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Ecotech Vectra Review
Last updated on November 17th, 2023
Ecotech Vectra Return Pumps
The Ecotech Vectra line of return pumps is known for their quality and efficiency. They are a quiet, yet powerful DC return pump that fits most applications. There are flow mode features as well as connectivity to both the Ecotech ReefLink as well as the WXM for the Neptune Apex for scheduled control.
Ecotech Vectra Flow Rates
The Vectra comes in 3 sizes, each with proportional flow rates, as seen below.
| Model | Maximum Flow | Maximum Head Pressure |
| S2 | 1,400 GPH | 11.5 ft |
| M2 | 2,000 GPH | 21.5 ft |
| L2 | 3,100 GPH | 21.5 ft |
The different flow rates provide an option for nearly any size of home aquarium, large or small.
Ecotech Vectra Features
The Vectra line has wave profiles such as the Reef Crest, Lagoon, and Gyre as modes made famous by the VorTech product line. Though it is nice that these features are available, they are only good in closed loop systems (both inlet and outlet are in the main tank). This is because both your sump and in-line systems do not have much advantage to varying the flow patterns. In fact, if the flow drops too low, it could start a back siphon and lead to excess stress on the pump.
The one feature that might be important is the Feed Mode option. This, like the VorTech pumps, lowers the flow strength for a short period of time while you feed your fish. One really cool factor of the feed mode on the Vectra line is that it let's you calibrate the feed mode to prevent the risk of a back siphon. Additionally, you can increase or decrease the flow strength based on a schedule using the Mobius App from your Smart Phone, using Bluetooth.
Quieter than Competitors
Though the price point is much higher than other pumps on the market, the Ecotech Vectra series is nearly silent in comparison. A low cost ~$150 USD pump used as a backup, which pumps 2,000 GPH was loud enough that even with the tank in the basement, I could hear it on the opposite end of the house on the ground level. The Vectra L1 and Vectra L2 pumps, pushing about 3,000 GPH, seems silent. I can’t hear it at night at all! To me, this in itself makes it worth the extra couple hundred dollars.
Ecotech Battery Backup
Similar to the rest of the Ecotech products, the Vectra line supports using the Ecotech Battery Backup when used with the Vectra Battery Backup Booster. This provides ease of mind should you lose power, that your aquarium's return pump will continue to run. This battery backup is also compatible with the VorTech line to help keep your reef alive when you loose power.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Just like any other return pump, you will need to clean the impeller on occasion. Ecotech recommends at least every 6 months, however, I would recommend every 2 to 3 months. I had a Vectra L1 that I went to clean at the 6 month mark and the pump had begun to fail. Upon trying to remove the impeller to clean, per the Ecotech instructions, the impeller would not come out and I had to contact customer support.
Though I cannot say the maintenance duration was the cause of the failure, simply cleaning the impeller every 2 or 3 months will keep your mind at ease as well as increasing the life of the return pump. Cleaning the Vectra consists of simply opening up the outer case by removing the 4 bolts and pulling out the impeller. Cleaning the impeller with RO water and a toothbrush will be sufficient in most cases.
Customer Service Experience
Though my experience had the negative impact of a failing return pump, the Ecotech Customer Service experience was amazing to work with! They promptly sent a replacement Vectra L2 and a box with a return label to send the broken pump back. I had a positive experience resolving the issue with Ecotech a timely fashion.
Reef Stable Rating:
I would give the Ecotech Vectra a solid 4 out of 5 Stars! The high flow rate, and super quiet volume make this pump worth every penny. The customer service experience with Ecotech themselves also contributes to this score! Unfortunately, I did have to remove a star as the pump did fail, and when attempting to clean, was ceased. Overall, if powerful flow and quiet operation are important to you, this return pump is for you! Though there are extra features, you will likely find you won’t use them, and should not use them as a decision maker.
About the Author
John Krenzer
John is a Software Engineer with a passion for saltwater aquariums, as well as the founder and president of Reef Stable. He started in the aquarium hobby as a child with a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium. His interest in aquarium life grew and in 2008, John set up his first saltwater aquarium.
Today, John maintains an over 300 gallon reef tank system, consisting of a 120g reef and a 210g reef. These large tanks are contained within the same system, sharing a sump as a means to reduce total maintenance and increase total water volume.
John writes articles for the blog as a means to learn about more reef aquarium topics. These articles act as a reference for the readers as well as himself. John updates these articles frequently to provide additional information or make corrections as new information becomes available.
If you would like to request an article, tank tour article, or to collaborate, let me know via the Contact Me Page!
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