Varios-8 or Vectra M2

[Charley75]

About to finally upgrade to my 150. I have a Varios 8 and a Vectra M2 as choices for returns. They are both used. I’ve seen them both running and both are silent. What would pick and why?

 

[Charley75]

Something else to add. I want to go 1.5” return line. I had my tank built with that size return bulkhead. Looks like both of these pumps are only equipped to go up to 1.25”. Is there a way to upsize at the outlet, or do I have to use their union and then just use a pvc fitting to increase to 1.5”?

 

[C_AWOL]

For upsizing, you have to use fittings to go up to 1.5" since theres no native volute replacement for either pump afaik.

Did you mean L2 and not the M2? The M2 output is 1", not 1.25" (L2 is 1.25")

Assuming L2 vs Varios 8, I would pick L2.
If it's actually M2 vs Varios 8 thrn I would pick Varios 8.

I personally prefer using stronger pumps that I can dial down if needed (helps with longevity)

 

[Charley75]

Is there a way around using the union that comes with pump?

 

[C_AWOL]

You can use pvc directly to the union then a 1.5" reducer to 1.25/1" (depending on pump) to go to 1.5"

Not sure about the threading on the varios8 output since I never tried to but both vectra M and L will connect to a threaded pvc coupling by removing the union coupling. Don't see why the varios 8 wouldn't though since jebaos and red dragons do so as well (majorly opposite sides of the spectrum of pumps)