Neptune Cor 20 long term reviews

[SeeFu]

Back when the Cor 20's came out everyone was skeptical about how long these pumps would last. I believe a lot of the concern was that Neptunes wav pumps were running into issues so they weren't sure if the return pump would have issues. I was hoping that some of the user's that have been using the Cor-20 for a while now would have any feedback on them. I currently use a Vectra S1 and it's slightly undersized and its also running into issues now so I was thinking about replacing it with a COR-20.

 

[Thales]

I have two running since they were released. Still running just fine

 

[SeeFu]

I have two running since they were released. Still running just fine

how's the maintenance routine on them?

 

[dank reefer]

I've had mine going on over 1 year and have not had any issues with the pump that wasn't caused by me. Lesson I learned was to not overtighten the screws after performing maintenance on the pump.

 

[User1]

I own three of them. Pretty much since launch. Two Cor 15's and a Cor 20. Didn't intend to mix and match but glad I did in the end. I run two return lines so the Cor 20 is on the longest line and the Cor 15 on the shortest. Both are connected up to 1" sea swirls. The last Cor 15 pump is powering my skimmer. Why three Cor pumps? Easy, then can all be swapped out with little to no down time by anyone in the house since they all use the same unions and fittings. That is a huge plus.

Redundancy kicks in by plugging the Cor 15's into a different energy bar. The Cor 20 uses its own power source so it is plugged into a non energy bar port / outlet. Now I have redundant power should something go wrong with either the wall outlet or either of the energy bars.

They are heavy duty. Thick bodies. 4 bolts secure together. Easy to take apart and put back together. I clean mine maybe every two months if that. Every time I do there isn't really a lot of build up in there although the normal tank film. I don't really notice any fall off over time nor do I really pay attention though since they are working. About the only thing that bugs me is the little o-ring inside the pump and the groove it sets in. I think it could be a bit deeper so the o-ring is easier to seat. I believe it is a no brainer though if you use o-ring grease that is marine safe but I am out.

Other than that they really are some great pumps. They are built well and I've had no issues so far in the almost 2 years I've had them running. I'm a huge fan and slightly biased I guess.

 

[Thales]

how's the maintenance routine on them?

I am a lazy, so nothing

 

[SeeFu]

I am a lazy, so nothing

that's what i want to hear! lol

 

[ca1ore]

Hasn't the COR only been out for about 3 years? Hardly long term LOL. My Iwaki 40 lasted 20 years before it failed. Maybe 'expectations' are different for today's reefer, but until something hits 10 years ….. not long term to me.

 

[SeeFu]

wouldn't that pretty much remove all DC pumps?

 

[ca1ore]

wouldn't that pretty much remove all DC pumps?

Exactly! Now, if the question is whether one can reliably expect 5 years out of a DC pump that's more answerable. My Vectra M1 is still going strong after a bit more than 5 ….. but will it hit 10.

 

[User1]

Hasn't the COR only been out for about 3 years? Hardly long term LOL. My Iwaki 40 lasted 20 years before it failed. Maybe 'expectations' are different for today's reefer, but until something hits 10 years ….. not long term to me.

It is all relative. But yes, you are right. Long term is only since it was launched be it anything really.

The only other DC type pump I've used and could honestly compare it to is the Jebao DCT 15000 and that was utter trash. Outside of that it is all Mag or Iwaki Japanese. So far though the Cor is handling water movement well but as I said I'm biased since I own 3

 

[ReefBeta]

Back when the Cor 20's came out everyone was skeptical about how long these pumps would last. I believe a lot of the concern was that Neptunes wav pumps were running into issues so they weren't sure if the return pump would have issues. I was hoping that some of the user's that have been using the Cor-20 for a while now would have any feedback on them. I currently use a Vectra S1 and it's slightly undersized and its also running into issues now so I was thinking about replacing it with a COR-20.

What issue did you run into with Vectra S1?

 

[ReefBeta]

It is all relative. But yes, you are right. Long term is only since it was launched be it anything really.

The only other DC type pump I've used and could honestly compare it to is the Jebao DCT 15000 and that was utter trash. Outside of that it is all Mag or Iwaki Japanese. So far though the Cor is handling water movement well but as I said I'm biased since I own 3

I had a Jebao DCS 6500 running my system for 3 years. I only upgraded it to COR15 last blackfriday because of the deal, and thought to try out one of those named brand pump (aka not jebao). Honestly I was not impressed. I mean it works fine in pushing water, but it gives less power to the jebao, have to run it at 60% to get what I got with the jebao with 40%. Now the jebao pump is running the salt mixing station, running almost all the time, still smooth and quiet at its 4+ years. So the double price of COR15 really give me is save a power block, not much else.

 

[AcanthurusRex]

Power supply failed. Picked up a high quality one from Digikey. That will be what fails on the Jebao as well.
I don't buy into the idea that DC pumps are inherently unreliable. Electronics fail when manufacturers skimp on tolerances to save money, otherwise they can last a very long time.

