Ecotech Vectra M1 vs Reef Octopus VarioS-6

[nero0762]

I found myself in the position to compare these pumps directly, and thought I'd share my findings...

First, the facts:

• Pump Type: Both are DC pumps (36V) with adjustable flow rate. The M1 has 12 visible indicators for pump speed, but appears to be even more fine-grained than that in adjustability (if that's a word). The VarioS is also adjustable, but has 5 settings.
• Price: Right now (2017-05-18) the VarioS goes for $285 and the M1 goes for $349 on most of the major sites.
• Features:
  • Feed Mode: Both have feed mode. 10 mins for the M1, and you choose 15 or 60 mins for the VarioS
  • Accessories: The VarioS comes with a strainer, fittings for 1.25" pipe (in and out), barbed outlet fitting for 1" and 1.25" tubing, a float switch with holder that connects to the controller to shut down in low water. The M1 comes with the fittings to connect to 3/4" hard pipe out, and I think 1" in.
  • Other: The M1 is considerably more configurable. It allows you to "calibrate" the controller to limit the top speed to ensure you don't over power your tank. It has return pump mode vs closed loop mode. And in closed loop mode you can choose between different flow patterns like "Lagoonal", "Reef Crest" and "Gyre".
  • Controller Compatible: The VarioS works with the Apex (and other controllers) that support the 0-10v control signals. The M1 works with Ecotech's EcoSmart Live site if you have a Reef Link.

So, all that you could have figured out for yourself with a bit of googling
Here's my experience/opinion...
For context, I was in the hobby for about 6 yrs from 2001-2007, and we're just getting back into it now with a RedSea Reefer 425XL. The Reefer is currently cycled with sand, rock, and a CUC in it. Fish are coming soon.

• They both claim to be silent, or nearly silent. And for me, this is a key feature as our RedSea Reefer 425xl is in my living room. Its why I ended up testing both pumps. I started with the M1 and I struggled (and failed) to get it to run as silently as I'd hoped. I worked extensively with Ecotech, but ultimately wasn't happy, so I tried the VarioS. You can see the thread on my M1/Ecotech experience here. Long story short, I found that in my setup the VarioS is quieter than the M1. You can listen to the M1 here, and the VarioS here. Neither one is "silent". But the VarioS is not only quieter, the pitch of the noise is lower, which to me is less noticeable and less annoying. FWIW, these videos were taking with the same phone, on the same tank/plumbing with identical flow (according to my overflow hight, which is pretty sensitive on the RSR's). I did have to run the VarioS at full speed, while the M1 was at 75%. But for me, the VarioS wins here.
• For power (ability to move the most water), the M1 wins. As I said above, the VarioS at 100% was about the same through my manifold and return as the M1 at 75%. I was never able to run the M1 at 100% on my tank longterm as it was just too much for the sand and the overflow.
• Build quality. This is tougher. From a component quality standpoint, the M1 certainly "feels" like it uses better quality parts. The controller is a metal case with a heat sink on the back, so it has some heft to it. The VarioS controller is a light plastic box. The M1 pump uses nice bolts (stainless, I assume) to hold the volute on the pump body, while the VarioS simply twists apart. Although for maintenance, the VarioS would be easier/quicker to get apart and clean. The magnets and shafts are very similar between the two, but the M1 has a considerably larger impeller.
  I will say, I ended up trying 3 different M1's. And one of them sounded horrible right out of the box. I took it apart and cleaned it, then it ran the same as the others. But each time I contacted customer support (again, see this thread for all the details) they basically didn't want to hear anything until I took the pump apart and cleaned it. It felt like it was pretty common to have debris in the pump from the factory.
  I can't speak to the longevity of these pumps. I ran the M1 for a few weeks, and the VarioS, now, for a few hours. And while the weight of the M1 components feels like they'd last longer, I saw no real difference in the moving part (shaft, impeller, pump housing).
• Customer support. I can't speak to the support for the VarioS as I haven't used it. Ecotech started very strong, and sent me 2 other pumps to try (after getting my credit card number in case I didn't return the problem pump, but that's fair). But then it appears they got frustrated with my issues and got less responsive.

