Reef Octo VarioS-2 loud noise issue hum buzz

[SrNapp]

I recently purchased a Octo Varios-2 after my Sicce Return pump started family, this is how sounds like with the lowest setting (eco). In the video it's running The lowest before I set it to level 3 (normal). I kept reading this was the most dead silent pump in the market and took the bullet of spending nearly $250 USD on this.

I'm not sure if this sound is normal, it seems to be coming from the pump, it's not hitting any wall even making the sound levitating, and plenty of water (almost 9" of water height).


It's a very noticeable buzz/hum and sounds louder in person rather than the video. My sicce was virtually silent and running at max speed since it doesn't have a speed controller.

 

[disaster999]

sounds pretty normal to me

 

[SrNapp]

sounds pretty normal to me

No offense but I don't think a 25w DC pump is supposed to run louder than my old 45w ac sicce that was running at 3x the GPH flow rate.

Take a listen at the 10s video mark where I put it to level 2 and 3, out of 5 speed options. There's no way that's an acceptable noise to be considered silent by any means.

I want other opinions on this since I may have to RMA the entire pump or get a new propeller , worst case I'll just buy another sicce

 

[dschuffert]

I am not able to see or hear anything. When I click on the Play symbol, nothing happens.

 

[SrNapp]

I am not able to see or hear anything. When I click on the Play symbol, nothing happens.

Here's a reupload.

 

[disaster999]

No offense but I don't think a 25w DC pump is supposed to run louder than my old 45w ac sicce that was running at 3x the GPH flow rate.

Take a listen at the 10s video mark where I put it to level 2 and 3, out of 5 speed options. There's no way that's an acceptable noise to be considered silent by any means.

I want other opinions on this since I may have to RMA the entire pump or get a new propeller , worst case I'll just buy another sicce

Like I said, its normal for this pump. I should know since I have 2 Varios 4 pumps (1 return 1 skimmer) running in my tank.

If you cant stand the noise just return it and get something else.

 

[SrNapp]

Judging by other similar posts involving rattling , it seems it's a bad impeller. At max flow it rattles the entire pump and felt noticable touching the pvc which I didn't demonstrate in the video. I'm contacting support for a replacement impeller if the replacement Jabeo is quiter.

I'm sorry but I'm refusing to believe the varios is this loud by default on it's lowest setting especially since many people here rated it as the most dead silent pump in the reef community. My Sicce Silent 3 was running quiter and it was locked to nearly 750gph only since it's a AC Pump.

Buying a Jabeo MDP 3500 which has a similar but faster flow rate to see if it's any quieter. I'll stay updated.

 

[homer1475]

Both of my varios's are dead silent( I have a 2 and, a 4). I often have to put my hand on them, just to make sure their running, they are that silent.

Totally not normal in my experience.

Have you taken it apart and checked the impeller just to see if it's possibly some flashing left from manufacturing making it rattle a bit?

 

[SrNapp]

Both of my varios's are dead silent( I have a 2 and, a 4). I often have to put my hand on them, just to make sure their running, they are that silent.

Totally not normal in my experience.

Have you taken it apart and checked the impeller just to see if it's possibly some flashing left from manufacturing making it rattle a bit?

I'm planning on cleaning out the impeller and testing if that makes a difference tomorrow afternoon when I received the jabeo, if it works I'm simply refunding it and keeping the varios.

May I ask what speeds do you have it set to. I'd like to have it at 3-4 at dead silence

 

[homer1475]

I run my 2 at max, and 4 at 3.

I was actually surprised how quiet they were coming from Vectra's.

 

[dadnjesse]

I have 3 Varios 8 pumps and mine are silent. Is it vibrating on something. did you try runing it a separate container of water?

 

[dschuffert]

Here's a reupload.

Thanks. I have a VarioS-6 on my skimmer that is completely silent. I am guessing there is some type of small debris or film that is effecting the balance of the impeller, or simply a defective impeller or impeller shaft.

 

[SrNapp]

Wanted to give an update , got a jabeo for $100 running at 1300gph compared to the Octo running at lv1 (300gph) it's sounds way quieter than this, warranty won't honor it so I'm at a loss of $300 for a loud octo dc pump rip

 

[gcifx.ltd]

Video seems to be unavailable for me, but try removing the volute and check that the flat plate behind the impeller blade is lined up correctly. If it is installed so that it is not completely flat with the slots lined up it will be super loud. Ask me how I know…

 

[SrNapp]

Video seems to be unavailable for me, but try removing the volute and check that the flat plate behind the impeller blade is lined up correctly. If it is installed so that it is not completely flat with the slots lined up it will be super loud. Ask me how I know…

I tried this thinking something may have got trapped in the impeller but it just seems to be a defective unit, there's similar posts with the same pump.


Another post suggests that it might be a faulty controller incorrectly sending power causing the wine noise.

 

[mmoner]

Hi, recently bought a new S2 and its making exact the same buzzing sound. Thing is the sound goes off when i remove it from the silicone tubed return line (works dead silent alone).

Checked the impeller and the screen behind it, no problem. Could it be the back pressure from the 1" return line?

 

[mmoner]

Hi, recently bought a new S2 and its making exact the same buzzing sound. Thing is the sound goes off when i remove it from the silicone tubed return line (works dead silent alone).

Checked the impeller and the screen behind it, no problem. Could it be the back pressure from the 1" return line?

 

[amateur.alchemist]

Hi, recently bought a new S2 and its making exact the same buzzing sound. Thing is the sound goes off when i remove it from the silicone tubed return line (works dead silent alone).

Checked the impeller and the screen behind it, no problem. Could it be the back pressure from the 1" return line?

It isn't the 1" return unless you've got more stuff out of shot causing more back pressure. My VarioS 2,4 and 6 are all basically inaudible over the skimmer air intake, which is already very quiet. I even have an 8, which I've found to be way more susceptible to noise from back pressure, temporarily running through a 19mm hose and it's extremely quiet on lower settings.

 

[mmoner]

Thanks for reply. Problem was the old hardened silicone tube tilting the unit slightly. Detached the motor and let it perfectly sit on base first. Then reatached the tube according to it. Now it is dead quiet.