Hey everyone!
So it's been almost a full day with the COR 15. Put it on the tank last night. Here's my update in regards to all of this.
First, I want to retract the statement I made about the M1. It uses 4 bolts just like the COR 15. They are a bit harder to put on though, as they have a nut on the backside. This is, however, a better design, because if you strip any threads you can replace the nut and not have to replace the pump. After opening up the M1 to clean it out for storage, the internals seem to look very similar, and comparing one or the other for ease of cleaning is splitting hairs.
Secondly, I also want to retract the size comment. Although the M1 appears to be larger, they both use up about the same real estate in the sump.
Thirdly, I did not notice a difference in the sound. The COR is VERY quite, and if it's any quieter than the M1, you'd need to have some kind of isolated test with a DB meter to notice the difference.
The funky plumbing issue was solved using their 1 and 1/4" union and a 1 and 1/4" to 3/4" adapter to put in my barb. I than cut the tube and reinstalled in the sump.
Here's the COR plumbed:
Also, both pumps have wires that attach the same way from the controller box. For those of you who have MP10s, 40s, etc.. you know that the pump motor does not disconnect from the controller box which makes fishing wires through very challenging. In one instance when putting an MP10 on my nano, I didn't have a hole large enough in my desk to fit either part of the MP10, so I had to open up the controller box and manually disconnect the wire from the circuit board. It was easy, but if you aren't tech savy, you'll be annoyed. Regardless neither of these pumps have this issue. It is worth saying that the COR 15 does not require a bulky transformer and a plug outlet. This is a huge advantage when having a ton of wires in tight spaces (as I have), but the COR 20, requires separate power, so this issue is only an advantage with the COR 15.
Ok, onto some more notes.
The COR 15 was easy to plug into the 1link and configure via Fusion. What is annoying is that every time I click the gear to check it's settings, it takes me here:
https://www.screencast.com/t/5nEs6MPF8MQ
I then click Basic View and this is the programming I wrote that I need manually:
https://www.screencast.com/t/ULDaSf5G3n08
Luckily I won't need to go in here this often at all. I do however still need to explore its auto level and alarms feature, but for the purposes of comparison between the M1 and the COR, I'll leave that off of here.
I do like how I can manually set the numbers, 60 is my %. My vortech ran at 40%, so the COR is a little less powerful. With that said, it has no issues running the water level where it can:
Run my Vertext CA Reactor off of a 1/4" hose.
Run my Vertex 1.5L Reactor off of a 1/2" pipe.
Run my 3/4" return line to two 1/2" loc-line flare nozzels, and 1" full siphon into a rollermat. When I am looking at my tank, I can't notice a difference in this pump vs. the M1.
But, here's the biggest difference of all and my final thoughts. The quality of support you get from EcoTech Marine vs. Neptune is astronomically better. I can call EcoTech and have a resolution and a new product shipped out to me within minutes. They understand that our tanks are our babies, and they will gladly send out replacements parts for free or discounted rates even if you mess up! One time, I had to cut an anemone free from an MP10, they sent me a brand new wet side free of charge! Neptune would never do this. I have been troubleshooting an ATK issue for over a week to the point where BRS just sent me a new ATK and said they'd deal with Neptune. They made me send them proof of purchase, serial numbers, and do hours and hours of sensor tests to the point where I just got frustrated and told them to kick rocks. I do a lot of RMAs with Neptune Systems because I am an installer, and every time the process is so painful. Often times they don't even cover return shipping. So, because of this, I would NEVER EVER EVER go with a COR with out having a back up return pump... EVER.
But, I do recommend always having a backup return pump even with the M1 in case I need to swap parts.
The only thing I don't know is how well the COR will perform time. I've had the M1 on my tank for 13 months. I haven't cleaned it once, and only after 13 months did it need a cleaning because it was making a sound (you know you get tubeworms and all kinds of filter feeders that grow inside).
I'll update this thread in a year to see how we are doing.
Here's a recap of the products, from my perspective each category and winner in each. I will say in short, you won't go wrong with either pump, and I'd say it's really a matter of personal preference. Note, if you have to push a COR to 100% power to get the flowrate you want, that's never a good idea and should either go with a COR-20 or the M1.
Bang for Buck: M1 (don't need a 1 link)
Power: M1
Ease of Install: Tie
Noise Level: Tie (both almost silent)
Controllable: COR
Use of Electricity: COR (uses less)
Features: COR
Footprint of Pump: Tie
Footprint of Wires: Tie, because if you use a 1link for something else, like a Dos, the COR is for you, if you don't need or have use for a 1link, the M1 wins.
Aesthetic: M1 (who chose orange and grey, like really?)
Failure Notifications: COR (M1 does not have any emergency notification features)
Support: M1 (I can't re-iterate enough how bad Neptune's support is)
Reliability: TBD
Here's an FTS of my tank during a water change:
Anyone have any questions?