My conclusion... both the pumps have their strengths and weaknesses. The M1 controller is more fine grained for pump speed, and has flow patterns if you're not using it in return mode. The VarioS comes with a bunch of things you have to pay extra for with the M1 (strainer, barb fitting, float switch+holder). The VarioS is more open/compatible with controllers such as the Apex. In my experience the VarioS is quieter. And, of course, the VarioS is about $65 cheaper ($75 cheaper if you need a strainer and/or barb fitting).
So, it all depends one what you need and what you value. If money is an issue, you want to control the speed with your Apex, and/or you value a silent pump, then the VarioS is a solid choice. If you need a LOT of flow, flow patterns in a closed loop, or fine grained control, the M1 is a strong pump.

 

[nero0762]

I found myself in the position to compare these pumps directly, and thought I'd share my findings...

First, the facts:

• Pump Type: Both are DC pumps (36V) with adjustable flow rate. The M1 has 12 visible indicators for pump speed, but appears to be even more fine-grained than that in adjustability (if that's a word). The VarioS is also adjustable, but has 5 settings.
• Price: Right now (2017-05-18) the VarioS goes for $285 and the M1 goes for $349 on most of the major sites.
• Features:
  • Feed Mode: Both have feed mode. 10 mins for the M1, and you choose 15 or 60 mins for the VarioS
  • Accessories: The VarioS comes with a strainer, fittings for 1.25" pipe (in and out), barbed outlet fitting for 1" and 1.25" tubing, a float switch with holder that connects to the controller to shut down in low water. The M1 comes with the fittings to connect to 3/4" hard pipe out, and I think 1" in.
  • Other: The M1 is considerably more configurable. It allows you to "calibrate" the controller to limit the top speed to ensure you don't over power your tank. It has return pump mode vs closed loop mode. And in closed loop mode you can choose between different flow patterns like "Lagoonal", "Reef Crest" and "Gyre".
  • Controller Compatible: The VarioS works with the Apex (and other controllers) that support the 0-10v control signals. The M1 works with Ecotech's EcoSmart Live site if you have a Reef Link.

So, all that you could have figured out for yourself with a bit of googling
Here's my experience/opinion...
For context, I was in the hobby for about 6 yrs from 2001-2007, and we're just getting back into it now with a RedSea Reefer 425XL. The Reefer is currently cycled with sand, rock, and a CUC in it. Fish are coming soon.

• They both claim to be silent, or nearly silent. And for me, this is a key feature as our RedSea Reefer 425xl is in my living room. Its why I ended up testing both pumps. I started with the M1 and I struggled (and failed) to get it to run as silently as I'd hoped. I worked extensively with Ecotech, but ultimately wasn't happy, so I tried the VarioS. You can see the thread on my M1/Ecotech experience here. Long story short, I found that in my setup the VarioS is quieter than the M1. You can listen to the M1 here, and the VarioS here. Neither one is "silent". But the VarioS is not only quieter, the pitch of the noise is lower, which to me is less noticeable and less annoying. FWIW, these videos were taking with the same phone, on the same tank/plumbing with identical flow (according to my overflow hight, which is pretty sensitive on the RSR's). I did have to run the VarioS at full speed, while the M1 was at 75%. But for me, the VarioS wins here.
• For power (ability to move the most water), the M1 wins. As I said above, the VarioS at 100% was about the same through my manifold and return as the M1 at 75%. I was never able to run the M1 at 100% on my tank longterm as it was just too much for the sand and the overflow.
• Build quality. This is tougher. From a component quality standpoint, the M1 certainly "feels" like it uses better quality parts. The controller is a metal case with a heat sink on the back, so it has some heft to it. The VarioS controller is a light plastic box. The M1 pump uses nice bolts (stainless, I assume) to hold the volute on the pump body, while the VarioS simply twists apart. Although for maintenance, the VarioS would be easier/quicker to get apart and clean. The magnets and shafts are very similar between the two, but the M1 has a considerably larger impeller.
  I will say, I ended up trying 3 different M1's. And one of them sounded horrible right out of the box. I took it apart and cleaned it, then it ran the same as the others. But each time I contacted customer support (again, see this thread for all the details) they basically didn't want to hear anything until I took the pump apart and cleaned it. It felt like it was pretty common to have debris in the pump from the factory.
  I can't speak to the longevity of these pumps. I ran the M1 for a few weeks, and the VarioS, now, for a few hours. And while the weight of the M1 components feels like they'd last longer, I saw no real difference in the moving part (shaft, impeller, pump housing).
• Customer support. I can't speak to the support for the VarioS as I haven't used it. Ecotech started very strong, and sent me 2 other pumps to try (after getting my credit card number in case I didn't return the problem pump, but that's fair). But then it appears they got frustrated with my issues and got less responsive.

