New EcoTech Marine Vectra Return Pump

[Eud]

Well, I just got one plus a ReefLink. Had a gift certificate to local reef store from a thoughtful relative. 8)

For those upset about no Apex connectivity, I wonder if we could reverse engineer something. Ecotech RF is just using a ZigBee chipset, maybe someone could watch the communication between ReefLink and Vectra over ZigBee and blast those commands from a different box after telling Apex it's a Vortech...

[mnkykng77]

Originally Posted by rjallen

The M1 would be a great improvement on your 1262. But if you add a manifold, the L1 will give you much more. Problems with a manifold usually come from having not enough volume. You could make it work with the M1 but you might end up with a little less flow through your return.

RJ

I think I'll go with the L1 just in case I upgrade my tank

[mfinn]

Originally Posted by mnkykng77

I think I'll go with the L1 just in case I upgrade my tank

can't go wrong with that.

[Want2BS8ed]

Originally Posted by clynch08

Is it that's the motor isn't that powerful? Or they lose pressure over time? Has anyone else had the same issue? I'm more leaning to the L1 pump

From the outset... I am using an M1 for return on a 120g, simple return and the pump is throttled back 40% and flow is more than adequate. The L1 on the closed loop on the other hand goes through a bit more plumbing and I have been somewhat disappointed in the flow...

If there is any doubt, I would go with the larger of the two.

M

[MelloW33]

My build is in my family room and all equipment is contained under the stand (no fish room or basement). I finally made my water last night and hooked up my Radions, MP40QDs, and Vectra M1. I have to say that I am extremely impressed. Running everything at 100% and my system is so quiet right now that the loudest part is the fans on the Radions...it's that quiet!

[pola0502ds]

Just an FYI for everyone still wondering if they will integrate with Neptune, I just purchased the pump and was not aware that they currently did not support it because they support all the other products from ecotech. So I e-mailed ecotech this morning and this was the response:

"Thank you for contacting EcoTech Marine. Both the L1 and M1 Vectras are not compatible with the Neptune system. As of right now, there are no plans for future compatibility."

I honestly cannot get over that. I just don't understand the reasoning.

[perforator]

I think they feel they are now in competition with Neptune in the pump market. Whatever, I was looking at the L1 but just bought a Waveline instead because it is Apex compatible. Oh well...

[rjallen]

That is unfortunate. Suggest you go back to the earlier posts in this thread. Both Tim Marks [Ecotech] & Terence Fugazzi [Neptune] have posted in this thread about this issue.

Tim indicated Neptune Controlability was a long term goal for the Vectra series but was on the back burner during the role out period. Neptune position has publicly been stated they would, if volume of Vectra sales warranted, want to provide a Vectra control product. They further stated they would need cooperation from Ecotech with program codes.

Believe it is in the interest for both companies to do this but now think it will not happen.

RJ

[burton14e7]

What am I not understanding? BRS has the m1 listed as .75 output but the m1 adapter kit has 1.25 and 1.5 fittings.

[DDon]

Originally Posted by burton14e7

What am I not understanding? BRS has the m1 listed as .75 output but the m1 adapter kit has 1.25 and 1.5 fittings.

The .75 output would be with the blue fitting supplied with the pump. The adapter kit has the larger 1.25

[rjallen]

Originally Posted by burton14e7

What am I not understanding? BRS has the m1 listed as .75 output but the m1 adapter kit has 1.25 and 1.5 fittings.

I know this thread is long but this fact is mentioned several times. The pretty blue fittings REDUCE the diameter. The pump body has the larger opening but use BST threads and are not perfectly compatible with National Pipe Thread American fittings and fittings are provided if you wish to take advantage of larger diameter. Understand, flow and head fittings are WITHOUT the pretty blue fittings. Do not want to. Please read the thread if you want more information or call your retailer.

RJ

[burton14e7]

Ah OK, I thought the fittings only fixed the thread issue and not also changed the pipe size.

[Dmorty217]

Im thinking about using a L1 for my closed loop. There isn't much plumbing length I have to worry about but wanted to put 4 penductors on the outlets. Do you think it's powerful enough? Tank is 7ftx6ftx2ft, here is a link to a picture of the CL rough plumbing. 2nd to last picture http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...2519099&page=6
Pump will sit on a shelf right under the manifold.

[acesq]

Originally Posted by Dmorty217

Im thinking about using a L1 for my closed loop. There isn't much plumbing length I have to worry about but wanted to put 4 penductors on the outlets. Do you think it's powerful enough? Tank is 7ftx6ftx2ft, here is a link to a picture of the CL rough plumbing. 2nd to last picture http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...2519099&page=6
Pump will sit on a shelf right under the manifold.

I doubt it will handle that application very well. Send a PM to Spotter and ask him, I know he is using an L1 for a CL pump. I know you would be happy with the RD3 230W, but its more than double the price, so there's that to consider.

