Return pump for a RedSea reefer S-1000 g2

[Rmike545]

Hey everyone,

I’m currently running two Vectra L2s as returns on my Reefer S-1000 G2. One has already quit, the other is acting up, and honestly I’m frustrated with Ecotech support and the Mobius app interface. I’d really like to move away from them entirely.

Tank / System
• Red Sea Reefer S-1000 G2 (~260g display, ~1000L system)
• Filtration: Skimmer, ATS, ReefMat 1200
• Flow: 2x ReefWave 45 + 2x MP40
• Current returns: 2x Vectra L2 (replacing)

Goals for the New Setup

• Dual pumps for redundancy — if one dies, the other carries the tank

• Quieter than the L2s when running at 20–40%

• Efficient watts per gph at low/mid speed

• Reliable long-term support and customer service

• Plays nicely with the ReefMat 1200(don’t want crazy fleece consumption)


Options I’m Considering

• Royal Exclusiv Red Dragon 5 ECO130W or 200W High Pressure) (pair)

• Abyzz (A100 or A200)

• Red Sea ReefRun G2 12000 (pair)

• Sicce SDC 7.0 / 9.0 (pair)

• Neptune COR-20 (pair)

• Open to other proven dual-pump setups


Questions

If you’ve swapped off Vectras—what did you go with, and how’s the reliability been?

1. Abyzz vs Red Dragon—any noise, heat, or efficiency differences at ~20–40%?
2. Anyone running two ReefRun G2 12000s or Sicce SDCs on a big Red Sea—how’s the hum at night?
3. Do you prefer running independent lines vs merging both into one return?
4. Tips for dialing in overflow + ReefMat stability with dual returns?

Would love to hear real-world experiences. My main priorities are reliability, quiet running, and good support. Thanks in advance!

 

[Reef Jedi]

When I bought my red sea tank I really considered a reef run however I ended up with core 20’s and I’m super pleased with that decision. Quietest and most reliable return pumps I’ve ever had. They have been running for over a year without a single issue. I took the L1 I had from a previous tank and stuck it in my mixing bin and that’s where it’ll live till it dies.

Personally I run dual lines for redundancy however I think this is overkill as I’ve never had an issue. The core series just simply works.

 

[Rmike545]

When I bought my red sea tank I really considered a reef run however I ended up with core 20’s and I’m super pleased with that decision. Quietest and most reliable return pumps I’ve ever had. They have been running for over a year without a single issue. I took the L1 I had from a previous tank and stuck it in my mixing bin and that’s where it’ll live till it dies.

Personally I run dual lines for redundancy however I think this is overkill as I’ve never had an issue. The core series just simpl

When I bought my red sea tank I really considered a reef run however I ended up with core 20’s and I’m super pleased with that decision. Quietest and most reliable return pumps I’ve ever had. They have been running for over a year without a single issue. I took the L1 I had from a previous tank and stuck it in my mixing bin and that’s where it’ll live till it dies.

Personally I run dual lines for redundancy however I think this is overkill as I’ve never had an issue. The core series just simply works.

How high are you running them ? And do you run a ReefMat or socks ?

 

[magikfly]

Jebao pumps. Pretty much maintenance free, silent, cheap and typically run years without problems.

 

[UncommonSense]

Do you prefer running independent lines vs merging both into one return?

Independent return lines means no check valve on each pump for a parallel plumbing manifold… — less maintenance!

Parallel pump plumbing is only advantageous if you’re feeding a large manifold to many outlets, and benefit from the reduced number of accessory pumps/etc!

 

[Ironfish]

Ill stick to the Ecotech.

I have the same tank. I run 2xVectra MS. One at 46w and the other at 54w.
I used to run them a little bit higher but the ReefMat roll was lasting 2 weeks. Now I replace it every 4 to 6 weeks.

I do use a Bubble King Deluxe Skimmer with a Red Dragon. I terms of noise the pump is similar to the Vectra.
Reliable but initially I did get a faulty pump that stopped working after 5 month of use. It took 6 weeks until I got a replacement pump from Royal Exclusiv.

I have a 57w UV that I used to run with a Sicce DC pump. Way louder than the Vectra.
Now i run it with a Vectra.

Years ago a Vectra M (Gen1) died but after some research I realized that Ecotech fixed the issue for Gen2.
This year a power supply for one of my Vectra M2 died... and the tank kept on running on the other return pump (that's why we operate the system with 2). And I got the replacement power supply in 2 days.

Abyzz and Red Dragon are really good pumps but we could always have bad luck and get the 1 pump in a thousand that fails.

I also agree that the Mobius app kinda sucks. But it works.

After going through the same process you are going through i decided.
Keep running the 2xVectra M.
Keep a backup in the garage. Keep a backup power supply in the garage as well.

If a pump (or power supply) fails... I can swap it for the one in the garage in 10 minutes.
If im travelling I made a video on how to swap it for the kid that comes to feed the tank and do some minor stuff.

Vectra are way cheaper than Abyzz and Red Dragon making it easier to keep a replacement at hand.
Vectra are USA based (in case you are in the USA) and are readily available. Also most LFS stock them just in case.

Did I miss something?

 

[Reef Jedi]

How high are you running them ? And do you run a ReefMat or socks ?

Mine are running from sump in stand to top of tank with Red Sea stock plumbing. If I had a guess maybe 5ft since the Red Sea tank sits higher on its stand.

I run a ReefMat and I get pretty good life out of the rolls. Rolls last anywhere between a month to two months on average.