My conclusion... both the pumps have their strengths and weaknesses. The M1 controller is more fine grained for pump speed, and has flow patterns if you're not using it in return mode. The VarioS comes with a bunch of things you have to pay extra for with the M1 (strainer, barb fitting, float switch+holder). The VarioS is more open/compatible with controllers such as the Apex. In my experience the VarioS is quieter. And, of course, the VarioS is about $65 cheaper ($75 cheaper if you need a strainer and/or barb fitting).
So, it all depends one what you need and what you value. If money is an issue, you want to control the speed with your Apex, and/or you value a silent pump, then the VarioS is a solid choice. If you need a LOT of flow, flow patterns in a closed loop, or fine grained control, the M1 is a strong pump.

And I forgot to mention... I bought the M1 from BRS and they stuck by me through all of my frustrations with the noise. The took amazing care of me. Their customer support guys are the best (thanks, Chad)!

 

[Mark Gray]

I have the octopus I can't hear is run the GF can't ether

 

[FernandesReef]

Thanks for the post, nice review.
Looking at getting the L1, but will look into the reefoco line as well.
I think for parts and price the reefocto will be better.

 

[mfinn]

Nice write up.

 

[steallife904]

been running a Reef Octo DC pump for 2 years as my return. Its dead silent! I would no doubt my another Reef Octo in the future.

 

[HolisticBear]

I really appreciate this post. Thank you

 

[Sleepydoc]

Nice comparison.

When the Vectra pumps came out there were a lot of reports of them overheating when used externally. I don't know if they have those issues resolved or not. The VarioS also has a built in connection for a float switch to shut it off.

For me the fact that the VarioS can be controlled with a standard 0-10V signal is a big advantage over the M1. The M1 can use Ecotech's proprietary interface, but that's not very helpful if you're using a controller

 

[dangros]

I've been looking at the octo since my M1 seems to heat up my 90g too much when temps hover over 74 in the living room! The pump will slowly raise my tank temps 1 degree from 79 to 80. My goal is to not have more than .5 degrees temp change over 24 hours so this is really frustrating given the cost of the M1.

 

[mjt82]

I love my Varios... I've only had it for a couple of months, but it's dead silent, and meets all my needs... It's a very powerful pump. I'm a big fan of Reef Octopus stuff though!

 

[spiraling]

I have a reef octo skimmer (Varios) and M1 return pump. After 8 months the reef octo pump is silent (although the sucking noise on the air intake is the loudest thing on my tank) and the m1 is starting to make a bit of a whining noise. Not audible with the doors closed, but there, and louder with more flow.

I have the full reeflink system for the M1 (and other ecotech products). To make it Apex ready you need to buy the module ($150 last time I looked) The varios connects to the apex with a $12 cord. Now that I have the Apex I would probably go with the Varios instead of the M1, simply so I can program it into feed mode with the skimmer and ATO, rather than having to go to another website to turn the pump off. lazy? yes.

 

[mjt82]

I'm going with a Reef Octopus skimmer with a Varios pump in the next week or so!

I'm looking forward to being able to connect my return pump and skimmer directly to the 0-10v ports on my Apex instead of having to buy another module, like you mentioned. It's kindof a no-brainer to me.

 

[Sleepydoc]

I have the full reeflink system for the M1 (and other ecotech products). To make it Apex ready you need to buy the module ($150 last time I looked)

The Vectra pumps aren't compatible with the Neptune WXM module. from BRS' web site; "Unfortunately, this EcoTech product is not compatible with the Neptune Apex WXM module" The only way you can control them with an Apex is via a switched outlet.

I need to get a new pump for my tank and think I'll probably go with the Varios as well. They seem to be solid pumps and the ease of integration with a Apex is a big plus. I'm already on the border in terms of tank temps during the summer, so the heat generation with the Vectras is an issue for me. I don't mind that it's about $70 cheaper, either.

