace if need be.