Which return pump ?

[6272862829]

On the market for a new return pump which one would you go with and why?

Ecotech Vectra

Reef octopus various DC pump

Askoll 1350 ac pump (same motor block as the old school red dragon )

 

[Maki~R~G~A]

http://ecotechmarine.com/products/vectra/vectra-m1

 

[Kershaw]

I think the vectra will give the best head pressure as most of the dc ones are weak in that area. I have considered switching to dc but just can't justify it. Lack of head pressure worries me. I like med-high flow return pump. And I don't really see the point of changing speed of the return pump. I think they are great for closed loop. But I just hit feed on my apex and it shuts all power off for pumps for 10 min

 

[mfinn]

I'm very happy with my Vectra M1 return pump.
I bought it after getting a L1 for my closed loop and saw how quiet it is.
For me silence is golden.

 

[reefeqmover]

Ive been happy with all 4 of my vectra pumps.

 

[gcarroll]

I would rule our the Askoll 1350. If you want to go AC, then consider the Fluval SP4 which also has an askoll motor, however, it as upgraded bearings and a stand included.

 

[zoomonster]

I had thought my 2+ year old Waveline was dying off and I did some DC research and the results were a little depressing with lack of reasonable options now. Turned out pumps ok and I never bought anything. I was fortunate to get a Waveline when they still had a clue how to make a pump and the ones now have nothing but quality issues.

As far as being in reason price wise and functionality it came down to the Deepwater BLDC sinewave series (from salty supply and others) or the Vectra. The BLDC has great reviews and IMO the best price/performance. My only reservation was that it is a Salty Supply/Deepwater Aquatics house brand they are having made for them and it has no Apex control options (not needed anyway IMO). Model for model the Vectra (also no Apex control) is more $$ for less flow. The BLDC10 pumps 2650gph for $299 and the vectra starts at $350 for 2000gph and jumps to $450 for 3100gph. I probably would have bought a BLDC10 a few weeks ago but everyone was backordered. Now for closed loop the Vectra might be a better choice.

Reef Octopus I don't care for (mostly Coralvue) and did not even really consider. Their top of line pump blows 1720gph for $285 and was less flow than I wanted anyway.

Of course there's the Red Dragon at $670+ and the Abyzz at $1300+. Just not happening for a return pump.

 

[justingraham]

I love my M1 have it on a closed loop tho so I don't know how far u are pushing ur water up.

 

[gcarroll]

I have been told by several companies that of these non German made DC pumps, the Ecotech is one of the few that actually can produce their rated flow. I wouldn't be so sure to belive numbers are that much more than the Ecotech especially if they claim it does those numbers at less wattage. An Italian blogger tested a DC6000 pump and the flow numbers it produced supported that the pump should be renamed DC4000. Don't get me wrong, 1000 gph is still impressive at approx 50w, but it sucks if someone was buying it expecting 1500 gph.

 

[FrankAbagnale]

I've been using the Vectra for about a month. Not long enough to give a great review, but it sure is powerful and quiet!

 

[najer]

I only installed an M1 a few days ago as an upgrade, I had an Eheim 5000 flat out before.
My return to the tank is via a spraybar and I needed more "jet pressure".
Currently on 7 lights and way better flow than the old pump.
Oh and as above quiet equals virtually silent.
This is serving the 300 litre display end of the tank.

 

[zoomonster]

I have been told by several companies that of these non German made DC pumps, the Ecotech is one of the few that actually can produce their rated flow. I wouldn't be so sure to belive numbers are that much more than the Ecotech especially if they claim it does those numbers at less wattage. An Italian blogger tested a DC6000 pump and the flow numbers it produced supported that the pump should be renamed DC4000. Don't get me wrong, 1000 gph is still impressive at approx 50w, but it sucks if someone was buying it expecting 1500 gph.

Probably true but the beauty of DC pumps is variable speed and the ability to tune max overflow rates vs. desired sump level. My current Waveline is about 1600gph but I ended up eventually running full power for more flow and to account for a manifold that feeds a few low flow things. Even if the BLDC10 does not truly produce 2650gph at 6ft head (mines <5ft anyway) I will get more flow up to max overflow capacity and I can run the pump at a lower speed for less noise/power consumption. That's the main reason I'll never use another fixed flow AC pump again and like to have extra DC capacity.

 

[gcarroll]

Probably true but the beauty of DC pumps is variable speed and the ability to tune max overflow rates vs. desired sump level. My current Waveline is about 1600gph but I ended up eventually running full power for more flow and to account for a manifold that feeds a few low flow things. Even if the BLDC10 does not truly produce 2650gph at 6ft head (mines <5ft anyway) I will get more flow up to max overflow capacity and I can run the pump at a lower speed for less noise/power consumption. That's the main reason I'll never use another fixed flow AC pump again and like to have extra DC capacity.

Which Waveline are you running?

 

[Kershaw]

I think the one thing that can't be argued is that all the do pumps. But I think some one on here posted a thread explaining that the dc pumps are not any more efficient then new Ac pumps when used in a return pump. It was very detailed. Might be worth a search. Just wanted to put it out there. I don't know if it's true or not. I have been using a waterblaster pump for 4 years and I have never cleaned it. Works great. it sat for one year and when I started my 125 a year ago and started my cycle I never even seen my electricity bill change. My heater probably made the most notible change.

 

[6272862829]

I went with a Red Dragon 8.2 found a used one online thanks for the help guys

 

[6272862829]

I have been told by several companies that of these non German made DC pumps, the Ecotech is one of the few that actually can produce their rated flow. I wouldn't be so sure to belive numbers are that much more than the Ecotech especially if they claim it does those numbers at less wattage. An Italian blogger tested a DC6000 pump and the flow numbers it produced supported that the pump should be renamed DC4000. Don't get me wrong, 1000 gph is still impressive at approx 50w, but it sucks if someone was buying it expecting 1500 gph.

I just couldn't make my self trust the cheap DC pumps yet this is why I went with the ac red dragon. The askoll motor block are as quiet and they are durable. But maybe later I'll save up and buy the Rd3 or an Abyzz DC pumps can't beat their warranty.

 

[gcarroll]

Abyzz are great! Big fan! Now that Coralvue is distributing them, they should be more widely available.

 

[Salty1962]

Ecotech Marine Vectra

 

[Pigpen]

I have 5 of the abyzz a400 running and love them . I have been thinking about trying a few pf the ecotecs for our skimmer ash downs instead of the abyzz a 100s we use right now but I cant make up my mind .

 

[SR Aquaristik]

I would love for someone to give a review to the group on our High-Efficiency Mag Drive Pumps they are really great pumps, UL approved and extremely quiet. We have been selling them as an OE pump for a few years with great feedback! I would be willing to offer 20% off our regular price to someone willing to write a review.


https://sraquaristik.com/product/high-efficiency-mag-drive-pumps/


I have been to the Askoll factory and they make a great product!!


Let me know if I can help!

Scott