 

[Forsaken77]

I actually wanted to get a Varios return pump because they come with so many extras and I like the 2 different feed modes (1 for a quick feed, 1 for maintenance) and included float.

I have to go with a Vectra L1 pump instead because I need the head height the pump is capable of. The RO doesn't have a VarioS-10 model. The VarioS-8 is only capable of 18 ft of head pressure and I'm splitting it for dual returns. So that's 9ft each return (at 100% power) and then I have a 25 watt UV that connects to each return line, to keep the flow low enough, instead of putting 1 UV before the return split. Obviously all water needs to pass through the UV's to be effective.

So the Vectra L1 was the only quality DC pump that can supply enough head height.

It's just a problem now because the lack of pump availability is what's keeping me from getting my new tank up and running. The L1 is sold out EVERYWHERE and Ecotech said it'll be a month or two (meaning 2) before they get the parts back in to manufacture them again. They're focusing on their new small pump, the S1, right now.

How can you not build more than 1 pump at a time and let it get to the point that every distributor is out of stock for months?!! While they putz around with the S1, they're losing tons of sales on the L1. MD got 3 of the L1's in stock and were gone in hours.

 

[Sleepydoc]

If you're splitting the return line in 2, then the combined head height is should be less, not more, since the 2 lines are running in parallel.

The head from the vertical rise will of course be the same, but if you think about 2 parallel returns, it's more like having 1 big pipe.

 

[Forsaken77]

If you're splitting the return line in 2, then the combined head height is should be less, not more, since the 2 lines are running in parallel.

The head from the vertical rise will of course be the same, but if you think about 2 parallel returns, it's more like having 1 big pipe.

I have two 1" returns in the tank from each overflow (2). The pump has a 1" output. So splitting the lines right after the pump wouldn't theoretically put half of the pumps head pressure capability on each split because it's pumping 2 separate lines instead of one?

Like if the pump can do 20 ft head, it wouldn't roughly use 10 ft on each line? Because I thought 1 big pipe would be less head pressure but because you have the 1" restrictions on each line that that wouldn't work the same as 1 wide pipe.

 

[Sleepydoc]

You're thinking about head pressure wrong. Every pump has a flow-pressure curve that shows what kind of flow the pump is capable of for a given pressure. When choosing a pump, you estimate the head pressure with A head loss calculator and then pick a pump capable of delivering the flows you want given your expected head pressure.

The head pressure (=resistance to flow) is determined by the pipe size, length, number of turns, the vertical rise and the water flow. The water flow component is the kicker - the faster the flow, the greater the head loss, which in turn reduced the pump output. This means that figuring out the head loss for a given configuration involves solving a differential equation, which is why we all use the head loss calculators to get an estimate.

Setups like yours are more difficult because they are more complex and you probably won't be able to use a head loss calculator very well. The vertical rise component will be the same, of course, but the intrinsic resistance caused by the tubing and fittings will decrease significantly when you have 2 in parallel. What I would do is figure out the head loss for one side of your return setup, and use that as an estimate. It will be too high, but at least it gives you a starting place. I'm guessing the actual resistance for 2 1" pipes would be something close to what it would be with a single 1 ¼" pipe, but I don't know for sure.

Hope this sort of makes sense. If you want a real life example, think of blowing through 1 straw vs 2 straws at once.

 

[Trickman2]

Any updates? Also the sound files are no longer around.

 

[nero0762]

Any updates? Also the sound files are no longer around.

The VarioS 6 has been in place for a bit over 8 months now, and has been very solid. I've had to clean it 2 or 3 times, but I consider that normal given the state of my sump. And given how easily it comes apart, cleaning is a quick job.
I'm not sure what happened with the files I linked to, but here's the M1 video, and here's the VarioS video.

 

[Xandernfs]

I have the VarioS-6 on my Reefer 250 and, like other say, it is silent. I really like it since it fits my needs and I have room for more power if I want. I also have a RO skimmer too. I'm very happy with their products as well.

FWIW, my go-to LFS has had a lot of bad luck with the M1's and since he feels they aren't as reliable he is transitioning them to the VarioS-6's as they die.