What exactly is the problem with Ecotech pumps?

[Genomecop]

Hi all. I keep reading that people have problems with their ecotech pumps. What exactly is the problem and is this a pump I need to stay away from?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Hi all. I keep reading that people have problems with their ecotech pumps. What exactly is the problem and is this a pump I need to stay away from?

Some people have been having issues with the mp40 westside magnet housing cracking and rusting. I have the mp10s and absolutely love them.

 

[mfinn]

Hi all. I keep reading that people have problems with their ecotech pumps. What exactly is the problem and is this a pump I need to stay away from?

Vortechs or Vectras?

 

[ndrwater]

The Vectra L1 gen 1 had an issue with heat in the impeller area which caused a failure. Ecotech has since redesigned the volute to solve the issue. Any new Vectra L1 purchased now shouldn't be an issue.

 

[mfinn]

The Vectra L1 gen 1 had an issue with heat in the impeller area which caused a failure. Ecotech has since redesigned the volute to solve the issue. Any new Vectra L1 purchased now shouldn't be an issue.

Do you know where that thread is that made that claim?

 

[ndrwater]

Do you know where that thread is that made that claim?

There are several actually. Lemme look and find one. I have also spoken to the Ecotech people directly at RAP. The jist is, there wasn't enough flow of fresh water getting into the impeller area causing excessive heat. The new volute has a new flow access hole as well as a new material in the impeller housing which is longer wearing and more heat resistant.
In the thread explainng the difference, the poster also posted photos of the G1'S and G2 volutes clearly showing the difference.
As soon as I find the thread I know exists here, I'll post the link.

 

[mfinn]

There are several actually. Lemme look and find one. I have also spoken to the Ecotech people directly at RAP. The jist is, there wasn't enough flow of fresh water getting into the impeller area causing excessive heat. The new volute has a new flow access hole as well as a new material in the impeller housing which is longer wearing and more heat resistant.
In the thread explainng the difference, the poster also posted photos of the G1'S and G2 volutes clearly showing the difference.
As soon as I find the thread I know exists here, I'll post the link.

Yeah, I read the thread too but can't find it. The reason I asked is because someone on another thread just got a response to a email that asked about the changes and one of the CS reps said no changes were made.

 

[ndrwater]

Found it...

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

Just edited this if you happened to read the link before I changed it. This should be the right one

 

[ndrwater]

Fwiw, I just happen to have a brand new Vectra L1. Lemme open it up and see what I see. Should be able to tell right away if it's G1 or later. . I'll post a pic if it's the new and improved G2. If it isn't, a won't because I will be swearing loudly.

 

[ndrwater]

Definitely Gen 2. You can see from the material in the impeller hole that the new material is heavier duty than the G1. The new flow hole is also visable in photo one in the lower left hand corner of the housing.
In photo 2, you can also see the three new holes for flow into the impeller magnet area as well.

 

[Genomecop]

Thanks.

 

[ca1ore]

Ecotech has since redesigned the volute to solve the issue. Any new Vectra L1 purchased now shouldn't be an issue.

Former is true; the latter is speculation.