New EcoTech Marine Vectra Return Pump

[aronj2]

i have a rebadged bldc on my bbk250 skimmer with needle wheel.
its the 1400gph base.. now thats when it becomes interresting

[GroktheCube]

Originally Posted by 805reef

L1 – 2” input, 1 ½” output (with quick coupler 1 ½” slip input, 1” slip output)
M1 – 1 ½”, input, 1 ¼” output (with quick coupler 1“ slip input, ¾” slip output)

I like the idea of the included quick connecter but I wouldn't use them myself because of the downsizing in pipe.

Where did you dig up that info? Is the larger output MPT?

[805reef]

Originally Posted by GroktheCube

Where did you dig up that info? Is the larger output MPT?

From this post by gcarrol: http://s.reefcentral.com/forums/show...&postcount=140

It originated from the video interview RB did with ecotech

In this video is also where they make it pretty clear that the Vectra pumps are not just the same rebranded Chinese pumps like people in this thread keep saying...

[GroktheCube]

Great, thanks. I have a pre-order on an M1 in with Premium Aquatics, and I'm trying to get as much plumbed as I can before it arrives. Glad I didn't glue everything with 3/4" yet...

[savanyo]

Originally Posted by 805reef

From this post by gcarrol:
In this video is also where they make it pretty clear that the Vectra pumps are not just the same rebranded Chinese pumps like people in this thread keep saying...

It's clear the ETM Vectra pumps are not based on the Jebao/Waveline/other pumps that would be classified as the "rebranded Chinese pumps".

Nevertheless, the Vectra pump does appear to share the same motor block design as the Abyzz and Deepwater Aquatics pumps. I don't think this is a bad thing. Everything I read about those pumps are good.

[805reef]

Originally Posted by savanyo

It's clear the ETM Vectra pumps are not based on the Jebao/Waveline/other pumps that would be classified as the "rebranded Chinese pumps".

Nevertheless, the Vectra pump does appear to share the same motor block design as the Abyzz and Deepwater Aquatics pumps. I don't think this is a bad thing. Everything I read about those pumps are good.

In the video they say that the motor block housing is the same (to keep costs down) but the insides are their own design. The 36v coil compared to the 24v

edit: now maybe they are just lying but it sounds like there is a different and gcarrol agreed. That was enough to convince me.

[fredro]

Anyone have a definite shipping date? I have a preorder through TB Aquatics and was wondering when they'll be in their way, seeing the "Shipping: Early August" estimate on the site is obviously inaccurate.

[GroktheCube]

I spoke with Premium Aquatics a couple days ago, and they told me that Ecotech said early next week at the very latest. We shall see.

[jmm]

Anybody heard anything lately?

[rjallen]

BRS still shows pre order only. MD shows in stock....at least before you check out. I really doubt they actually have it in house but probably know exact date of expected arrival. If you are sure I suggest you go ahead a do a pre-order to insure you don't miss the first boat. Fairly sure vendors will receive first shipments in the next few days.


RJA

[gcarroll]

Nice review video! This thing is crazy silent. Thanks for the link Kevin.

[this is me]

M1 Flow vs Head


L1 Flow vs. Head


I have some decision to make here. I'll be only pumping up 5'. Not sure to go with 2xM1 or 1xL1. Tank will be ~360gallons.

[gcarroll]

For those that don't understand just how quiet this pump is. Each 10db change is a factor of 10. That means that the Ecotech pump is nearly 100x quieter than the Waveline. That is just insane!

[soulpatch]

Curious on which to get should I go with the ecotech and want some more experienced reefers input. I will be going into my first sump system from my AIO so all new to me.

Basically I will be pumping up to my 93 cube and splitting into a manifold for at least 2 reactors and a UV system. I will most likely plumb 5 outputs to give myself space to grow should I need. With having about 5 feet of height and running these other items would I be able to get by with the M1 or would I need to go to the L1?

The overflow is going to be a synergy reef overflow box capable of up to 1500 GPH though I do not anticipate that level of turnover on a smaller cube.

[Johnseye]

Just got news that the pumps were shipped to retailers today. I expect them to be shipped out to us some time next week. Only 25 days later than expected.

[rjallen]

Now it can be told.......BRS got their shipment late last night and have a few left over from from pre-sales for sale [B]TODAY
Just bought one will let all know how it goes.


RJA

[goldenservices3]

The rated voltage of a motor is the voltage at which it operates at peak efficiency. Most DC motors can be operated somewhat above or below their range, but it’s best to plan to operate them at their rated voltage. Dropping below rated voltage reduces the motor’s power, and operating above the rated voltage may burn the motor out. Plan on the motor’s top speed being at rated voltage, and slowest speed at no more than 50% less than the rated voltage.

[goldenservices3]

http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/e...tes/00905a.pdf

[ca1ore]

Originally Posted by gcarroll

For those that don't understand just how quiet this pump is. Each 10db change is a factor of 10. That means that the Ecotech pump is nearly 100x quieter than the Waveline. That is just insane!

