VarioS-6 issues

[DakotaTheHutt]

Hey all! I bought the varioS-6 a while back, and finally got the tank up. After 2 days the pump decides to randomly stop pumping water while the controller box stays lit up. Any idea why? If I un plug and re plug, it works for maybe 3 minutes, then shuts off again.

 

[JustAnotherNanoTank]

Hey all! I bought the varioS-6 a while back, and finally got the tank up. After 2 days the pump decides to randomly stop pumping water while the controller box stays lit up. Any idea why? If I un plug and re plug, it works for maybe 3 minutes, then shuts off again.

Sounds like an overload or overheat issue, but I would think the controller would flag that? I would for sure contact OCTO.

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

Sounds like an overload or overheat issue, but I would think the controller would flag that? I would for sure contact OCTO.

That's what I thought too! But it's cool as a cucumber
I did contact them thru email, hopefully I'll get a reply in a couple days.
For some reason now it starts at full blast, unless I un plug it, re plug it and hope that it works

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Is it new (not used)? Are you using the float switch? Could it be triggering inadvertently?

 

[JustAnotherNanoTank]

Well I guess I meant a false overheat like a failed sensor. And I didn’t even think to ask you about the float switch. Are all the cords properly plugged in all the way? Recheck the connection from the power adapater brick to the controller.

 

[ReefLab]

it sounds like you're going to need a new controller. Marineandreef sells them but hopefully Octo will warranty it for you

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

Is it new (not used)? Are you using the float switch? Could it be triggering inadvertently?

No float switch, i tried it with it on encase that was the issue and nothing changed.

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

Well I guess I meant a false overheat like a failed sensor. And I didn’t even think to ask you about the float switch. Are all the cords properly plugged in all the way? Recheck the connection from the power adapater brick to the controller.

Re-checked everything a couple times, unfortunately that was not the issue.

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

it sounds like you're going to need a new controller. Marineandreef sells them but hopefully Octo will warranty it for you

Hopefully, im waiting on my ticket.

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

It will flash on and off. I'll have to get a video up soon. After it flashes for a bit it goes back to normal, but the pump will not turn on.

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

No float switch, i tried it with it on encase that was the issue and nothing changed.

Its brand new

 

[TheHarold]

It will flash on and off. I'll have to get a video up soon. After it flashes for a bit it goes back to normal, but the pump will not turn on.

I believe you have it in float switch mode, press FS.

On my controller, with a float switch connected it is green (Float up) or red (float down or disconnected).

When I disable float switch mode by pressing FS, there is no light under FS.

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

I believe you have it in float switch mode, press FS.

On my controller, with a float switch connected it is green (Float up) or red (float down or disconnected).

When I disable float switch mode by pressing FS, there is no light under FS.

Fs is on in the first picture, the second is with fs off. Not sure why it's slightly red, most be bleed from the status light

 

[TheHarold]

Fs is on in the first picture, the second is with fs off. Not sure why it's slightly red, most be bleed from the status light

Oh my bad- I thought it was just dimly lit. If you submit a ticket to Coralvue (the distributor) you may get faster service.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Fs is on in the first picture, the second is with fs off. Not sure why it's slightly red, most be bleed from the status light

Is the cable to float switch connected? Even if you don’t use, switch to off, but leave wire connected?

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

So on these videos, it shows it ramping up to full speed no matter what i set it to, it shows the pump turning off then the controller acting normal after it flashes, which it may flash red, or may flash blue, or both. it also shows how it does not respond to what i do, even if the float cable is connected its strange, im sure it has to be the controller.

 

[Ocelaris]

Have you taken the pump apart and cleaned it thoroughly? I've had a Varios-6 that was upgraded from the RODC-3500 (just new PSU and controller). When I first got it it was kind of seized. lots of cleaning, vinegar has gotten it up and running and I take it apart a few times a month because it's a skimmer pump and chaeto gets in it. If it tries to go and stops, chances are it's sensing there's something blocking it. At least that's been my experience. Make sure to pull the impeller out and bleach everything, then rinse and soak in strong acid. When you put the pump back together it's best to get a bottle of food safe lube for the o-ring so it can be disassembled better; but I think your priority is just making sure it spins freely. There are lots of ventilation holes in the impeller, make sure those are free and clear as well.

CoralVue support is excellent and have always come through with parts. I know it's new; but can't hurt to take it apart and clean it; as you'll be doing that a lot in the future! I clean my pumps every other month or so. My Varios-6 is probably about 4 years old (I'm second owner) and is going strong, but a good clean really helps.

 

[DakotaTheHutt]

Hey all! 5 years later and I know what the issue was.

Long story short, i gave up and threw it in a box. Moved and promptly forgot about it.
While re setting up my reef room i found it and figuered I'd give it a go one last time.

I let it sit in hot water for about 30 minutes, and tried to run it.

IT FINALLY MOVED. .....for 2 seconds.

Rinse, reheat, and let it sit 3 more times and it finally got going.

Not really a fix, maybe it was the years of sitting, maybe it was the hot water baths, maybe it was the final threat of going to the trash. Whatever it is the problem was fixed ! So, if you've cleaned it, gotten a new controller and tried your hardest to get it going... plop it in hot water for a while, rinse, repeat and see if that works !