New Apex Sicce Ecotech DC return pumps

[siggy]

Researching return pumps for a new 80 gallon build, I am seeing several new DC return pump offerings in the 1000+ GPH range. My Current pump ( no pun intended ) is a dc that I don't adjust and leave at WOT and now am thinking just grab a fixed unit. Which leads me to ask

HEY @Ryanbrs any shootouts on the new DC return pumps in the near future.

 

[hart24601]

I am still not 100% on the DC return pump craze. I have never really wanted to play with the flow on my return pump and many AC models offer some adjustment anyway if you really wanted. Many AC pumps lifespans are measured in decades and I hear about too many DC pumps failing and besides, DC pumps are just AC pumps that use a controller to change the AC frequency and most manufactures don't figure in the controller losses into the energy ratings so I just don't see the point at the moment unless running closed loop.

 

[Ryanbrs Verified Sponsor]

I agree and my experience has also been AC pumps are more reliable but not dramatically so. That said you get what you pay for and some are better than others. If reliability is king I would stick with AC.

That said, the return pump is often the loudest piece of equipment on many tanks. In comparison, most DC pumps are almost dead silent. I think the trade off is up to the individual user but I wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to remove that hum from their living space.

 

[2Wheelsonly]

I can't hear my ecotech M1, it's dead silent...like I have to look at the water level in the sump to know it's running after a water change. Not even a slight hum...I always thought my Eheim was quiet but this puts it to shame.

 

[siggy]

I must agree, My current Current DC is dead silent and have to look at the return water chamber to see if its flowing. A problem I have encountered is after a water change when i plug the dc power back into the controller the pump won't run without dialing down then back up, this is also problem with industrial
drives, the motor under load cannot respond fast enough to the frequency command and Cavitates for a lack of better terms. I am Guessing that the better pumps have a auto ramping function built in.

 

[fishyguy7]

Some of the newer dc pumps have a ramp up feature to help with that startup problem. I currently use a reeflo hammerhead gold, if there was a dc pump that was capable of those flow rates and don't cost 3,000 dollars(abyzz) I would be all over it. Any of the dc pumps I get are over rated for my system. So I simply turn them down but it gives me head room in the future if something comes up.

 

[siggy]

Adjustable AC controlers are available for under 500 , pair that with a baldor pump and you could run 3 tanks , 3k is taking advantage

 

[pelphrey]

I am running the VarioS-6 right now, no noise at all. I received the Neptune COR20 and it will be going on my system hopefully this weekend. Interested to see if it has any noticeable noise.

 

[lennyd19]

Great to see Neptune is finally moving forward with there pump line. I have 4 VarioS-6 in my big system. I personally love the control with these. I do see as a return pump no need for a DC pump. But for a closed loop theses are great. But I do use them for my skimmer and returns also.

 

[pelphrey]

I actually like having a DC return pump. Especially when running a tank with a herbie drain, you can increase/decrease flow on the pump in order to achieve the full siphon. Also when running a manifold. I can my tank without a manifold at first, once the manifold was added I just had to bump the speed up one notch on the return.

 

[siggy]

I am running the VarioS-6 right now, no noise at all. I received the Neptune COR20 and it will be going on my system hopefully this weekend. Interested to see if it has any noticeable noise.

@pelphrey How is the COR20 performing for you. Last week I heard that "Today Was The Day" only to peter out, any ideas when this will begin to flow to consumers.
Update on the 80 frag, I took the advice and Picked up a Sicce 4.0 , now I'm repiping the 75 and replacing the Current IC pump, this will be all apex Hopefully.

 

[ca1ore]

Long term external AC pump user. Keep in mind that few/none of the DC pumps handle head pressure well; also that with back pressure a typical AC pump will draw much less than its rated wattage. Since I'm pumping from a basement fish room, even my big AC pump is silent LOL.

 

[siggy]

Keep in mind that few/none of the DC pumps handle head pressure well

Thanks for the reminder. My current Current will stall @ over 6' , discovered when cleaning the sump, realized I needed to clean the return pump as well. I am seeing greater need for those flow meters, One coupled
with a AC pump would give me my feedback. I wonder If people plug their return pump into the power bars?