At 23db, it's effectively silent ..... Wow!

[rjallen]

As mentioned above, I just ordered Vectra M1 from BRS. While the compression fittings look nice and might work for some, I use soft vinyl 1"tubing to connect from my return pump to my hard plumbing. Thus, I must use a barb fitting. On my old pump, a Mag 18, also with a 3/4" return, I use a reducing bushing to connect the 3/4" to 1" then use the 1" barb fitting and 1" vinyl tubing. I do this because the barb fitting further reduces flow because of its design.

L1 – 2” input, 1 ½” output (with quick coupler 1 ½” slip input, 1” slip output)
M1 – 1 ½”, input, 1 ¼” output (with quick coupler 1“ slip input, ¾” slip output

Since the M1, above, goes from 1.25 to 3/4, a barb fitting will further reduce the flow to something just slightly larger than 1/2". Using a 1" barb fitting keeps restriction to a minimum.

I wanted to bypass the Ecotech Compression fitting and use the external threads of the 1.25" outflow. Actually, I would have loved to use a 1.25" barb fitting but they are very rare around here. BRS does not carry 1.25 fittings but they tried a test fit for me. Seems like the external fittings on the pump are NOT NPT. Wow, just like all the other European and Asian DC pumps and all the trouble to plumb the non-standard foreign connections.

It appears to me the pump body is NOT manufactured for or by Ecotech.
Called Ecotech and Talked with "Tim". I wanted to confirm the outflow w/o the compression fitting was indeed 1.25" and what type of thread standard the pump uses. Tim did not know his product. Had to ask the simple question 4 times. Was put on hold [3 times I think] while Tim sought help. First time he told me the outflow was 3/4 without the comprehension fitting!. Had him try again. Finally he did confirm the 1.25" size but could not find anyone who could [or would?] tell him the thread type.

You know, I have heard for years about the great customer service from Ecotech Marine. I hope this is not a typical experience.

I think the thread is some type of metric which will make the Vectra even more difficult to plumb . My pump has shipped but not sure I will keep it.

RJ

[EcoTech Marine]

Originally Posted by rjallen

I think the thread is some type of metric which will make the Vectra even more difficult to plumb . My pump has shipped but not sure I will keep it.

RJ-

The pump uses a BSP thread which threads just fine with NPT adapters from every big box store that we tried. Use teflon tape. We also have instock FBSP to Sch40 slip adapters which will show on our parts store within a few days.

Within the next few weeks we will have a bunch of useful plumbing fittings to select including barbs and strainers.

Sorry about our customer service in this case. The pump has just launched and we have to bring all of our staff up to speed on all of the ins and outs.

[naterealbig]

Kudos once again to Ecotech Marine for the straight-forward follow up. The embedded video in gcarrols last post clearly shows the host connecting thread to slip PVC bushing to the outlet of the pump. Great to know there will be fittings readily available for purchase for custom jobs! Definitely getting one of these to replace my 2 return pumps.

[rjallen]

Tim

First thank you for the very prompt reply. I believe BST stands for British Standard Thread? Good to know NPT female would work but it is even better you will carry the adapters. I know Jake was also very interested in them. Is there anyway I can go ahead and order a a BST female threaded bushing to 1" slip [thread would be ok too]. Then I can use a slip 1" schedule 80 barb. I think I can, with difficulty find a 1.25" to 1" slip. I live in western North Dakota and big box stores are 127 miles one way. If you would ....could you give me a name of someone in customer service that is familiar with plumbing issues at Echotech. If you wish, feel free to pm me or have someone take care of it on Monday.

Thanks again

RJ

[coastalexotics]

You might find the info I posted in this thread helpful for these pumps if you wish to adapt without using the provided fittings.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2487626
I can confirm this works great, as this install runs on 1" PVC. Now the big question is, are these Eco tech pumps more quite then the manufacture of their "housing" version pumps aka Deepwater but they won't be the only ones in time I'm sure contract or not. They rushed to market, probably to get the sales before Eco Tech launches. Doing so clueless on the actual product and had no clue fitting were BSP. You have no choice but to buy another fitting of some kind to even use their pumps! I'd love to see/do a comparison of these two pumps just for noise factor alone. If you have a Deepwater most likely you can swap these pumps without changing any plumbing!

[GroktheCube]

Originally Posted by EcoTech Marine

RJ-

The pump uses a BSP thread which threads just fine with NPT adapters from every big box store that we tried. Use teflon tape. We also have instock FBSP to Sch40 slip adapters which will show on our parts store within a few days.

Within the next few weeks we will have a bunch of useful plumbing fittings to select including barbs and strainers.

Sorry about our customer service in this case. The pump has just launched and we have to bring all of our staff up to speed on all of the ins and outs.

Why did you guys use BSP threading instead of NPT? Did you guys use the housing from an Asian/European DC pump?