Are Vectra’s reliable?

[ca1ore]

Depends what you mean by reliable? If you mean 20 year, Iwaki type reliability then nobody knows (though the answer is likely to be NO). The M1 and L1 have been out for more than 3 years. I've been running the M1 without any problems from the day it came out, so that is reasonable reliability to me. The L1 is the model that has had issues, mainly with overheating. The impeller/volute was redesigned about a year ago and seems to have mitigated the problems. The S1 hasn't been out long enough for any serious claims to reliability.

 

[jpas]

I’m about to order my return pump. I’m deciding between a Cor15 and a Vectra M1. I like the Vectra because I can hook it to the battery backup. I’ve heard great things about the Neptune pumps especially once paired to the Apex (which I’m planning on buying)

I’ve seen a lot of Vectras ending up in the classifieds section and I’ve seen a few posts about the Vectras dying out.

Does anyone know if Neptune is planning on a battery backup option and does anyone know if Ecotech is planning on revamping their current pumps?

I have found the ecotech pumps to have highly over rated flow rates, they cannot handle much head pressure either.

 

[Burrito]

I started my 100g with the cor20 and now use the vectra. Maybe it wasn’t my plumbing but the vectra works better for my tank. I did a more in-depth write up if the 2 pumps. Search my name.

The cor20 is boxed and ready for a sale...4 weeks of use.

 

[MentalNote]

I can only reference my experience. I bought a Vectra M1 over 2 years ago - I've had absolutely no issues, I think it's a great pump.

I've looked at a COR or second Vectra return pump for redundancy; I'm leaning toward a second Vectra if I do do this.

The COR's Neptune interface isn't very important to me if I'm running it as a return pump. I don't hook up my return pump to my Apex. This way, i'm never dependent on the "default on" code working correctly if something goes wrong with the power strip or unit. I've had this not work correctly in the past. I now always plug my return directly into an outlet.

-Pete

 

[ca1ore]

I have found the ecotech pumps to have highly over rated flow rates, they cannot handle much head pressure either.

The Vectra was not designed to handle much back pressure, so unsurprising that it does not. I have found the M1 to be right at the claimed flow rates. Keep in mind that the rating is without the blue couplers. They restrict flow substantially, and I don't use them preferring to stay at the thread-native size (1 1/2" on the input; 1 1/4" on the output). Also keep in mind that the calibration process may affect maximum flow as well.

 

[pdisner]

Well this is off topic like your post, but cmon. I couldn’t laugh hard enough at this. “Way more functionality” than apex. You have your budget DIY controller but let’s not pretend that it has more functionality than an apex system. It’s comparing your wheelbarrow with a go cart motor attached to a fine vehicle.

That is unless your personal reef pi has all of this in a neat, user friendly package

Individual outlet wattage/amp monitering
Salinity probe
Temperature probe
ORP probe
8 120v AC outlet control
2 controllable 24v dc ports
Flow sensors
6 analog inputs
Dosing capability, with fluid remaining monitering.
Par monitering
Auto feeding
Auto water change capability
Auto top off


I’m not bashing your reef-pi, just suggesting that you be realistic here.

Why don’t you just be open minded and take a look at the thread on the Reef Pi, or don’t. Have you even seen it? It’s not MY conception, so I’m not sure why you’re getting all bent in my honor. Just thought it was cool to mention and share. I own both a Neptune Apex Classic and a DA controller, simple but works great.
Look man, we’re all friends here. It’s why it’s it’s called a forum. We shouldn’t be bashing people when it really just kills the fun for me.

 

[TheHarold]

Why don’t you just be open minded and take a look at the thread on the Reef Pi, or don’t. Have you even seen it? It’s not MY conception, so I’m not sure why you’re getting all bent in my honor. Just thought it was cool to mention and share. I own both a Neptune Apex Classic and a DA controller, simple but works great.
Look man, we’re all friends here. It’s why it’s it’s called a forum. We shouldn’t be bashing people when it really just kills the fun for me.