 

[User1]

I had a Jebao DCS 6500 running my system for 3 years. I only upgraded it to COR15 last blackfriday because of the deal, and thought to try out one of those named brand pump (aka not jebao). Honestly I was not impressed. I mean it works fine in pushing water, but it gives less power to the jebao, have to run it at 60% to get what I got with the jebao with 40%. Now the jebao pump is running the salt mixing station, running almost all the time, still smooth and quiet at its 4+ years. So the double price of COR15 really give me is save a power block, not much else.

The DCT has a thin body. It was my original return pump choice. It moved water no doubt and quiet. I ran it for about a week during my initial tank and plumbing leak check. One of the first things that happened was me making a mistake and thinking the handle was a handle and using it to lift the pump. It isn't really a handle per say as it is only seated on the pumps body and connected via the pumps end cap if that makes sense. So that was my first issue the handle. Not a big deal.

Next up is I noticed a small leak on the output area, the neck. I was using a union so disconnected it to examine. There was a hairline crack on the neck just below the threads. Only way it could have happened was maybe by me dropping it with the handle issue above. I don't know. Upon further inspection as I was trying to see if I could maybe epoxy it and it was then that I noticed the pumps body area was thin. It felt like a hostess cupcake holder sort of thin. Anyway it could be that it cracked when I used the handle. Or it was a manufacture defect. It happens either way but I needed a pump and picked up the Cor's.

I am not one to say Jebao is crap but it is lower overall quality and price entry point. On my 40 breeder I used a pair of RW4's and later RWS8's with my Reef Angel controller. They are great little power heads when combined with RA's cables provide similar flow patters to MP's. The only issue I had with those is that you have to stay on top of them cleaning wise if you have a dirty tank because the fall off will be quick. Again, no fault of Jebao I guess. But me being lazy it was sort of a pain to stay on top of the cleaning.

Anyway like I said I'm not here to peddle wears but just give my experience as it relates to the Cor's. I noted I'm biased so your mileage may vary:

Oh - on the return pumps I use a virtual outlet. Coded to alternate on/off every 6 hours. The Cor return pumps are on opposite sides of the tank. I'll alternate power levels between the two based on the virtual outlet. This way I get some left and right side higher flow. Nothing earth shattering or unique to Neptune but just one way how I use them.

 

[SeeFu]

What issue did you run into with Vectra S1?

within the past month i've got a red light on the controller twice. Both time a cleaning solved the problem, but i would expect the pump to last longer than a month in between cleanings. ecotech customer service is taking care of my problem though with their warranty repair program. i've said it before about their other products, but their customer support is awesome. It just gets handled and handled quickly. I've had to deal w/ some other manufactures and its just a nightmare, they make you go thoruhg all these hurdles before the problem gets solved.

 

[SeeFu]

Exactly! Now, if the question is whether one can reliably expect 5 years out of a DC pump that's more answerable. My Vectra M1 is still going strong after a bit more than 5 ….. but will it hit 10.

to be fair though, by the time there's a "long term" (your definition) review of any product, you wont be able to get that product anymore. so after 2-3 yrs of use if most people are satisfied to that point that's good enough for me. I'm not saying i only exepct 2-3 yrs of life from the product, but that's about all you'll get before the product is replaced w/ something new.

 

[ca1ore]

Sometimes true and sometimes not. I recently bought a panworld 40 to replace one that was close to 12 years old. Exactly the same. Conversely, companies like Jebao are always changing their pumps .....

 

[bruin008]

Have one COR20 for about 14 months now and still running fine. Only one time maintenance with citric acid.

 

[Newb73]

I'd like to give this thread a bump and add my own commentary on DC pumps.

Most of this is for common items not super pricey red dragon etc boutique stuff.

1) Breaks in 10 to 14 months w poor customer service; Garbage. This is where the gen 1 Gyre, Gen 1 Reef Octopus DC skimmers and Jaebos usually live.
2) Breaks in 12 to 24 months but with good customer service....ok...but don't recommend. This is where the Gen 1 Neptune Wavs were (not sure about now).
3) Last at least 3 years w little maintenance: Might actually recommemd. This is where the Reef Octopus Varios pumps are.
4) Lasts into years 4 plus w little maintenance....I likely will stay loyal and keep using: This is where my Ecotech MP40qds are currently.

I'm about to try a 2nd time w a pair of Wavs (if they aren't better this time I'm likely done w them forever).

Also about to try a Cor15.

I can't bring myself to buy a Gyre. MY GEN 1 didn't make it 6 months and they didn't support it when I contacted them....which I can at least say Neptune earns my buisness by supporting even their bad products (although they have certain offerings I will not buy again (flow meters, DOS, and salinity probes come to mind).