Best External Pump (Vectra L2 or VariosS-8)

[Andrew Schubert]

I'm looking to add an external pump to my system. I'm deciding between the 3100 GPH EcoTech Marino Vectra L2 or the Reeef Octopus VarioS-8. Any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[TheDuude]

I run my varios internally but absolutely love it. It's dead silent and easy to clean.

 

[spsick]

I use a Red Dragon 3 and it’s the most solid well-built piece of equipment I’ve ever bought for my reef.

Of the 2 you mentioned I would lean to the Varios but when someone says “best” I go to German pumps but they will set you back more $.

 

[mfinn]

I've used several of the Vectra pumps, M1, L1, L2, M2, and S2, and the only issue I had was with the L1's. The problems with them were well documented and ETM addressed the problem. I haven't read or heard about any issues with them since.
The L2 is solid pump and of your 2 choices I would go with the Vectra L2.

 

[mtraylor]

I run vectra pump for returns and have various on my skimmer. I like both and think you can't go wrong with either. Just decide by footprint, connections , etc. Which works better

 

[design.maddie]

My VarioS-4 was a beast. Super quiet and enjoyed the controller.

 

[homer1475]

Just replaced a vectra with a varios. The varios is quieter, but a pump is a pump in my eyes, as long as it works.