Vectra L1 - After 1year+

adhd_nerd · Mar 12, 2017

Purchased in Jan 2016. I run externally.

I have a case open. However, I don't think this is normal for 1+ year of use. Has anyone else seen this with their L1?

Looks like the back support broke apart then it melted the plastic between the impeller plastic and casing to the point where it jammed the impeller. I managed to get it cleaned up enough to keep in running until the replacement arrives.

I purchased another completed unit since I am going out of town this week and need a quick swap out.

CoralFragZ · Mar 12, 2017

I replaced a couple and same thing happened to a couple of my buddies. In talking they said the magnets swell and the friction melts the plastic. not sure if it is all pumps or a lot of them but they communicated that it was corrected over the last release.

adhd_nerd · Mar 13, 2017

Good news is they are replacing pump block under warranty. I wished I had known about the potential issue. I would have checked sooner and requested replacement...save me the cost of a second.

This hobby: Marine aquarium equipment always fail on weekends and when you are going out of town.

Check the inside of your Vectra Pumps.

Tom Blevins · Mar 13, 2017

same issue and they covered too, nice customer service for sure!

Kamozreef · Jul 27, 2017

Same issue have sent mine back twice now. Check the impeller there is a cooling channel in the centre of it that u should be able to see through.

Brogratz · Jul 27, 2017

I have been considering an L1, with so many experiencing the problem. I wonder if I should look into a different pump....

Slicktop · Jul 27, 2017

I have had one since Nov 2016. I run it in sump, no issues at all. Best pump I ever owned. Runs entire tank including protein skimmer and carbon reactor on setting 5. Great pump so far, I will inspect closely the next time I remove to clean.

Reefltx · Aug 28, 2017

In the process of getting my M1 replaced. It failed to start after a recent water change. It's been running flawless prior but I only had the tank up since May and the return already giving me problems..

I've been looking at the new sicce dc pump as a possible backup.

Antics · Aug 28, 2017

My L1 has been in use for a little over a year at this point. It's run internally and I've never had any issues of note with it. I've also never taken it apart to clean so...

Tom Blevins · Aug 28, 2017

No issues with the replacement in 6 months, It's on my closed loop so sometimes I have to take a
twine to make sure it's running because it's so quiet.

reyesozaeta · Apr 6, 2018

I have 2 VectraL1. One runs my AquaC EV 400 skimmer and the other is a return pump with manifold. It was replaced twice by Ecotech. The first replacements was because I noticed multiple melted/burned out areas inside the impeller structure. Those pumps did not fail nor stall but Ecotech replaced them anyway. The replacements that I got run about 7 months then both of these replacement pumps have same symptoms of failure of running on and off, controller is blinking from green to pink. It’s like it’s on a “pulse” mode but pausing inconsistently. Ecotech sent me replacements for these two pumps. So far so good... but we’ll see. I paid $1.06 for each pump as replacement cost. They send a free return shipping label for the old pump.

gcrawford · Apr 6, 2018

Get a Varios...... none of these issues.

Norcalreef · Apr 6, 2018

Anyone else think it’s crazy ecotech charges you a dollar to replace something they didn’t build right in the first place??? I had an mp10 not work after like 2 days. Was shocked when they asked for my credit card info.

danreefman · Apr 7, 2018

Dont sweat the small stuff.

With lack of costumer service now days. Be happy they answered the phone.

Add it to the cost of pump and enjoy life. Aint gonna take that buck with you.

dannyt · Apr 7, 2018

That $1 is more for preauthorization and your credit card to ensure they get the defective unit back. Be happy they send advanced replacement. Eco tech customer service is by far the best. If you’ve ever had to deal with Neptune system you’ll know what I mean. I’ve had multiple issues with my apex and they act like it’s my fault, never acknowledge there is a defect and don’t ship a replacement in advance. Your required to ship them your unit back first for their support to verify the issue and only then will you get a replacement or repair. I’ve had an energy bar where 2 outlets went bad and they wanted me to ship out the unit before getting a replacement which was impossible since I had so many other things running on the working outlets. I ended up having to purchase a replacement first so that my tank wouldn’t be completely shut down

bkpky · Jan 28, 2019

Over the last week my flow started to fluctuate sometimes as much as a 100 gph drop. Then it began making noise like a snail was stuck inside. I took it out for maintenance on Saturday and found no snail. While cleaning I found this in the picture! I panicked when I put it back into place and it would not startup. It made a lot of noise trying to start. I took it apart a second time and reinspected. On the next attempt it started up. I still am not getting the same flow as normal, on the same 80% level it is showing about 40 gallons per hour less on average. (measured by an apex flow sensor on my return).

I called Ecotech support today and they were very very helpful. They did not even ask for this picture. My pump was won as a raffle item at our clubs annual frag swap either 2014/2015. I kept it in storage for a few years until I started my current build. It has been running flawless for the last 2 years.

I really appreciate this kind of support. I fully understand the $1 charge to get my card on file so they can ship out a unit BEFORE i return my current one! I am surprised they do not ask for a larger deposit since in cases like this I am obviously beyond a typical warranty. They did acknowledge that the failure was not one caused by me.

This does have me thinking about a spare return pump. My plumbing is complex enough that I could not easily just put any pump in for a temporary measure. On Saturday I called marine shops within a 3 hour radius and no one had an L1 in stock. What would I do in a more extreme case? I guess I will be considering a used backup L1 or engineer a way that any pump could go in on a temporary basis!

papaligos · Feb 6, 2019

good evening
A real shame this pompema vectra L1 broke down 15 days after starting the answer of the sad

Pedro Pico

Feb 6, 12:50 PM EST

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pico pedro
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good evening
Following the purchase of a pump vectre L1 bought in March 2018 and Getting Started on December 27, 2018 the father noel ma carried a royal dreambox exclusiv the pump is stopped 15 days after since it is the service of troubleshooting and I just received this mail which scandalizes me:
Bonjour ,
J'ai une mauvaise nouvelle pour vous malheureusement.
Nous venons d'avoir une confirmation du fournisseur nous affirmant que le problème n'était ps pris en garantie sur votre pompe , voici sa réponse :

Hi,

Unfortunately, I have to inform you that the pump you sent in is a technical and financial total loss caused by water. A repair would not be worthwhile as it is just as expensive as buying a new one.

Please tell me if you would like to have the unit returned to you or if you would like us to scrap it.

Thank you.

paal · Feb 7, 2019

My tank is over 2.5 years. My Vectra M1 return is the only piece of equipment that has NEVER been serviced. Runs perfectly fine. Would buy again

NeverlosT · Mar 20, 2019

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ecotech-vectra-l1-new-version-improvements.364222/

NeverlosT · Mar 20, 2019

paal said:
My tank is over 2.5 years. My Vectra M1 return is the only piece of equipment that has NEVER been serviced. Runs perfectly fine. Would buy again

The only Vectra impacted by this is the L1 to my knowledge