Vectra L1 DC (3100 GPH)

[Brett H whitt]

Does anyone own this pump. If so, how do you like it. Any failures, does it run hot?
I need to update one of my flow pumps to add an additional 250 GPH to my 120 tank
I can easily replace one of my two Rio hyper flow pumps for 100 or less but I am considering replacing
both my Rio hyper flow pumps with one 3100 Vectra pump. I like the idea of having two pumps for
backup but I am short on room in my return section of my sump.

I don’t mind spending 450 on a good reliable pump, but I have discovered a few bad product reviews
for this pump. A few failures and a couple overheating issues.


Thanks for your input or suggestions

 

[mcarroll]

That price....even if you just assume it's good, can it be that good?

How much head pressure do you have (height + friction loss), out of curiosity?

 

[Brett H whitt]

Head pressure on the first return line is 5 ft.
Head pressure on the second return line is 5 ft plus a chiller. I think its close to 9 ft total but I am estimating.

I want 1300 +/- GPH after head pressure. I am about to start using the Triton method.

They are not cheap, that’s for sure

 

[kashman100]

I have it on my 120 dual overflow. I also have an algae scrubber and reactor running off of it. Zero problems. Doesn't run hot. Very very quiet. Highly recommended

 

[mcarroll]

Just to get this out of the way: 1300 / 120 = 11x turnover
2x-4x is usually all it takes, and what a typical over-sized skimmer takes and about what the built-in drains for a tank can take without noise issues....have you thought about 11x as far as your drains?

So far, I'd be inclined toward simply replacing the dead pump.

Would you be consolidating to a single 1" return line and one outlet into the display if you went this way?

If not, how many elbows and other fittings, how much horizontal pipe, and how many outlets into the tank are in the return plumbing?

If you would consider an external pump, I think in the price range you're looking, and for flow rates like that, I would think about one of the small Dolphin Amp Master pumps....for example:

DIAMOND AMP MASTER 3500
Dimensions 12” x 6 1/4” x 81/4”
Silent, cool running
1/15 HP 1725 RPM
Circulates 3500 GPH without heat transfer
Factory warranty 2-3 years (dependent on seal selection)
Suggested use: 55 gallon and over
Volt: 115
Supplied with 1.5” super seal unions and anti-vibration pump pad

They claim no heat transfer due to the external design and I think they way their pump is linked to the motor.

This pump is only 100 or so watts itself. Plus, with the number of watts you could take out of your water by using this external model as a replacement, you might even be able to remove your chiller. Just don't isolate the 100+ watts of pump heat under the tank...have some ventilation. I'd seriously look into this. :) You can get upgraded seals that have up to a lifetime warranty on these pumps – they are sweet and you have a great application for one.

P.S. I've never had to run a chiller at home, so this may be an ignorant question: Why not let the chiller run into the return section of your sump rather than stacking that head pressure onto your return pump?

 

[Justin D]

Just to get this out of the way: 1300 / 120 = 11x turnover
2x-4x is usually all it takes, and what a typical over-sized skimmer takes and about what the built-in drains for a tank can take without noise issues....have you thought about 11x as far as your drains?

So far, I'd be inclined toward simply replacing the dead pump.

Would you be consolidating to a single 1" return line and one outlet into the display if you went this way?

If not, how many elbows and other fittings, how much horizontal pipe, and how many outlets into the tank are in the return plumbing?

If you would consider an external pump, I think in the price range you're looking, and for flow rates like that, I would think about one of the small Dolphin Amp Master pumps....for example:

DIAMOND AMP MASTER 3500
Dimensions 12” x 6 1/4” x 81/4”
Silent, cool running
1/15 HP 1725 RPM
Circulates 3500 GPH without heat transfer
Factory warranty 2-3 years (dependent on seal selection)
Suggested use: 55 gallon and over
Volt: 115
Supplied with 1.5” super seal unions and anti-vibration pump pad

They claim no heat transfer due to the external design and I think they way their pump is linked to the motor.

This pump is only 100 or so watts itself. Plus, with the number of watts you could take out of your water by using this external model as a replacement, you might even be able to remove your chiller. Just don't isolate the 100+ watts of pump heat under the tank...have some ventilation. I'd seriously look into this. :) You can get upgraded seals that have up to a lifetime warranty on these pumps – they are sweet and you have a great application for one.

P.S. I've never had to run a chiller at home, so this may be an ignorant question: Why not let the chiller run into the return section of your sump rather than stacking that head pressure onto your return pump?

Im thicking of getting 2 or 3 of the amp master 3500 on my 650 gallon