Return pump recommendation (2 dead ecotech pumps)

[sigmarabi1]

The varios 8 may fall below your flow rate but I have had one pretty much since they were released and it is absolutely bullet proof and dead silent. If you can sacrifice a bit of flow I really think they are worth giving a try.

I'm not that far off really. I might try this one.

 

[sigmarabi1]

I'm not that far off really. I might try this one.

My skimmer is RO and so far so good.

 

[Peter K]

I'm not that far off really. I might try this one.

I’ve had two running (1 on a 200 gallon system, other on a 60 gallon) and they have not skipped a beat in roughly 1.5 years and that is me neglecting them too (probably have only deep cleaned them once or twice each since I have had them running).

 

[sigmarabi1]

I’ve had two running (1 on a 200 gallon system, other on a 60 gallon) and they have not skipped a beat in roughly 1.5 years and that is me neglecting them too (probably have only deep cleaned them once or twice each since I have had them running).

I wish they had a model above the 3k mark. It would be sweet

 

[Peter K]

I wish they had a model above the 3k mark. It would be sweet

I’m hoping they will come out with one, I’m upgrading to a 450 next year and am still on the fence about trying a new brand or running multiple varios pumps.

 

[sigmarabi1]

I’m hoping they will come out with one, I’m upgrading to a 450 next year and am still on the fence about trying a new brand or running multiple varios pumps.

in general I've had no luck with ecotech products. 2 vectras and 2 mp40's have given me issues. Their customer service is good though.

 

[KJAG]

When I got tired of changing my L1's out with new warranty replacements, I needed to find a 3000+ gph pump for my closed loop.
I had been looking wishfully at Red Dragon pumps for a while. When the second L1 went out, I made the decision to get one. I got the RD3 150watt.
The initial cost was a little hard to cope with for a few days. But once I got it hooked up and running I was pretty darn happy with how quiet it was and how much more flow I got. 4755 gph.

Second the Red Dragon. Quality is unreal and quietest pump I’ve owned.

 

[sigmarabi1]

Second the Red Dragon. Quality is unreal and quietest pump I’ve owned.

which model? where did you purchased yours?

 

[Potatohead]

Abyzz
Red Dragon
Varios

In that order

 

[Potatohead]

which model? where do u purchased yours?

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/royal-exclusiv-red-dragon-3-speedy-230-watt-pump.html

 

[jda]

If you are not going to get a Red Dragon or Abyzz, then just get an appropriate sized Laguna or Fluval and call it a-decade-or-two of reliable performance.

Check back with me in 2025 and see if any current DC pumps will still be running. Then, I will call them reliable.

 

[WWIII]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sync...dJm4go4-qVsYXIhQ-EXKcR8rcBmpcmHBoCSzEQAvD_BwE

This one might work for you, but have heard mixed reviews on noise level. Haven't heard any that have just quit working yet though. They are fairly new. They do have a 5 year warranty.

Without breaking the bank (abyzz, royal exclusiv) the options are this pump, vectra, jebao, mag, and current eflux as far as I know that will get close to that gph while running as an internal pump with that head pressure. None of them are perfect from mixed reviews, but the abyzz and royal exclusiv cost 3-5x as much. Hard to drop that coin for a pump, I agree, but in the long run may be worth it? Maybe...

 

[litenyaup]

Heard ecotech has replacement pumps that fix the over heating issues. I would contact them about it and see if you can get the newer one.

 

[LatinKing]

Help needed: after 2 ecotech vectra L1's gone bad, I am a frustrated reefer in need of recommendation. My tank is 110G (139G system) running a manifold with two reactors and a chiller. My dead Vectra L1 pump provided enough flow with low noise, but after a few months they just stopped working including a replacement pump. Now I'm running a deepwater pump now with exactly the same dimensions and flow specification (strange??), however, it is VERY loud so it is driving me crazy. I recently tried a Jebao which ended up being a disaster.
Can someone recommend a reliable DC pump with more than 3000 GPH flow rate?
Thanks!

Simplicity 3200 DC max head 16 at 85 watt

 

[sbidny]

If you are not going to get a Red Dragon or Abyzz, then just get an appropriate sized Laguna or Fluval and call it a-decade-or-two of reliable performance.

Check back with me in 2025 and see if any current DC pumps will still be running. Then, I will call them reliable.

Second this and mcarroll's recommendation. If you're looking for reliability - and you should be for a return pump - you should be looking at AC over DC pumps.

I think you asked how they work with an Apex controller. You won't find any fancy control options, although you generally don't need them for a return pump. An AC pump can be turned on and off via an Apex for feed mode, etc.

I'd recommend the Fluval SP6, which uses the oft talked about Askoll motor block. It is rated for 3434 GPH.

If you want to go a bit cheaper, look at the Laguna Max-Flo 2900, which is the same motor block. The difference is that the Fluval uses more ceramic instead of stainless. It's rated at 2900 GPH.

 

[mcarroll]

I'd recommend

+1

More good options!

 

[ca1ore]

I just don't get the reasoning behind using a complex pump for a return. Do you really need variable flow; I know I do not! I think a FAR better approach is to use a long-tenured, reliable pump that you can mostly set and forget. I use a Vectra M1, but on a closed loop where variable flow is useful; I would not use it as a main return - just asking for trouble. For the main return, I agree with the folks that advocate for AC pumps. If I were looking for a submersible return pump I would go with the Fluval Seas; for external Panworld (which is what I use).

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I use the current 3190 gph dc controlled return pump, two actually. They are simply amazing and very quiet. They are also very very reasonably priced, as they are like 224 each, but that was from my lfs. I hope you find something that you like and can trust like I have.

Sincerely
Sarah

 

[11f150]

I'll probably never switch from a Eheim. Ive bought 2 since I got in the hobby and the first one I bought is now on my water changing station and works flawlessly still. Not a ton of flow but with powerheads and such moving water fast, not sure if you need it. A few experienced reefers told me when I got in the hobby that a slower circulation of water through your sump will allow the skimmer to work better and get more crud out. Some people like water rushing through there sumps so nothing settles and thats good but you can always put a few small powerheads in a sump so nothing settles. Many options..

 

[mitch91175]

I just don't get the reasoning behind using a complex pump for a return. Do you really need variable flow; I know I do not! I think a FAR better approach is to use a long-tenured, reliable pump that you can mostly set and forget. I use a Vectra M1, but on a closed loop where variable flow is useful; I would not use it as a main return - just asking for trouble. For the main return, I agree with the folks that advocate for AC pumps. If I were looking for a submersible return pump I would go with the Fluval Seas; for external Panworld (which is what I use).

I stick with my reliable AC pumps as well (with the frag tank jebao being an exception). I love my Reeflo pumps and their warranty.