Vectra, VarioS-8 or RD3

Reefer525XL · Jan 21, 2017

Need help trying to decided on a pump for my new tank (Reefer 525xl) The pump will obviously feed the return as well as 1 or 2 reactors.

The options are: Vectra L1, RO VarioS-8 or RE Red Dragon 3 Speedy 80w. My main issues it figuring out if the RD3 is worth the extra money. As for the Vectra there has been issues with flow and overheating. The VarioS have not heard much about it.

Bdog4u2 · Jan 21, 2017

Been running a vectra for over a year wide open with no issues and it even had a Clownfish go through it. the Clownfish didn't fare so well.

bif24701 · Jan 21, 2017

I have a Varios-6 and super pleased with it. Best things is has more features than the Vectra and cost less. Quiet, slow start up, APEX ready out of box!(just need cord), well built, DC, feed modes, variable speeds, built in float switch device, cool intake screen, easy disassembly, large impeller, large ceramic bearings, box includes several output fittings, separate control and power. I needed a APEX ready pump and don't like the wavelike quality and the Vectra needed a separate additional APEX module. This way my pump is programmed to slow on my APEX feed mode with one button push. Love the pump, I highly recommend it.

Reefer525XL · Jan 23, 2017

My previous skimmer had the Reef Octopus DC pump and I loved that thing thats why Im considering the VarioS-8. I really wanted the RD3 but only thing stopping me is the HUGE control box and that is not detachable from the pump so for maintenance I need to unplug the control box, trace back the wire to the power bard and unscrew it from the stand. I guess I could bring a bucket to the stand and just submerged the pump in the bucket but seems like a 3 pin quick connect would have been so convenient.

As of now the L1 is out of the list so its between the VarioS-8 and the RD3.... decisions decisions!!!

stunreefer · Jan 23, 2017

RD3
Vectra
VarioS

If you can swing the RD3 it is a no brainer. You're comparing apples to oranges there ;) The weight of motor alone speaks volumes.

A13X · Jan 23, 2017

I recently installed a VectraL1... and I'm not all that pleased.
1st, to make life a little easier you also have to get a ReefLink to go with it.

2nd, it doesn't really have along enough "slow start up". You have to basically create it in your schedule.

3rd, it doesn't handle head pressure all that well. I'd say my JebaoDC15000 that I had prior did better.

I wish I would have gone with the Varios. Since it would've intergraded well with my Apex.

Reefer525XL · Jan 23, 2017

stunreefer said:
RD3

Vectra

VarioS

If you can swing the RD3 it is a no brainer. You're comparing apples to oranges there ;) The weight of motor alone speaks volumes.

I know the RD3 is the best out of the 3, no question. My only complain is the control box. If it had that $5 quick discount 3 pin plug it would make my decision a lot easier :)

Apex controllability is not a major concern for me as a simple on/off works for the return pump. No need to buy the extra $200 module. However with the size of the control box and overall price that would have been a nice feature to have built in.

Reefer525XL · Jan 23, 2017

A13X said:
I recently installed a VectraL1... and I'm not all that pleased.
1st, to make life a little easier you also have to get a ReefLink to go with it.

2nd, it doesn't really have along enough "slow start up". You have to basically create it in your schedule.

3rd, it doesn't handle head pressure all that well. I'd say my JebaoDC15000 that I had prior did better.

I wish I would have gone with the Varios. Since it would've intergraded well with my Apex.

I have two MP40wQD but I plan on controlling those via the Apex so I don't really need or want the Reeflink. I keep reading about more and more complains about these Vectra pumps!!

A13X · Jan 23, 2017

Reefer525XL said:
I have two MP40wQD but I plan on controlling those via the Apex so I don't really need or want the Reeflink. I keep reading about more and more complains about these Vectra pumps!!

