Return pump recommendation (2 dead ecotech pumps)

[TaylorPilot]

+1 on AC pumps. Unless you are willing to spend 4 figures on a DC pump, I do not know of any I would consider reliable enough for the duties of a return pump. Plus, I don't see a single benefit to running one in a situation where you just want a consistent flow day in and day out for a decade. A Sicce Syncra, or Iwaki/Panworld will fit that bill. There really is no reason to look any further.

 

[mitch91175]

Every thread that talks about DC pumps ends up being that AC pumps are better than DC pumps. I personally agree with that as others have stated as well that there is need for controlling a properly sized AC return pump for your system. They may not be whisper quiet, but I can deal with the little noise a good one produces.

 

[jda]

...not that it matters, but the Abyzz and RD are actually AC pumps.

Also, keep the return pump off of your apex. It just needs to run all of the time and not risk a freeze or failure from a controller.

 

[nashorn]

+1 AC
I still running the same AC pump for over 15 years, I never turn off or clean either. I bought it used too when a LFS closed down...lol

 

[sbidny]

+1 AC
I still running the same AC pump for over 15 years, I never turn off or clean either. I bought it used too when a LFS closed down...lol

What kind is it?

 

[svogun]

I had an M1 crap out on me and I now have an L1 on my new system. I reached out to Ecotech to see if they could send me the upgrade to avoid an issue. Will keep you guys posted.

 

[mtraylor]

Personally I have been wanting a DC return pump, but as people pointed out in the threads.....there are basically 2 top dogs that have issues as well. I have reeflo dart and I will just continue to use it. Never fails and keeps on ticket.

My suggestion if you don't want to spend the big money, is to get something like a dart.

I have had my eye on the current usa dc pump lately, but I don't know anything about is as far as reliability.

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I’m running two of the 3100 gph dc return pumps now in my 240. They are amazing, have not skipped a beat. I had an ac eihiem return pump, and these currents are so much nicer. You definitely won’t be disappointed.

 

[theMeat]

I have jebao’s running all over the place for years. No problem

 

[mtraylor]

Hello,

I’m running two of the 3100 gph dc return pumps now in my 240. They are amazing, have not skipped a beat. I had an ac eihiem return pump, and these currents are so much nicer. You definitely won’t be disappointed.

Just curious. nothing to do with dc or ac.

Why are you running 2 3100gph pumps on a 240? I run one 3600gph on my 255 and I run 3 reactors and my fuge off of it and its still dialed back. My pump is local and not in a basement or anything.

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

The reason I went for two is because I have the dual over flows. I wanted to have control over each one for optimal flow is all. I easily could have ran one, but choice to run two instead, plus it also always me to run them at a lower level because the pressure is higher. So my pumps are only running at 15-20 percent.

 

[Forsaken77]

Ouch....o_O yeah this one is over my budget. I'm actually willing to stay within the L1's range if possible. We'll see...

Being that they pulled the L1 for months and did a revision on it, did you try asking ecotech to give you a newer model, considering you had 2 fail? Even if it's outside warranty, they were aware of specific problems with it.

 

[sigmarabi1]

Being that they pulled the L1 for months and did a revision on it, did you try asking ecotech to give you a newer model, considering you had 2 fail? Even if it's outside warranty, they were aware of specific problems with it.

Well, I haven't tried calling them yet. I should soon

 

[sigmarabi1]

Hello,

I’m running two of the 3100 gph dc return pumps now in my 240. They are amazing, have not skipped a beat. I had an ac eihiem return pump, and these currents are so much nicer. You definitely won’t be disappointed.

Hi, can you specify the model you are running?? Thanks

 

[sigmarabi1]

I have jebao’s running all over the place for years. No problem

no luck for me

 

[sigmarabi1]

I had an M1 crap out on me and I now have an L1 on my new system. I reached out to Ecotech to see if they could send me the upgrade to avoid an issue. Will keep you guys posted.

yes, keep us posted. Thanks

 

[sigmarabi1]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sync...dJm4go4-qVsYXIhQ-EXKcR8rcBmpcmHBoCSzEQAvD_BwE

This one might work for you, but have heard mixed reviews on noise level. Haven't heard any that have just quit working yet though. They are fairly new. They do have a 5 year warranty.

Without breaking the bank (abyzz, royal exclusiv) the options are this pump, vectra, jebao, mag, and current eflux as far as I know that will get close to that gph while running as an internal pump with that head pressure. None of them are perfect from mixed reviews, but the abyzz and royal exclusiv cost 3-5x as much. Hard to drop that coin for a pump, I agree, but in the long run may be worth it? Maybe...

flow rate is lower than I need

 

[svogun]

yes, keep us posted. Thanks

From the horses mouth:
Hello Chris,

Thank you for contacting EcoTech Marine. Unfortunately we do not sell just the impellers on their own nor have there been any modifications/changes to it. That said, if you do run into any issues with your Vectra, please let us know.

Thanks,



JR Toth
Customer Service Agent/Distribution Support Specialist

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I’m running 2 3100 gph current dc eflux loop return pumps . Here is a picture of them in my sump tank.

 

[WWIII]

flow rate is lower than I need

I see. Yeah man that's gonna be tough to get 3k at that head height (abyzz/red dragon aside). Please let us know what you end up with! I'm looking for myself as well, but only need around 1k at 12 ft. Head.