Octo VarioS 6 Controllable Return Pump
SKU: VARIOS-6
MSRP: $ 450.44
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Available Through Authorized Retailer
- Controllable DC Efficiency: Operates on a safe, energy-efficient 36V DC motor architecture, offering 5 preset speed levels to perfectly tune your sump return.
- Safety Float Switch Included: Outfitted with a plug-and-play water level float sensor that instantly triggers auto-shutdown protocols if water levels shift dangerously.
- Universal 0-10V Automation: Built-in 0-10V input port enables direct external control by systems like the Neptune Apex or CoralVue HYDROS without extra modules.
- Rotatable Output Volute: The directional pump volute can be rotated in 90-degree intervals to support vertical or horizontal plumbing configurations.
- Submersible or Dry Setup: Advanced operational engineering allows for complete submersion inside a sump compartment or external inline deployment.
- True Slow Startup Profile: Implements a protective 10-second electronic ramp-up from zero RPM to full assigned speed to shield plumbing joints from water hammer shock.
Reef Octopus
Globally trusted for premium protein skimmers and pumps, engineered in-house for unmatched reef filtration performance.
Reef Octopus VarioS 6 Controllable DC Water Pump
The Reef Octopus VarioS 6 Return Pump (SKU: OCT-VARIOS6) is a premium, high-volume, variable-speed direct current (DC) circulation pump engineered to deliver silent, ultra-efficient performance for large marine reef and freshwater aquariums. Unlike rigid, single-speed alternating current (AC) legacy pumps that bleed excessive heat into the water column and draw high operational wattages, the VarioS 6 utilizes an intelligent, high-torque 36V brushless motor. Pushing up to 1,902 GPH with a maximum static head height of 16.0 feet, this responsive pump gives you complete mastery over your aquarium's baseline water turnover rates, saving electricity while performing nearly silently under your display stand.
The defining operational distinction of the VarioS 6 is its specialized Integrated Safety & Automation Controller. Outfitted with an external control pad, the pump allows users to step through 5 distinct speed modes and cycle through dual independent feed delays (15 or 60 minutes) with the press of a physical tactile button. For ironclad system safety, Reef Octopus bundles an electronic float switch sensor that plugs straight into the controller housing. This sensor can protect your aquarium by shutting down the pump if your sump compartment water drops too low or rises too high, mitigating the threat of dry-running motor failure or catastrophic display overflows. Hand-machined with a high-purity ceramic shaft and matching propeller bearing to optimize long-term friction resistance, the VarioS 6 serves as the reliable core of modern, automated filtration networks.
Key Features
Intelligent Central Integration: The onboard 0-10V connection turns the controller into a clean translation interface, letting centralized apps dictate variable daily flow schedules.
Rotatable Directional Volute: Effortlessly accommodates unique cabinet layouts by altering the physical plumbing output path to point up, down, or sideways.
Comprehensive Plumbing Kit: Ships complete with standard 1.25-inch slip PVC unions for solid hard-piping and a versatile stepped barb fitting for flexible vinyl tubes.
Thermal Protection Failsafes: Built-in internal cooling channels maintain continuous temperature normalization across the rotor to guard against overheating.
Memory Function Restoration: Retains its exact pre-configured speed stage and operational logic even if an unexpected residential power outage cuts the main grid line.