That's the route I would take. It's easier imo to program. And that goes for the radions as well. Also noticed that with the WXM you can control each piece of equipment individually. I usually ran my center Radion at a higher intensity. And it seems that with the reeflink that's not an option. Program goes across all the radions. Unless you add it as a separate tank.

ksfulk · Jan 23, 2017

As a member of the apparently thin "no problems with my Vectra" crowd, I just wanted to weigh in and say that Im running the M1 on my 525xL with a manifold and Ive had not a single problem with the pump. Sounds like you've already counted it out, and from what you want to do with it, it may not be the pump for your scenerio anyhow. But thought it was worth it to say there are happy Vectra owners out there :D

Reefer525XL · Jan 23, 2017

ksfulk said:
As a member of the apparently thin "no problems with my Vectra" crowd, I just wanted to weigh in and say that Im running the M1 on my 525xL with a manifold and Ive had not a single problem with the pump. Sounds like you've already counted it out, and from what you want to do with it, it may not be the pump for your scenerio anyhow. But thought it was worth it to say there are happy Vectra owners out there :D

Im sure there more people out there like you that haven't had any issues. However as I search R2R, RC and FB I come across more and more people having similar issues. Im sure Ecotech will solve these issues with Gen2.

pelphrey · Jan 23, 2017

Varios6 on my reefer 250, beast of a pump, zero issues, dead silent. I almost went with the M1, didn't because of cost and apex compatible. Small minor detail, but my varios came with all fittings needed to hook the pump up and the controller bracket/mount.

Breadman03 · Jan 24, 2017

Reefer525XL said:
I know the RD3 is the best out of the 3, no question. My only complain is the control box. If it had that $5 quick discount 3 pin plug it would make my decision a lot easier :)

Apex controllability is not a major concern for me as a simple on/off works for the return pump. No need to buy the extra $200 module. However with the size of the control box and overall price that would have been a nice feature to have built in.

Just noting that the Vectra is not controllable via the Apex. Only Radions and Vortechs will work with Apex via the WXM module.

pelphrey · Jan 24, 2017

The last part of my post is very minor, but it saved me some money. With the Vortech pump the controller mount is $12 and I want to say that the fittings to plumb the pump are another $10. In the grand scheme of things saving another $20 isn't much when you are already forking over the money on the pump. I may very well try the M1 out at some point, I have become a reef junkie and can't stop adding stuff to my cart!

The best advice I can give you is to keep your eyes open for the next @Bulk Reef Supply group buy if you plan to go VarioS and get the extra rewards points!

Reefer525XL · Jan 24, 2017

pelphrey said:
The last part of my post is very minor, but it saved me some money. With the Vortech pump the controller mount is $12 and I want to say that the fittings to plumb the pump are another $10. In the grand scheme of things saving another $20 isn't much when you are already forking over the money on the pump. I may very well try the M1 out at some point, I have become a reef junkie and can't stop adding stuff to my cart!

The best advice I can give you is to keep your eyes open for the next @Bulk Reef Supply group buy if you plan to go VarioS and get the extra rewards points!

Thanks @pelphrey - For the money we are spending I don't see why they don't included at least the controller mount. Im sure it not costing them more than $2-$3 to manufacture that piece.

mfinn · Jan 24, 2017

I have been using my Vectra L1 for about a year. It's great. And despite what was said, you do not need a reeflink to control it.
If the deal killer is a $12 part, then you really didn't want the pump in the first place. But it is interesting that you used the Vectra pump as a comparison to the others.

Reefer525XL · Jan 24, 2017

mfinn said:
I have been using my Vectra L1 for about a year. It's great. And despite what was said, you do not need a reeflink to control it.
If the deal killer is a $12 part, then you really didn't want the pump in the first place. But it is interesting that you used the Vectra pump as a comparison to the others.

The $12 dollar is not a deal breaker for me, but it something that I feel it should be included with the pump.

mfinn · Jan 24, 2017

Reefer525XL said:
The $12 dollar is not a deal breaker for me, but it something that I feel it should be included with the pump.

Well, I'm not going to completely disagree with that, having had to buy several.

If you have the $, I'd get the Red Dragon3.
I've been looking at them for a while now and really can't find anybody with problems.

Reefer525XL · Jan 24, 2017

mfinn said:
Well, I'm not going to completely disagree with that, having had to buy several.

If you have the $, I'd get the Red Dragon3.
I've been looking at them for a while now and really can't find anybody with problems.

I agree with you. Only thing I don't like about the RD3 is that the pump cannot be disconnected from the controller. I just got done selling a my old tank which everything combine was roughly about 500g and Im downsizing to the Reefer525xl as you can probably tell by my username. I have extra funds from breaking down such a big and complex system so I made the decision to go with the RD3 80w.