New EcoTech Marine Vectra Return Pump

[mfinn]

Originally Posted by rjallen

Just checked with BRS and they have the kits in stock again. Just check under external pumps- Eco Tech. Listed besides the pump. They have $4.95 3 day shipping. Would be shipped Monday evening. The season might slow it a bit but you should have it Monday at the latest. I know, they will ship Monday- closed Sunday.

RJ

Not sure where you found 3 day shipping ( probably USPS?) but when I just went through checkout they only had 2 options, ground for $11.49 and 2nd day for $25.75.


But yeah, I made the order.

[rjallen]

Sorry you might have to be a preferred reefer. Not hard to do....just checked with the website. From home page on the top where it lists free shipping for $75.00 or more. Besides this is a small parcel delivery truck. Click on the truck. The window about free shipping... on the bottom shows $4.95 with 3 day shipping. I do know UPS just changed the shipping rules for west coast and it may affect you. But since it is on the website with no disclaimers, I'd call them about this. You might not get 3 day delivery from UPS due to Christmas but I bet they will give you the $4.95. Tell them you were on Reef Central and customer Richard Allen from North Dakota told you about the $4.95 shipping Most of the guys know me well there and it might help them with their decision if they know the low cost shipping is why you made the order in the 1st place. If there is any issue, PM me.

RJ

[kewadiak]

Originally Posted by rjallen

I bang the drum about this so I aplogise to everyone. Buy the Ecotec fittings. BRS was out of stock on them but Ecotec had them a few days ago. You realize you get two fittings- one intake, one for outflow. The outflow, and the BST option are 1.25". This is how all the flow/head tests were done. The stock adapter is .75". That's a big difference. You paid a lot for the pump. I know it will cost you around $20.00 with shipping. I did it and am glad I did. Yes the adapter is designed to be uses with food grade silicone grease, not plumbers teflon tape or paste. If should be tightened down to the bottom dead tight.



RJ

are you saying to use no Teflon tape or paste on the aftermarket couplings even if used externally or are you saying use silicone grease on the supplied blue adapters?

[rjallen]

Teflon grease is for the threads of the BST threaded fitting. But you must screw the fitting down dead tight. I have done this with other BST fittings not this adapter. My use with my M1 was submerged. So do a test with the pump sitting dry in a large container. The worst that will happen is a low seep but it should be good to go.

RJ

[mfinn]

Originally Posted by rjallen

Sorry you might have to be a preferred reefer. Not hard to do....just checked with the website. From home page on the top where it lists free shipping for $75.00 or more. Besides this is a small parcel delivery truck. Click on the truck. The window about free shipping... on the bottom shows $4.95 with 3 day shipping. I do know UPS just changed the shipping rules for west coast and it may affect you. But since it is on the website with no disclaimers, I'd call them about this. You might not get 3 day delivery from UPS due to Christmas but I bet they will give you the $4.95. Tell them you were on Reef Central and customer Richard Allen from North Dakota told you about the $4.95 shipping Most of the guys know me well there and it might help them with their decision if they know the low cost shipping is why you made the order in the 1st place. If there is any issue, PM me.

RJ

Thanks.
After buying 5 Radions, 4 gen 3 upgrades 2 Vectra's and 3 Mp40's, plus assorted lens kits, etc. you'd think I'd get a break. lol





actually I can't complain. I've gotten numerous extras from ecotech.

[mfinn]

Originally Posted by rjallen

Teflon grease is for the threads of the BST threaded fitting. But you must screw the fitting down dead tight. I have done this with other BST fittings not this adapter. My use with my M1 was submerged. So do a test with the pump sitting dry in a large container. The worst that will happen is a low seep but it should be good to go.

RJ

With pvc fittings, I started using a product called Plasto-Joint Stik.
It made specificly for pvc and other plastic threads.

