Why no talk about Reef Octopus Varios DC pumps?

ktownhero · 11/22/2016, 10:08 AM

I've been mulling over return pumps after not being thrilled with the hum of the typical Eheim and not wanting to spend so much on a Vectra. That brought me to the Reef Octopus Varios pumps which are on sale for a nice middle-of-the-road price right now. But man, there is essentially no good info on them out there. Google results bring little more than standard marketing materials or what are clearly paid "unboxings" (not that an unpaid "unboxing" is useful anyway...)

But based on what I see, these just seem to be great pumps. Power is good, allegedly they are extremely quiet, they come with all of the fittings you need, they come with an emergency shut-off float switch, and they are Apex compatible.

So who here has any experience with these? Would you mind offering some info/impressions? And why the heck isn't there more talk about them? lol.

scooters reef · 11/22/2016, 10:12 AM

Following along on this one

I'm also still undecided on a return pump even with almost everything else settled. I've been leaning to waiting for the Varios-8 that should be out in a few weeks but had the same problem as you, little info from people using a Varios.

Potatohead · 11/22/2016, 10:28 AM

I haven't used one, but I imagine they are fine pumps.

Waveline pumps are popular in this type of price range also.

mcgyvr · 11/22/2016, 10:30 AM

A few reviews here..
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pumps-...f-octopus.html

If BRS has them then they are usually popular/good..
There are just tons of "DC" pumps out there now.. Reef Octopus really doesn't do much if any "marketing" like others do (from what I've seen).. They are kind of a best kept secret.. (not a good thing really as their sales could increase if they could/would market better)

ktownhero · 11/22/2016, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

A few reviews here..
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pumps-...f-octopus.html

If BRS has them then they are usually popular/good..
There are just tons of "DC" pumps out there now.. Reef Octopus really doesn't do much if any "marketing" like others do (from what I've seen).. They are kind of a best kept secret.. (not a good thing really as their sales could increase if they could/would market better)

Yeah I've read all of those reviews, was just hoping to get more forum-like impressions.

ktownhero · 11/22/2016, 02:14 PM

I actually dug up some pretty good info using Google 2 search on other forums

h3dgehog · 11/22/2016, 02:30 PM

I haven't used the new vario series, but I have been running their previous generation literally bought it a few months after the vario was announced (was a bit annoyed).

Anyways, the pump works fine. I probably turn it on/off using my profilux controller at least twice a day and ramp it down/up during water changes. So far the pump has been dead quiet and reliable.

11/22/2016, 10:08 AM	#1
ktownhero Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,426	Why no talk about Reef Octopus Varios DC pumps? I've been mulling over return pumps after not being thrilled with the hum of the typical Eheim and not wanting to spend so much on a Vectra. That brought me to the Reef Octopus Varios pumps which are on sale for a nice middle-of-the-road price right now. But man, there is essentially no good info on them out there. Google results bring little more than standard marketing materials or what are clearly paid "unboxings" (not that an unpaid "unboxing" is useful anyway...) But based on what I see, these just seem to be great pumps. Power is good, allegedly they are extremely quiet, they come with all of the fittings you need, they come with an emergency shut-off float switch, and they are Apex compatible. So who here has any experience with these? Would you mind offering some info/impressions? And why the heck isn't there more talk about them? lol. Last edited by ktownhero; 11/22/2016 at 10:15 AM.

11/22/2016, 10:30 AM	#4
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	A few reviews here.. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pumps-...f-octopus.html If BRS has them then they are usually popular/good.. There are just tons of "DC" pumps out there now.. Reef Octopus really doesn't do much if any "marketing" like others do (from what I've seen).. They are kind of a best kept secret.. (not a good thing really as their sales could increase if they could/would market better) __________________ Who me?

11/22/2016, 02:30 PM	#7
h3dgehog Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Elkhorn, NE Posts: 188	I haven't used the new vario series, but I have been running their previous generation literally bought it a few months after the vario was announced (was a bit annoyed). Anyways, the pump works fine. I probably turn it on/off using my profilux controller at least twice a day and ramp it down/up during water changes. So far the pump has been dead quiet and reliable. __________________ Elos Midi Diamond Line \| ATI Hybrid \| Coral Box D300 \| Profilux Controlled

11/22/2016, 10:12 AM	#2
scooters reef Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 1,124	Following along on this one I'm also still undecided on a return pump even with almost everything else settled. I've been leaning to waiting for the Varios-8 that should be out in a few weeks but had the same problem as you, little info from people using a Varios.

11/22/2016, 10:28 AM	#3
Potatohead Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Vancouver Posts: 1,596	I haven't used one, but I imagine they are fine pumps. Waveline pumps are popular in this type of price range also.

11/22/2016, 02:14 PM	#6
ktownhero Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,426	I actually dug up some pretty good info using Google 2 search on other forums