return pump dead? replacement?

[E46er]

Hey

So my return pump ecotech vectra M1 decided it wanted to stop working the night before I left for holidays so as a typical guy I left everything to the last minute so had no time to look/clean/replace it. I threw my heaters and probes into the display and shut off my ATO and went away. came back today and had a chance to look, the impeller spins effortlessly and the controller is all lit up and can be adjusted but the pump doesnt even try to spin.

Is she dead? this is my first DC pump.

if so whats a good recommendation? Ive been out of the hobby for a couple years when my 250 DD SPS reef blew out and I lost everything. im sure DC pumps have come along ways in last few years.

the tank is between my office and living room so noise is a concern.
its a 6' 180 and will be an SPS reef. return pump runs phos reactor and carbon occasionally. its set up as a herbie drain.

budget is ...... Im willing to pay for quality but don't have 2k for a return pump kinda deal

thanks in advance

 

[Bpb]

If I weren't already set with a return pump, and I needed something under $1000, that could put out 1500-2000 gph, and would last years and years, I'd be purchasing one of the Skimz Leopard Askoll-based AC pumps. Dc controllers are cool and all, but the circuits and power supplies just seem to not last anywhere close to as long as a quality AC pump will. A good one shouldn't be noisy at all. My Eheim 1262 is 3 years old now and is 100% silent. The ambient noise of the refrigerator and air conditioner are louder. Only way I can tell it's on is the flow it produces. Undersized for what you want, but shopping in the same quality range should provide similar or better results


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[D-Nak]

Two things... first, send the M1 in to Ecotech. You may be surprised with the service you receive. I sent mine in and it was out of warranty and without any notice, I got a UPS message stating that a package was coming from Ecotech. The box contained a brand new M1, no questions asked.

Second, as Bpb stated, find yourself an Askoll-based pumps and keep it as a back up. It doesn't matter which one, just that it has the Askoll motor block. I have a Vertex V6, but a Skimz Leopard is fine too. BRS has a really good sale on them right now.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Have an Askol block Max-Flo 2400.
Yours for $100 + shipping.
About a weeks run time.

 

[rjjr1963]

I've been running 2 Jebao DCP 6000 for two years. $100.00 each. I have a replacement sitting on the shelf as well.

 

[wrott]

i will always have 1-2 Mag 18s extra. best pump ever made

 

[trmiv]

As stated definitely contact Ecotech, I’ve always been impressed with their service even with out of warranty things.

But for reliability you can’t beat the askoll pumps or Eheim 1260/1262. My Eheim 1262 has been in service almost continuously since 2006. It has probably been cleaned 4 times in that time and has never failed to start. It’s the one item in my tank I know I don’t have to worry about. And since my reef depends on the things in the sump return pump reliability is super important to me.

 

[trmiv]

Dp—

 

[Joe0813]

I've never once had any issues with my Sicce pumps