Reef Octopus Varios 4 Vs Ecotech Vectra S2

[Canadianeh]

I bought Red Sea Reefer 250 and I am considering one of these pumps. I like that Varios 4 comes with sensor that detect water level in the sump and shut off the pump if it dry and works with Neptune system.
I like Vectra built quality and wireless ready system.

I will add Neptune in the far distance future. Which pump is the best performance overall?

 

[TORX]

Varios 4 Max Flow: 1050 GPH $384.74
Varios 6 Max Flow: 1720 GPH $438.74

Vectra M1 Max Flow: 2000 GPH $499.00

I like the options of the Varios. I am personally a Ecotech guy. If you are looking at an Apex and depending on the connectivity of the 2, then by far go for the Varios. Ecotech does not have the float switch, however with an Apex you can use a BOB (Break Out Box) and use your own switch that would turn off the outlet if triggered. I would probably bump up to the Varios 6 rather then the 4 though.

Then I just realized that the 250 is 54 gallons. You can probably step it down to the S1 or the Varios 2 and save a few more dollars. I ran my M1 at 50% or less on my 120 gallon.

 

[Canadianeh]

Varios 4 Max Flow: 1050 GPH $384.74
Varios 6 Max Flow: 1720 GPH $438.74

Vectra M1 Max Flow: 2000 GPH $499.00

I like the options of the Varios. I am personally a Ecotech guy. If you are looking at an Apex and depending on the connectivity of the 2, then by far go for the Varios. Ecotech does not have the float switch, however with an Apex you can use a BOB (Break Out Box) and use your own switch that would turn off the outlet if triggered. I would probably bump up to the Varios 6 rather then the 4 though.

Then I just realized that the 250 is 54 gallons. You can probably step it down to the S1 or the Varios 2 and save a few more dollars. I ran my M1 at 50% or less on my 120 gallon.

Red Sea 250 is 65 gallon system total.

So it looks like Varios is more versatile?

 

[Matt1997]

I run Ecotech in my Reefer. I use a 3rd and 4th optical sensor on the FMM module to detect low sump volume. When sump volume is low pump outlet shuts down if sensor remains open for 5 minutes. You can add another command to turn on ATO in case lowest optical sensor is open. Let ATO run for 2-4 minutes then have it shut down when upper sensor is reached or if it remains on. This allows for redundancy in case you forget to turn the ATO back on after water change or if ATO is empty.

 

[Canadianeh]

On different topic what would be good lighting option for Red Sea 250?

Mostly will be soft coral and LPS and maybe little SPS

 

[Jason Bell]

Everyone has their preferences, I like the AI Primes for cost and ease of use, that was my plan when upgrading to larger tank.

 

[Canadianeh]

I guess LED lights now have come so far and can meet SPS need? I read mix reviews on AI. I like the new Kessil A360 but the price is almost the same as Radion 30 pro so it is better to go with Radion instead. I don’t know I am doing this very slow and want to do it right.

 

[TORX]

Almost every coral shop and coral restoration project uses LED now. They have proven to work across many projects. Typically they are using Radions but most LED can grow almost anything. The main issue is that it is more then lighting that affects growth. Many people blame lighting for poor growth when typically it can be tracked back to poor husbandry or other issue. Even a bad schedule with people no knowing how to use LED

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[Luke.]

I’ve ran kessil lights for 4 years now , good lights but if I’m 100% honest I might of had 2 lemon lights they failed shortly after the warranty, but I do have 1 that’s 2 1/2 years old ,

I will be setting up a 120 with ais and 2 single t5s not the cheapest rout , but more beneficial for the corals

 

[Canadianeh]

True. There are many other factors that contribute to coral growth. I think I will go with Radion g4 30. Can I go with only one unit on my Red Sea 250?

 

[Painter Steve]

I’m running a Radion XR15 with the aquatic life T5 hybrid on the Reefer 170 and with just the XR15 running I notice it’s not a big enough spread for the tank. On a 36” I think you might run into the same issue with 1 XR30. 2 XR15 might work better for an even spread.

 

[TORX]

True. There are many other factors that contribute to coral growth. I think I will go with Radion g4 30. Can I go with only one unit on my Red Sea 250?

That would be pushing it just past its limit IMHO and lead to spot lighting and a lot of shadowing. Personally I would do 2 XR15

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