Return pump for Reefer 525xl?

Gil03 · Sep 29, 2017

So i'm ordering the rock and return pump for my reefer 525 build and wanted some opinions on the return pump. It calls for 1050gph so i've narrowed it down to either the Octopus varios 6 or go with something from ecotech like the M1. My issue is that i've heard some bad things about the vectra, particularly my LFS uses them on all his tanks and he says there's not one pump he hasn't had an issue with! That doesn't bode well with me considering he's using a lot of them in his store and their $350. If i'm gonna spend that kind of money I don't wanna go into it feeling like it's not going to last.

What are some of you using? and have you had similar experience with the vectra's? On the other hand I've heard nothing but good things about the varios pumps from reef octopus. BTW I'll be going with the Life rock shapes from Caribsea.

Ashish Patel · Sep 29, 2017

I've never heard of anyone have any trouble or complaints of Vectra pumps. They are so quiet and i've even ran my tank for a few days on reefcreast mode which was cool to watch. I wanted to go with ecotecth since I wanted easy remote access without having to rely on apex. I can login if I am gone to make sure the pump is on and I am sure I can setup alerts aswell. I think mr saltwater Mark did a good video on testing the vectra pump.. Also, they just made smaller version if you want to save a few bucks.

However, the best solution is having 2 smaller pumps so one servers as a backup just incase one decides to fail. 2 X $100 pumps is better then 1 $300 pump IMO

ksfulk · Sep 29, 2017

I run a Vectra M1 on my 525xL for over a year. I will say that if you are looking to only drive the return this is a fine return pump. If you want to drive a manifold as well, it might be worth stepping up to the L1. I have no complaints about the M1, earlier this year the pump wouldnt restart after some maintenance, but Ecotech responded right away to my email to customer service, and they sent me out a replacement pump right away, which was free, all I had to do was send my broken one back to them. Other than that, its been running flawlessly for close to a year with no issues. Since I replaced the pump, its been running just as great.