[kewadiak]

I'm curious to see plumbing pictures of these pumps externally especially on closed loops. If you don't use the blue union Adapter you either have to use the BST fitting adapter and two giant valves on the pump or use the adapter and unions either way you are adding extra weight on a small pump it seams. And of course you want to plumb them the best way to be taken off line for Maint. I took off my old closed loop as you can see in the pictures on the reeflo pumps have 1 1/2 true union valves and I felt like that was a lot of weight on those pumps. My new plan is the use vectra l1 and use the blue adapters for 1 1/2 intake and 1inch output just so I do not have to use unions or have valves on my pump. I will just use the Valves off my tank to service the pump going to lose some water but I have a shop vac. Just thought I would share I'm very picky on plumbing all has to be perfect ocd I guess!

[ClownsRCoo]

Any suggestions on which one to get (M1 or L1) for a 180 tank im building? Anybody have this sized tank with either of these pumps and you can tell me just how strong either are in that tank?

[SPotter]

I would suggest getting the L1 because you can always throttle it back.

[mfinn]

Originally Posted by ClownsRCoo

Any suggestions on which one to get (M1 or L1) for a 180 tank im building? Anybody have this sized tank with either of these pumps and you can tell me just how strong either are in that tank?

I f this is for a return pump, I would get the M1. It will do 2000gph which is way more than needed.
Save a few bucks and get the L1 for a closed loop.

[Want2BS8ed]

Interested in other's experiences using an L1 on a closed loop.

Purchased a used 120 that was already drilled for a closed loop. Locked into a 1-1/2" feed and 1" returns, so anticipated some reduction in performance, but I have been underwhelmed so far by the lack of flow - not necessarily volume as much as velocity if that makes sense.

Here's a quick pic before moving the tank back showing the plumping (closed loop has two low returns and the single upper returns. The tee'd returns to the left and right are from the sump) and FTS with initial aquascaping.





Sump return duties are being handled by an M1. Very pleased with how that's working. Just need to figure the closed loop out.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike

[ClownsRCoo]

Originally Posted by mfinn

I f this is for a return pump, I would get the M1. It will do 2000gph which is way more than needed.

Save a few bucks and get the L1 for a closed loop.

It will be used as a return pump with 1-2 reactors run off a manifold occasionally and some water diverted through a fuge.

My tank will be a 60x30x22 with lots of flow. I was just curious if the M1 will have the ability to make a noticeable addition to the tanks flow or not. I have a mag18 as my return on my 90 now and the flow is good.

[SPotter]

Originally Posted by Want2BS8ed

Interested in other's experiences using an L1 on a closed loop.

Purchased a used 120 that was already drilled for a closed loop. Locked into a 1-1/2" feed and 1" returns, so anticipated some reduction in performance, but I have been underwhelmed so far by the lack of flow - not necessarily volume as much as velocity if that makes sense.

Here's a quick pic before moving the tank back showing the plumping (closed loop has two low returns and the single upper returns. The tee'd returns to the left and right are from the sump) and FTS with initial aquascaping.





Sump return duties are being handled by an M1. Very pleased with how that's working. Just need to figure the closed loop out.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike

I am running two Vectra L1's on my tank for the closed loop. Each one feeds an OceanMotion 4 way. I did notice a reduction in velocity when I swapped out the pump but I expected that because the pump that was on there prior was much bigger. If the vectras were available when I was doing my closed loops a year ago, instead of spending the money on the OM's I would have bought 4 vectras and had each one plumbed to a max of 2 return outlets and possibly done 3/4" to create a stronger flow coming out.

Is there any way you can reduce the lines to 3/4" or put penductors on the on the outlets in the tank?

[rjallen]

Originally Posted by mfinn

I f this is for a return pump, I would get the M1. It will do 2000gph which is way more than needed.
Save a few bucks and get the L1 for a closed loop.

I have a 120 with your average bends in the return plumbing. Also have a y type check valve. Plumbing out of the pump is 1" to where the return splits into two 3/4" lines. The head height is exactly 4.5' from my sump to my drilled return holes. Using a M1, my flow rate at 100% pump speed was slightly over 1400 gph. MEASURED. That is significantly under the 2000 gph. rated flow. The number pretty well matches the published flow rate for that height per the Eco Tech head/flow chart. If you want to max out around 1400 gph., use the M1. If you need more go with the L1. Personally, I wish I would have waited for the L1 now.

