Reef Octopus Varios 8 DC pump issues, am I the only one?

[beachsidereefer]

Hi Folks, trying to figure out if anyone else is having similar issues with this pump.

This pump was highly recommended by the tank builder and was professionally installed by one of their techs 4 months ago.
Right out of the box, I could not get the variable speed control to work with my Apex, tried two different cables, and after extensive troubleshooting, gave up and just plugged it into the outlet used the speed control on the unit.

About a month ago, I started to notice that the pump would just turn off for a couple of minutes and then turn back on. When it was off the two red feed lights illuminated and flashed, then magically, the pump would fire back up again. This seemed to happen once or twice a day. Now, this is a concerning problem since this pump drives 300 gallons of water through two tanks with lots of SPS and LPS corals and concerned that one day, it's not going to turn back on.

Engaged with CoralVue tech support to address the issue of the pump cutting off. First tried a new control module, then a new power supply. The pump continues to have shutdown problem but now it shutdowns for less than a minute BUT it shutdown more frequently than before.
CoralVue tech support says the pump needs to be sent in for repair which puts me a terrible predicament since I don't have any backup pumps remotely close to the same size/ capacity and plumbing as it. I asked for a loaner pump and was denied.

Should I be upset that I only got 3 months of service out of 400 dollar, top of the line pump? Is anyone else having issues with this make/model?

thank you

 

[WillH]

I have had the 2,4 and 6 - still use most of them. Only issues I have ever had is with impeller freezing up and causing the units to not start on skimmer. Support was helpful, problem happened to me on two units, both around the 1 year mark.

 

[TX_Punisher]

That shouldn’t be happening. I guess I’m lucky? My 8 has been going right at 3 yrs and been cleaned once. Plugged into apex for feed mode.

 

[Snoopy 67]

I would call again & ask for a supervisor, tell him you want a new pump under warranty & will send back the defective one when you get the new one. They might charge you until it's received so get a proof of delivery.

 

[ksed]

I have had the 2,4 and 6 - still use most of them. Only issues I have ever had is with impeller freezing up and causing the units to not start on skimmer. Support was helpful, problem happened to me on two units, both around the 1 year mark.

What was the cause?

 

[WillH]

Not sure, just replaced. Seems like crud builds up around shaft and causes friction.

 

[ksed]

Not sure, just replaced. Seems like crud builds up around shaft and causes friction.

Calcium buildup

 

[beachsidereefer]

Calcium buildup

one of the fisrt things I did when the shutdowns started was thoroughly clean the pump with vinegar. It wasn't dirty but thought it was worth it.

 

[TX_Punisher]

Be careful with vinegar. It can weaken epoxies used in pump construction. Many have switched to a weak solution of muriatic acid with water or I've even seen citric acid solutions used. Check out the forum here for more details.

 

[beachsidereefer]

good to know, I'll do some reading!

 

[Cali9dub]

Did you come to a resolution ?? I know it’s old, but I’m curious at to how things have progressed as I might pull the trigger on a varioS 8. So far I’ve had nothing but terrible results with EcoTech pumps so I’m looking to change things up

 

[beachsidereefer]

Did you come to a resolution ?? I know it’s old, but I’m curious at to how things have progressed as I might pull the trigger on a varioS 8. So far I’ve had nothing but terrible results with EcoTech pumps so I’m looking to change things up

Hi, Yes, turns out the controller box was the problem. CoralVue sent a replacement and it's worked perfectly since!

 

[fishnugget1]

I have had 2 controllers and 3 power supplies. Not a great experience

 

[beachsidereefer]

I have had 2 controllers and 3 power supplies. Not a great experience

sorry to hear, since the controller box was replaced, knock on wood, the pump has been trouble free

 

[Leyth]

Funny to have found this thread, I have 2 varios 6's and a regal 150int. I just found that one of the controllers for my varios6 is making the pump run at like a quarter of what it should be running at. I figured this out by swapping the controllers between my varios6's.

 

[jcdeboe]

Hi Folks, trying to figure out if anyone else is having similar issues with this pump.

This pump was highly recommended by the tank builder and was professionally installed by one of their techs 4 months ago.
Right out of the box, I could not get the variable speed control to work with my Apex, tried two different cables, and after extensive troubleshooting, gave up and just plugged it into the outlet used the speed control on the unit.

About a month ago, I started to notice that the pump would just turn off for a couple of minutes and then turn back on. When it was off the two red feed lights illuminated and flashed, then magically, the pump would fire back up again. This seemed to happen once or twice a day. Now, this is a concerning problem since this pump drives 300 gallons of water through two tanks with lots of SPS and LPS corals and concerned that one day, it's not going to turn back on.

Engaged with CoralVue tech support to address the issue of the pump cutting off. First tried a new control module, then a new power supply. The pump continues to have shutdown problem but now it shutdowns for less than a minute BUT it shutdown more frequently than before.
CoralVue tech support says the pump needs to be sent in for repair which puts me a terrible predicament since I don't have any backup pumps remotely close to the same size/ capacity and plumbing as it. I asked for a loaner pump and was denied.

Should I be upset that I only got 3 months of service out of 400 dollar, top of the line pump? Is anyone else having issues with this make/model?

thank you

Did CV ever tell you what the problem was? I am having the exact same issue and I just emailed them tonight. It is the exact same issue with my Varios8. The 2 flashing red lights and shutting off for a minute or so. I have switched controllers and power supplies, etc. I run 2 of them externally on my large system and only one of them does this. Thank you for this post.

 

[jcdeboe]

Did CV ever tell you what the problem was?

Haha never mind I just read the full post. Thanks!