Reef Octo Varios 4 low flow?

[prcardinal91]

I just set up my varios 4 for my return pump on my 150 gallon with 40 gallon sump. I was previously using an Eheim 1262 rated at 900 gph. The flow was pretty aggressive through the sump and the pump was loud. It was a great pump, but I was looking for something silent. I chose the varios 4 due to similar size specs (1050 GPH) and I like the pump on my skimmer.

My issue is that the flow seems to be half or less than the Eheim even at setting 5. Has anyone else experienced issues or low power with these pumps? I wanted to slow down my return a bit with the variable speed control. I thought I would be able to turn it down a bit for my desired results, but at anything less than 5 on the controller this pump BARELY moves any water up to the 150 display.

 

[blaxsun]

Have you figured out your plumbing loss (ie: vertical height, horizontal length, 90-degree turns, etc.) and compared that to the flow chart for the Varios 4?

On most standard tanks you'll typically lose about half the rated Gph.

 

[prcardinal91]

I know I'll lose some from hesf pressure and plumbing etc, but I am comparing it to the 1262 that was running for a while. Same plumbing same system. I also came across a thread that the various 4 actual gph is 225. So far really not impressed with the output of the varios 4 for $330.