RJ

[SPotter]

Originally Posted by rjallen

I have a 120 with your average bends in the return plumbing. Also have a y type check valve. Plumbing out of the pump is 1" to where the return splits into two 3/4" lines. The head height is exactly 4.5' from my sump to my drilled return holes. Using a M1, my flow rate at 100% pump speed was slightly over 1400 gph. MEASURED. That is significantly under the 2000 gph. rated flow. The number pretty well matches the published flow rate for that height per the Eco Tech head/flow chart. If you want to max out around 1400 gph., use the M1. If you need more go with the L1. Personally, I wish I would have waited for the L1 now.

RJ

how can you say in one sentence that is significantly under the rated flow and then say that it matches the published flow rate per the chart? All pump manufacturers publish gph with zero head loss. If you were running at zero head loss then your statement would be accurate.

[Want2BS8ed]

Originally Posted by SPotter

I am running two Vectra L1's on my tank for the closed loop. Each one feeds an OceanMotion 4 way. I did notice a reduction in velocity when I swapped out the pump but I expected that because the pump that was on there prior was much bigger. If the vectras were available when I was doing my closed loops a year ago, instead of spending the money on the OM's I would have bought 4 vectras and had each one plumbed to a max of 2 return outlets and possibly done 3/4" to create a stronger flow coming out.



Is there any way you can reduce the lines to 3/4" or put penductors on the on the outlets in the tank?

Thanks SPotter. The original (or originals I should say, I think I may be the 4th owner) had a single OM on the tank, but it was long gone before I bought the aquarium.

I am using 3/4" Loc-Line in the tank. Would dropping the plumbing from 1" to 3/4" help as well?

M

[rjallen]

Originally Posted by SPotter

how can you say in one sentence that is significantly under the rated flow and then say that it matches the published flow rate per the chart? All pump manufacturers publish gph with zero head loss. If you were running at zero head loss then your statement would be accurate.

Perhaps I did not make myself clear. I was really speaking to the poster of the sub thread about choice of a M1 or L1. Another poster stated the rated flow of 2000 gph. I was simply explaining his flow would be far less than rated max flow rate and detailed finding about my tank. This was not a hit on the Vectra Pump. Just an explanation of real world facts.

RJ

[ClownsRCoo]

I think he misunderstood your post because I took it exactly how you meant it.

[SPotter]

Yeah sounded like a knock to me sorry

[ClownsRCoo]

Well I ordered the bigger one. Thanks for the input

[mfinn]

Originally Posted by rjallen

. Another poster stated the rated flow of 2000 gph.
RJ

And I figured the OP would know about headloss.
I wasn't trying to create facts that weren't there or mis-represent it.

Most people when recommending a pump will say what the max advertised gph is.

Like I could have said Eheim 1262 with a 910 gph rate.

[mfinn]

Originally Posted by ClownsRCoo

Well I ordered the bigger one. Thanks for the input

I'll bet you are going to be stoked with it.
I am with mine.

[rjallen]

Originally Posted by mfinn

And I figured the OP would know about headloss.
I wasn't trying to create facts that weren't there or mis-represent it.

Most people when recommending a pump will say what the max advertised gph is.

Like I could have said Eheim 1262 with a 910 gph rate.

Boy getting it from both sides today! I knew you from previous conversations but some folks will latch on to a number....especially when it would same some bucks. I just wanted to make sure the poster had all the information he needed to decide for himself. Did not fo,r a minute, think you were trying to deceive for a minute. I am the one who could not wait and opted for the M1.

RJ

[mfinn]

Originally Posted by rjallen

Boy getting it from both sides today! I knew you from previous conversations but some folks will latch on to a number....especially when it would same some bucks. I just wanted to make sure the poster had all the information he needed to decide for himself. Did not fo,r a minute, think you were trying to deceive for a minute. I am the one who could not wait and opted for the M1.

RJ

This is just going wrong all the way around. I meant nothing by what I said.
I wasn't trying to be confrontational.

God, I hate keyboards and black and white text sometimes.

[mfinn]

I think there is good information here and don't want to be negative in any way.
I apologize if I sounded that way.