Versa Running A CaRX

[Biglurr54]

I have a Geo 618 Calcium Reactor and a Geo 618 Kalk reactor running on my reef. I have masterflex peristaltic pumps running both of them, continuously dosing. I am toying with the idea of buying 2 Ecotech Versa's to change out the Masterflexs. Has anyone set a Versa up on their Calcium reactors? What are your thoughts on the Versa after using it?

I like the idea of being able set my ph in the reactor and then adjust the effluent via an app. Thats the only reason I would swap out to versa. The Masterflexs are bullet proof and easy to use, but i have to go to the basement sump area to adjust them and it would be nice to be able to program the pumps from my phone. Yes, I can be that lazy.

Lastly, i like their size compared to the Masteflexs. Mine are large and take up some room. Its not the biggest deal breaker but it is a consideration.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Most definitely, I got a versa a few months before they were released. I tested it in many different settings and one was on the CaRx. It handled the task with no problems. For me, it was a 1 for 1 swap from my DIY paristaltic pump that was already set with the proper flow. Of course it was on the CaRx long enough to have to make adjustments as the demand from the corals increased. And to answer your question, programming the versa takes seconds, very easy!

And when the time comes, increasing flow will take very little time and effort.

 

[Water Dog]

If you make your switch, I would NOT SELL the Masterflex pumps and hold on to them. While I’m a big fan of Ecotech products and service, I am quite wary of a new hobby grade product at a $150 price point, being able to replicate the reliability of an industrial lab grade piece of equipment. While initial reports seem promising, there have been a number of reported hiccups as with any new product, the jury is still out on the Versa’s long term performance and reliability. No one can question the long term performance of industrial grade equipment like the Masterflex or the the Watson Marlow pumps.

 

[ca1ore]

If you make your switch, I would NOT SELL the Masterflex pumps and hold on to them. While I’m a big fan of Ecotech products and service, I am quite wary of a new hobby grade product at a $150 price point, being able to replicate the reliability of an industrial lab grade piece of equipment. While initial reports seem promising, there have been a number of reported hiccups as with any new product, the jury is still out on the Versa’s long term performance and reliability. No one can question the long term performance of industrial grade equipment like the Masterflex or the the Watson Marlow pumps.

Yup, yup …… and yup. It'd be awesome if the versa proves to be a drop in replacement for the masterflex. CaRx is perhaps THE critical piece of equipment on my tank - if anything fails while I'm on a work trip that is a huge problem. My economy drive has grunted and chirped along without any issues for six years. That's a tough challenge to meet, or exceed. Although I'm a big ETM fan, not yet ready to take that leap with versa.

 

[Cblair]

I must be one of the lucky ones with a versa with no issues so far. Got mine from the first batch BRS recieved. I have it pulling through a calcium reactor at 20ml/min and its dead silent and seems very consistent. I frequently check the accuracy of the calibration.

 

[jda]

I agree with the other doods... let somebody else be the guinea pig on this one... especially since you are all set right now.

Keep in mind that when running a CaRx, something like 10 years of reliability is what most are shooting for, so I would want to see people using a Versa for like 3-4 years without issues before I moved to one... it is just not worth the risk to switch before you know if they are good, or not. Everybody thinks that their new, shiny stuff is awesome who has been using it for a few months or a year, but this is nothing.

 

[Lousybreed]

I agree with the other doods... let somebody else be the guinea pig on this one... especially since you are all set right now.

Keep in mind that when running a CaRx, something like 10 years of reliability is what most are shooting for, so I would want to see people using a Versa for like 3-4 years without issues before I moved to one... it is just not worth the risk to switch before you know if they are good, or not. Everybody thinks that their new, shiny stuff is awesome who has been using it for a few months or a year, but this is nothing.

These lab grade pumps are over a grand right? I don’t think you need 3 years of data on the versas before you try them out. With modern day sourcing of components and life cycle upgrades Idont even know if 3yr data would be valid for current aquarium products. I am going to try one out after we have at least 6 months of data. It’s a 150 dollar experiment. Ecotech seems to make good products but it is their first attempt at a positive displacement pump.

 

[ca1ore]

These lab grade pumps are over a grand right? I don’t think you need 3 years of data on the versas before you try them out. With modern day sourcing of components and life cycle upgrades Idont even know if 3yr data would be valid for current aquarium products. I am going to try one out after we have at least 6 months of data. It’s a 150 dollar experiment. Ecotech seems to make good products but it is their first attempt at a positive displacement pump.