Ive looked at the thread and GitHub, and am familiar with Pi as well as Arduino. Its a sweet project, but I didn't think your statement was nearly accurate- what do you think?

 

[pdisner]

Well this is off topic like your post, but cmon. I couldn’t laugh hard enough at this. “Way more functionality” than apex. You have your budget DIY controller but let’s not pretend that it has more functionality than an apex system. It’s comparing your wheelbarrow with a go cart motor attached to a fine vehicle.

That is unless your personal reef pi has all of this in a neat, user friendly package

Individual outlet wattage/amp monitering
Salinity probe
Temperature probe
ORP probe
8 120v AC outlet control
2 controllable 24v dc ports
Flow sensors
6 analog inputs
Dosing capability, with fluid remaining monitering.
Par monitering
Auto feeding
Auto water change capability
Auto top off


I’m not bashing your reef-pi, just suggesting that you be realistic here.

Why don’t you just visit the forum and see what they’ve been working on. Not my project but folllowingbalongvtruing tomakenansinole one for monitoring larval rearing water quality.
And I’m not off topic, if you read all my posts about my experience with my vectra. He wanted feed back, that’s what I gave him. We can all teach each other something. Don’t bother the people that are just trying to help. Did I say anything incorrect?

 

[pdisner]

Vectras don't have a very good track record in regard to reliability but apparently an issue was addressed recently that is supposed to help. I've not used one but I've seen a number of posts regarding problems.

What issue did they address? Was it any type of recall or just the overheating? Like I said in a previous post, make sure you get the inflow guard if you have an open system.

 

[pdisner]

Ive looked at the thread and GitHub, and am familiar with Pi as well as Arduino. Its a sweet project, but I didn't think your statement was nearly accurate- what do you think?

What statement are you stalking about?

 

[TheHarold]

What statement are you stalking about?

I was pretty clear, I even mentioned the specific part in my reply.

" I just have a Raspberry Pi3 I bought for 30$. It is an aquarium controller that has way more functionality than Neptune’s Apex."

Lets not get off topic here though; if I am wrong feel free to PM me with why you think the reef pi has more functionality than apex.

 

[davejep]

Why don’t you just be open minded and take a look at the thread on the Reef Pi, or don’t.

Boy oh boy, like a broken record.
OP started this post about the Vectra, you are trying to make it about the Pi.
Here's an idea START YOUR OWN THREAD!
Wow

 

[davejep]

Hung up while uploading

 

[davejep]

Issue uploading

 

[OceanMinded]

Here’s where I’m at:

Go with the insurance - Vectra m1 with battery backup = $543

Go with the Cor15/20 which seems to be a little better built and with programmability of things I probably won’t really use = $275/$325

The Vectra route is really expensive. I need to order a pump soon, maybe I should just email Neptune and see if they have any future plans for a battery backup of some kind

 

[pdisner]

I was pretty clear, I even mentioned the specific part in my reply.

" I just have a Raspberry Pi3 I bought for 30$. It is an aquarium controller that has way more functionality than Neptune’s Apex."

Lets not get off topic here though; if I am wrong feel free to PM me with why yo
u think the reef pi has more functionality than apex.

Zd

 

[rockskimmerflow]

Here’s where I’m at:

Go with the insurance - Vectra m1 with battery backup = $543

Go with the Cor15/20 which seems to be a little better built and with programmability of things I probably won’t really use = $275/$325

The Vectra route is really expensive. I need to order a pump soon, maybe I should just email Neptune and see if they have any future plans for a battery backup of some kind

Or get a fluval SP4 for $170 and have a motor block with truly proven longevity...

Sorry just had to throw a wild card in the mix

 

[willtheld]

Ive been running a M1 Vectra for a few years now and its never as so much as given me a hint of issue, knocking on wood as I type.

 

[TheHarold]

Zd

dZ

 

[alton]

My first M1 worked great up until almost a year then it started with a whine. Ecotech replaced the pump and controller no questions asked. The new pump seems to be stronger than the original. Going strong after a year with the replacement. This pump runs external with no heat issues.