Return pump recommendation (2 dead ecotech pumps)

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

Yes, basically each pump has its own direct line to its own overflow return etc. However, if one should fail, then I can simply change the union from a single to a split or Y. I made it where if I have to switch it, then all I do is unscrew the section that makes each line direct, to one return runs both. I think it takes less than five minutes to swap it over, after the water has drained from the lines.

 

[Dragon52]

@mcarroll Back when I built the tank my calculation was somewhere in this range:

Equipment - Max GPH
Reefer 525 XL- 1,060
Bio Pellet Reactor - 400
Carbon Reactor - 300
1/4 Chiller - 660 (technically not inline)
GPH Loss 10% - 242
GPH Loss 25% - 605
Total + 25% Pipe Fittings => 3,025

The L1 was right on the money when it comes to flow , but it's a shame they are not reliable.

I have a Vortech M1 that has been running for over a yr @ 30/40% flow with no issues. I don't have it doing anything but return pump right now. What % did you run yours at with all the stuff you have it doing. Thanks

 

[vetteguy53081]

Sicce syncra OR Reef Varios.
I have always see the complaints and regrets of the Vectras which is sad as it is built by a company well established in the industry.

 

[Dragon52]

My previous post didn't work right. so try it this way.

sigmarabi1 said
The L1 was right on the money when it comes to flow , but it's a shame they are not reliable.

I have a Vortech M1 that has been running for over a yr @ 30/40% flow with no issues. I don't have it doing anything but return pump right now. What % did you run yours at with all the stuff you have it doing. Thanks

 

[gonzo256]

I run mine at about 90%. My main display tank is 240 gallons.

My previous post didn't work right. so try it this way.

sigmarabi1 said
The L1 was right on the money when it comes to flow , but it's a shame they are not reliable.

I have a Vortech M1 that has been running for over a yr @ 30/40% flow with no issues. I don't have it doing anything but return pump right now. What % did you run yours at with all the stuff you have it doing. Thanks

 

[Dragon52]

I'm just asking because of having a Vortech, is it possible that running that high constantly could have helped with them not lasting versus just bad dependability? I've been thinking about getting an S1 as a backup since I don't run the M1 any higher than I do.

 

[gonzo256]

Super possible. But from an engineering standpoint, you don’t offer something at 100% with X output, knowing it’ll die early.

I'm just asking because of having a Vortech, is it possible that running that high constantly could have helped with them not lasting versus just bad dependability? I've been thinking about getting an S1 as a backup since I don't run the M1 any higher than I do.

 

[Dragon52]

That's true. lol
Thanks for responding.

 

[gonzo256]

I am currently accepting donations to permanently demo a Red Dragon

That's true. lol
Thanks for responding.

 

[sigmarabi1]

You mean the Jebao had poor build quality? What do you mean by poor build quality? Did both of the Vortech pumps that failed you have better build quality? Seeing as how the Vectras both failed, would you say that the better quality was of great importance?

My previous post didn't work right. so try it this way.

sigmarabi1 said
The L1 was right on the money when it comes to flow , but it's a shame they are not reliable.

I have a Vortech M1 that has been running for over a yr @ 30/40% flow with no issues. I don't have it doing anything but return pump right now. What % did you run yours at with all the stuff you have it doing. Thanks

I was running at 80-85% sometimes lower.

 

[sigmarabi1]

So i'm kind of in the same boat. I have Vectra L1 that failed on me in Feb, the replacement they sent, is actually a good bit louder than the previous one. My flow rates are also varying quite a bit per the Apex FMM. I need to go through and re-plumb my entire return line for manifolds and what not. But right now I'm not trusting my vectra and looking at replacing with with RE Red Dragon 3.

yep, and it's a shame cause the noise level was not bad at all and flow was good but they just stop working after a few months

 

[Cabinetman]

I love my jebao return pumps. Been running for years without problems. Sorry to hear you spent all that money on eco tech only to have them fail.

 

[2CC's]

I work in an agricultural industry that uses a lot of pumps. After a minimum of 5 years of trouble free operation a pump will be judged as OK. When if comes to recommendations in regards to premium priced reef tank brands, for me advice of reliability based on less than 2 years of service would be discounted while multiple reports of failure in that time frame would disqualify a pump (and likely the brand) from my list. I appreciate having these forums where the experience is shared.
My $0.02.
I have had good luck with Iwaki pumps (7+ years with a yearly cleaning).

 

[mtraylor]

Hello,

Yes, basically each pump has its own direct line to its own overflow return etc. However, if one should fail, then I can simply change the union from a single to a split or Y. I made it where if I have to switch it, then all I do is unscrew the section that makes each line direct, to one return runs both. I think it takes less than five minutes to swap it over, after the water has drained from the lines.

Awesome. I think if I go DC that is exactly what I will do. That way you have nothing to worry about.

 

[sigmarabi1]

I went with the Current USA eFlux DC Flow Pump (3170 GPH model) . I Just installed it and the thing is SILENT with plenty of flow. The only downside is the cables are short so I had to place the controller outside my control panel which sucks. It is also very compact so I had to redo some plumbing. Let’s see how it performs going forward. Fingers crossed

 

[mtraylor]

keep us informed. Sounds like its working great.

 

[Fudsey]

I hope it works as good for you as mine has for me.

 

[Sleepydoc]

If you're stuck with DC, then the Varios is a solid pump. I'd second what many others have said that there are many good AC pumps out. I had a Fluval SP4 and it wasn't any louder than my Varios6.

DC pumps have the advantage of being controllable and soft start but also are somewhat more prone to failure because they need a control module. The design of AC pumps is inherently simpler, hence the better reliability.

Another suggestion - rather than have one pump serve as a return along with the reactor manifold, buy 2 smaller pumps. One as the return, one for the manifold. Then if one pump goes out, you can still keep your system running with the other pump.

 

[mcarroll]

Another suggestion - rather than have one pump serve as a return along with the reactor manifold, buy 2 smaller pumps. One as the return, one for the manifold. Then if one pump goes out, you can still keep your system running with the other pump.

Ditto. I like single-app pumps.