Vectra M2 or Varios 6

[vhoang2]

Which one would you recommend? Thanks.

 

[P-Dub]

I don't have familiarity with the Vestra but my VarioS6 has been up and running flawlessly for three years with only two cleanings in that time, FWIW.

 

[LegendaryCG]

Personally I’d go with the m2 for the app control. But that said I’m using a varios4 on my tank and it’s been great.

 

[mike550]

I don’t think you can go wrong with either one. I have the M2. But I’m also running two MP40s and the Versa doser. Mobius App is great. And “yes” I also have an Apex but have no desire or need to let it control the finer points of these devices.

 

[vhoang2]

I don’t think you can go wrong with either one. I have the M2. But I’m also running two MP40s and the Versa doser. Mobius App is great. And “yes” I also have an Apex but have no desire or need to let it control the finer points of these devices.

Any noise issue with the M2 for you?

 

[vhoang2]

I don't have familiarity with the Vestra but my VarioS6 has been up and running flawlessly for three years with only cleanings, FWIW.

I’m all for quietness. Can you comment on that?

 

[vhoang2]

Personally I’d go with the m2 for the app control. But that said I’m using a varios4 on my tank and it’s been great.

Same question for you- is it quiet?

 

[LegendaryCG]

Same question for you- is it quiet?

Varios pump is virtually silent for me. I do run it on the lowest speed though.

 

[vhoang2]

Varios pump is virtually silent for me. I do run it on the lowest speed though.

Thanks

 

[P-Dub]

I’m all for quietness. Can you comment on that?

SIlent, always and I nano-micro bubble scrub as well with zero sound. Connects and is controlled by my Apex. Personally, I like the control I have with the Apex as I can have the pump ramp up and down during feedings or other activities. Have it ramp down to a very low percentage when feeding which is just enough to keep water flowing through the manifold but not so much to have water reach the DT. If you have the Neptune Apex to control it, it is very beneficial to control ramping up and down during feed cycles via virtual outlets.
I have an MP40 and the Mobius app is fine when connected. Not so much when I can't connect, which is rare.

 

[vhoang2]

SIlent, always and I nano-micro bubble scrub as well with zero sound. Connects and is controlled by my Apex. Personally, I like the control I have with the Apex as I can have the pump ramp up and down during feedings or other activities. Have it ramp down to a very low percentage when feeding which is just enough to keep water flowing through the manifold but not so much to have water reach the DT. If you have the Neptune Apex to control it, it is very beneficial to control ramping up and down during feed cycles via virtual outlets.
I have an MP40 and the Mobius app is fine when connected. Not so much when I can't connect, which is rare.

So the Varios is controllable via Apex but the Vectra is not?

 

[mike550]

Any noise issue with the M2 for you?

I haven’t noticed any.

 

[LegendaryCG]

So the Varios is controllable via Apex but the Vectra is not?

It includes a cable that lets it work with an apex or other controller. Not sure is vectra includes one but the mobius app gives you control. even though I could hook my varios up to my apex I don’t because for a return pump I just want it to run at a fixed speed.

 

[P-Dub]

So the Varios is controllable via Apex but the Vectra is not?

Yes, the Varios is controllable via the apex if you have a free variable speed port. You will need to buy a cable, though. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/y-module-cable-icecap.html

From what I understand, the new Ecotech line of pumps and wavemakers is no longer supporting apex controllability even with the WXM since the development of the Mobius app. I could be wrong but no 0-10V input, no third-party controllability...
@LegendaryCG controlling the speed of the return pump during feedings is critical, IMHO. If you have the Apex and ancillary Auto feeder it is indispensable. Even with no auto feeder, ramping down flow during feeding is important as is slowly ramping up after the feed cycle is over. Again, IMHO.

 

[LegendaryCG]

Yes, the Varios is controllable via the apex if you have a free variable speed port. You will need to buy a cable, though. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/y-module-cable-icecap.html

From what I understand, the new Ecotech line of pumps and wavemakers is no longer supporting apex controllability even with the WXM since the development of the Mobius app. I could be wrong but no 0-10V input, no third-party controllability...
@LegendaryCG controlling the speed of the return pump during feedings is critical, IMHO. If you have the Apex and ancillary Auto feeder it is indispensable. Even with no auto feeder, ramping down flow during feeding is important as is slowly ramping up after the feed cycle is over. Again, IMHO.

Agree but I just hit the feed mode to pause it.

 

[mike550]

Agree but I just hit the feed mode to pause it.

@P-Dub @vhoang2 so I run a M2 and stopped using feed mode to slow down my return pump.

Why do you think it’s important to do this during feeding?

 

[P-Dub]

Agree but I just hit the feed mode to pause it.

Why just pause it when the Apex will slowly ramp down and then up? I have it set to ramp down and up from full power to 14% then back up. Why not utilize available features the Apex provides? Slow transitions... better.

 

[P-Dub]

@P-Dub @vhoang2 so I run a M2 and stopped using feed mode to slow down my return pump.

Why do you think it’s important to do this during feeding?

To limit the amount of food that is pushed into your overflow, allow your fish to eat with less work, and more food gets eaten, and as a resulting benefit of having to feed less with fewer nutrient additions to your system that you now don't have to try and reduce. Unless you are trying to keep a higher nutrient system.