You can find a second hand MasterFlex in very good condition for less than $400. I bought mine for less than $200 before the reef application craze drove up the prices. Whether you deem three years an appropriate ‘testing’ period, or six months, is ultimately up to you. Just keep in mind that the cost of equipment failure is not just the initial price paid, but the sequential ‘unintended’ consequences.

 

[Lousybreed]

I should add I would only do this on my system that runs two CaRX and a back up kalk reactor. If it failed I would be able to fix it that night.

 

[Lousybreed]

You can find a second hand MasterFlex in very good condition for less than $400. I bought mine for less than $200 before the reef application craze drove up the prices. Whether you deem three years an appropriate ‘testing’ period, or six months, is ultimately up to you. Just keep in mind that the cost of equipment failure is not just the initial price paid, but the sequential ‘unintended’ consequences.

Where do you find these for that price!?!??

 

[ca1ore]

You have to look around. I bought my original one off eBay in 2015 for $175 shipped, but as I noted that was before they were fashionable for reef tanks .... and it was 5 years ago. Bought one last year, also off eBay, for $385 shipped. Here’s one as an example .....

Cole Parmer MasterFlex Peristaltic pump L/S drive easy load 77200-12 77800-60 for sale online

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cole Parmer MasterFlex Peristaltic pump L/S drive easy load 77200-12 77800-60 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Water Dog]

I got my Watson Marlow 505U for around $300 on eBay. It was practically brand new and is whisper quiet in operation. You cannot deny the reliability and build quality of these industrial grade pumps over the hobby grade offerings currently available to reefers.

 

[Lousybreed]

Thanks guys. eBay.....who would have thought!!! I will start looking!

 

[Bpb]

Way I see it, if you have a reliable backup in place and are able to check your equipment daily, the risk is minimal. It’s important to have redundancy in place anyway. Sometimes multiple points of redundancy

 

[Lousybreed]

Way I see it, if you have a reliable backup in place and are able to check your equipment daily, the risk is minimal. It’s important to have redundancy in place anyway. Sometimes multiple points of redundancy

Fully agree!

 

[Shinister]

My versa has been working great so far at 80 ml/min but I have my old masterflex as a backup since the versas are too new to call it truly reliable.

 

[sunnyc90]

Set mine up yesterday and got it up and going within no time. So far so good but only time will tell. Planning on picking up another Versa for backup.

 

[ca1ore]

Way I see it, if you have a reliable backup in place and are able to check your equipment daily, the risk is minimal.

Maybe. My tank will start to show alkalinity deviations as a result of a failed CaRx in six hours. I do have a backup trudent/dos dosing system, but I’d rather just have the reactor run 365/24/7. Since my MasterFlex has been bulletproof, and I do travel for my job, I ended up not viewing the Vectra as yet adequately robust ..... so I returned it. I may well revisit once there is an adequate installed base of users running trouble free for extended periods.

 

[Bpb]

Maybe. My tank will start to show alkalinity deviations as a result of a failed CaRx in six hours. I do have a backup trudent/dos dosing system, but I’d rather just have the reactor run 365/24/7. Since my MasterFlex has been bulletproof, and I do travel for my job, I ended up not viewing the Vectra as yet adequately robust ..... so I returned it. I may well revisit once there is an adequate installed base of users running trouble free for extended periods.

That makes total sense. Especially if you have your masterflex in a remote room (if brushed) or have a brushless model already. Also especially since you travel. Definitely won’t get any debate from me on that. I think my comment was moreso directed toward home bodies like me or people who don’t have a nice masterflex already.

I’m one of the ones that got a ridiculously cheap masterflex on eBay. I paid 200 shipped for mine but it’s a brush motor model and is louder than I’d like in my living area. I lived with it for 3 years before I broke down and traded some frags for a gently used Kamoer. I actually preferred a gently used one to verify the power supply and screen actually work (as many of them are duds right out of the box). It’s only been in service for a few weeks but the noise level is so much more preferable now. I have my masterflex sitting right next to it in the equipment cabinet ready to swap back over in an instant if a problem should arise. I wouldn’t sell it, as it is now a point of redundancy for me. I am also interested in a couple Versa pumps as a third level of redundancy should the need arise or for other purposes like amino acid dosing or vodka dosing just to simplify my daily
Hands on tasks. Still waiting another 6-12 months before all the first run lemons have made their way through retailers

 

[Lousybreed]

My Kamoer was one of the ones that didn't work out of the box. I completely lost faith and my replacement pump they sent me is sitting in its box still.