System Capacity Turnover Guidelines
Mixed Reef Systems: Up to 190 Gallons (Assumes 10x hourly turnover standard)
SPS Dominant Environments: Up to 125 Gallons (Assumes high-turnover filtration loops)
System Capacity Handling
Heavy Demand (Packed SPS Reef): 125 Gallons
Medium Demand (Mixed Reef): 190 Gallons
Light Demand (Fish-Only Display): 300+ Gallons
What’s Included:
(1) Reef Octopus VarioS 6 Return Pump Unit
(1) Detached Multi-Function 5-Speed Controller with Mount
(1) Safety Water Level Float Switch Sensor
(1) 36V Power Supply Unit (PSU) with Cable
(1) 1.25 in Slip PVC Output Union Fitting
(1) 1.25 in Slip PVC Input Union Fitting
(1) Stepped Hose Barb Adapter (1 in – 1.25 in)
(1) Protective Intake Strainer Screen Shield
Technical Specs:
Model Name / SKU: VarioS 6 / OCT-VARIOS6
Maximum Volumetric Flow Output: 1,902 GPH (7,200 LPH)
Maximum Static Head Height: 16.0 ft (4.9m)
Peak Electrical Power Draw: 70 Watts
Operating Voltage Matrix: 36V DC
Plumbing Interfaces: 1.25 in Slip PVC (Inlet/Outlet)
Pump Body Dimensions: 6.3 in L x 3.7 in W x 5.5 in H
IMPORTANT: The VarioS 6 pump is NOT pressure-rated, and CANNOT be used in floor-to-floor applications where the pump pushes water from one floor to another.
WARRANTY
CoralVue, Inc. and Reef Octopus hereby guarantee this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of:
- Five (5) year warranty on pump body/housing
- Three (3) year warranty on Reef Octopus-branded controller
- One (1) year warranty on Power Supply, Impeller (and components), Rotor, Rear Bushing, and Gaskets
Warranty is activated on the date of purchase.
This Standard Limited Warranty applies and is limited as follows:
- To the product only as long as it remains in the possession of the original purchaser.
- To the product that has not been subject to accident, misuse or abuse.
- To the product that has not been modified, altered, defaced, or had repairs made or attempted by other than CoralVue, Inc.
- That CoralVue be immediately notified in writing within ten (10) days of first knowledge of defect by owner or his agent.
- That CoralVue, Inc. shall be given first opportunity to make any repairs, replacements or corrections to the defective construction within a reasonable period of time.
- Under no circumstances shall CoralVue and/or the Manufacturer be liable by virtue of this warranty or otherwise for damage to any person or property whatsoever for any special, indirect, secondary or consequential damages of any nature however arising out of the use or inability to use because of the product defect.
- Decide whether you are running the VarioS 6 as a submersible pump inside your sump or externally plumbing it inline, and fit the matching intake screen or union.
- Align the rotatable volute housing to point toward your primary return pipe run and hand-tighten the structural compression lock collar.
- Plumb the output port to your return manifold using either the provided 1.25-inch slip PVC union or the versatile stepped flexible barb adapter.
- Mount the detached VarioS control cradle onto a dry wall panel inside your equipment stand, away from potential water spray zones.
- Thread the waterproof 3-conductor pump lead and the safety float switch line into the base sockets of the controller interface.
- Submerge the pump completely in water, hook up the 36V power adapter brick to a GFCI wall outlet, and tap the velocity controls to select your target speed setting.
Pro Tips:
- Position Your Float Switch Wisely. Mount the bundled safety float switch directly inside your return pump sump chamber. Position it roughly an inch below your normal running water line but just above the absolute minimum depth line of your pump intake. If your automatic top-off (ATO) reservoir goes dry and evaporation causes the sump level to drop, the sensor will instantly cut power to the VarioS 6, preventing the pump from running dry and overheating.
- Soak the Impeller Quarterly. Moving aquarium water results in micro-friction that causes calcium carbonate (calcium scale) to slowly precipitate inside the motor core. Every 3 months, unscrew the front volute casing, slide out the ceramic shaft and magnetic rotor assembly, and submerge them in a warm bath of citric acid or pure white vinegar. This completely dissolves hidden mineral crusts, preventing startup stutters and preserving near-silent performance.
- Don't Twist the Cord Connector. The connection between the return pump wire and the external controller uses a specialized waterproof union plug. When marrying these two lines together during your initial setup, align the internal keyway pins straight and press them firmly together before screwing down the outer protective plastic locking collar. Forcing or twisting the cord connection while pushing can bend the fine conductive pins, permanently ruining the electrical path.