[mfinn]

I'm very happy with My L1 that I replaced a reeflo dart/snapper with on my closed loop.
There may be a small trade off in total flow, but like they say silence is golden.

[AZRippster]

This is an interesting read:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2549466

[rjallen]

Originally Posted by mfinn

I'm very happy with My L1 that I replaced a reeflo dart/snapper with on my closed loop.
There may be a small trade off in total flow, but like they say silence is golden.

Great to hear how happy your are. Glad we all could be of help.

RJ

[greaps]

How is the controllable variable speed useful as a return pump? I have a normal DC pump, and I only use the feed mode, otherwise I would need to adjust the gate valve on the full siphon line.

[rjallen]

Originally Posted by greaps

How is the controllable variable speed useful as a return pump? I have a normal DC pump, and I only use the feed mode, otherwise I would need to adjust the gate valve on the full siphon line.

You are right; changing pump speeds will cause issues with a full siphon. However, one way I use the variable speed feature- within a certain range you can roughly set your drain valve then "fine turne" slow or speed up your pump until you get your full siphon and quiet operatioin. I raise or lower the speed 1 or 2% at a time and watch, listen the results. It is much easier than leaning behind my tank and adjusting the valve. I can do the tuning from my computer console with pump speed adjustment.

For those of you who use a Waveline. I have found, using my Apex I can get something like the Vectra slow down but not stopping during feed mode. With the Waveline, for Apex control, you set the Waveline controller at its slowest speed. The Apex can increase or decrease pump speed in very small increments but if you go to zero, the OEM controller takes over at that lowest speed setting. You can't get an equilibrium like you can with the Vectra line but you can, at least with my system, lower the flow down the drain to almost a complete stop. The pump continues to slowly turn over sending a trickle down the drain. I use this setup during feed mode and it works great.

So these are the two ways I use to operate my DC Variable speed pumps. Lastly, by turning up the speed from my computer, Ican stir things up. I raise my flow to 100% for an hour or so just before changing my filter sock. The extra flow just goes into my secondary Bean Animal drain. When the flow returns to normal, the full siphon is balanced again.

RJ

[ca1ore]

I agree. Might also be possible to eliminate the gate valve from the siphon line. Most people oversize the siphon, and end up having to close the gate quite significantly. On my 90, for example, the full siphon is a 1/2" drain. Haven't tried it, but I bet you could find a setting on the M1 that would balance such a drain without the encumbrance of a valve.

[MelloW33]

I don't know about eliminating the gate valve...I guess it would work if the full siphon capacity at no restriction equals the exact amount of turnover you want.

[ca1ore]

Well, I did say 'might' But who knows, just a different way of thinking about a problem. I'd also argue that identifying the 'right' amount of turnover isn't a particular precise problem as a large range will work. My tank employs a basement sump, so a Vectra won't work for me as my main return pump; but anyone with a stand based sump might find it an interesting experiment.

[green338]

I just bought the M1 Vectra, does anybody know around what percent I should be running it to pump around 790 gph w/ a 3-4' height? I would really appreciate it.

I am connecting it to a Redsea 350 Reefer w/ a recommendation of 790 gph

[slief]

Originally Posted by green338

I just bought the M1 Vectra, does anybody know around what percent I should be running it to pump around 790 gph w/ a 3-4' height? I would really appreciate it.

I am connecting it to a Redsea 350 Reefer w/ a recommendation of 790 gph

You need to also take into consideration friction loss. Things like the type and size of your plumbing, the horizantal length of plumbing, the number of 90* fittings and valves all add to friction loss which adds to your actual head pressure. As such, 3-4' of height doesn't necessarily equate to 3-4' of head pressure.

Here is a good head loss calculator you can use to figure out your actual head pressure. You can choose virtually any pump there to determine your head loss. I would just stick with the default. Once you know your actual head pressure, it will be easier to estimate the pump speed setting to get to your target flow. At 4' of head, it should be about 50% power.
http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php...oss-calculator

[green338]

Originally Posted by slief

You need to also take into consideration friction loss. Things like the type and size of your plumbing, the horizantal length of plumbing, the number of 90* fittings and valves all add to friction loss which adds to your actual head pressure. As such, 3-4' of height doesn't necessarily equate to 3-4' of head pressure.

Here is a good head loss calculator you can use to figure out your actual head pressure. You can choose virtually any pump there to determine your head loss. I would just stick with the default. Once you know your actual head pressure, it will be easier to estimate the pump speed setting to get to your target flow. At 4' of head, it should be about 50% power.
http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php...oss-calculator

I appreciate the fast reply and thanks for leading me to the calculator. I didn't realize other factors that contribute to loss, but it does make sense now.

This is my readings: Total losses are 19.85 feet of head pressure, or 8.58 PSI. with a flow rate of 1514 GPH. Process took 198 iterations.

Would I be closer to 40% power on the m1 Vectra?

Again, thanks for your time.