Help on return pump

[scott11106]

i have 2 return pumps and one has a continuous power draw, the other fluctuates 1watt and i was not sure if this is something to worry about?

i would assume that 1 watt is not a big deal but since the other does not do that i wanted to make sure.

they are 2 REEF OCTOPUS - VARIOS-8's and are brand new or about 2 months old...

here is the apex view of the power draw.

 

[miPapareef]

My varios 8 has a similar graph. It’s also about 2-3 months old. I think you’re seeing the normal variation.

 

[scott11106]

My varios 8 has a similar graph. It’s also about 2-3 months old. I think you’re seeing the normal variation.

that is what i thought but what threw me was the other pump had no variation, but i suspected it was normal.

also i am running the pumps at almost full power, i assume that is ok as i was trying to get the right amount of flow but did not want to overwork the pump?

i assume I can run them at full power as most pumps are either on or off anyway and these being variable speed is just an option?

 

[miPapareef]

I run the Varios 8 at on the second setting because I only have one 3/4” return bulkhead into the tank.

I used to have a Varios 2 that ran full power for 14 months. Then I repurposed for a UV sterilizer when I upgraded to the 8. It’s still running full power. So a total of 16 months and still as silent and efficient as ever. So I haven’t worried about it.

However I just looked at the wattage graph and it looks like it’s all over the place. So now I’m wondering. Both of my pumps are running in a very restricted plumbing. The Varios 8 is on 1” to 3/4”, and the Varios 2 is on 1/2”.

Maybe someone with more experience can help us out.

 

[scott11106]

I run the Varios 8 at on the second setting because I only have one 3/4” return bulkhead into the tank.

I used to have a Varios 2 that ran full power for 14 months. Then I repurposed for a UV sterilizer when I upgraded to the 8. It’s still running full power. So a total of 16 months and still as silent and efficient as ever. So I haven’t worried about it.

However I just looked at the wattage graph and it looks like it’s all over the place. So now I’m wondering. Both of my pumps are running in a very restricted plumbing. The Varios 8 is on 1” to 3/4”, and the Varios 2 is on 1/2”.

Maybe someone with more experience can help us out.

hmm, i did not even think about the size of the pipe for the return but i am also running 1" and reduces to 3/4" at the tank. i bumped up the power yesterday and the flow increased which tells me that the pipe size is ok..