Reef Octopus VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) fit check
Reef Octopus VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) is a DC return pump rated 1,720 GPH at zero head with 13 ft maximum head, drawing 65W. If plumbing cuts flow roughly in half, it delivers about 860 GPH, a 5-10x turnover for roughly 85-170 gallon systems.
Reef Octopus VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH): fits roughly 75-180 gallon systems. Specs, compatibility math, sizing risks, and alternatives before…
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ 75-180 gallon systems, per the catalog fit range.
- ✓ Roughly 85-170 gallon systems at 5-10x turnover after typical head loss.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under about 75 gallons; it is sized above them.
- ✕ Systems over about 180 gallons without adding capacity elsewhere.
- ✕ Plumbing runs approaching 13 ft of head, where flow drops toward zero.
Listed features
- controller and float switch included
- Apex compatible
Compatibility math
Head-loss margin
Example: A 95g system usually wants about 950-1,900 rated GPH if plumbing cuts flow roughly in half.
Return pumps are judged by delivered flow, not only the zero-head box rating.
Risk notes
- Box-rating GPH is measured at zero head. Real stands, elbows, valves, and plumbing cut that number down.
Professional fit context
- Check flow chart, head pressure, controllability, plumbing size, and quiet-mode range.
- Reef Octopus VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) fits roughly 75-180 gallon systems; confirm that range against the final display volume, sump volume, and livestock plan.
Alternatives to compare
- Jebao DCP-6500 Sine Wave Return Pump
1,710 GPH vs 1,720: less flow for smaller systems.
- EcoTech Marine Vectra M1 DC Return Pump (2000 GPH)
2,000 GPH vs 1,720: more flow.
- EcoTech Marine Vectra M2 Mobius DC Return Pump (2000 GPH)
2,000 GPH vs 1,720: more flow.
Full spec snapshot
- Category
- Return Pumps
- Build tier
- Balanced
- Estimated price
- $429
- Tank fit range
- fits roughly 75-180 gallon systems
- Format
- DC Return Pump
- Maximum flow
- 1,720 GPH
Related reading
Questions
How much flow does the Reef Octopus VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) deliver after head loss?
It is rated 1,720 GPH at zero head and stops near 13 ft. With roughly half lost to plumbing, plan on about 860 GPH delivered, which ReefCrafter treats as enough for 85-170 gallon systems (a 170-gallon system wants 850-1,700 GPH delivered).
What tank size is the Reef Octopus VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) for?
ReefCrafter's catalog fit range for it is 75-180 gallon systems. Confirm that against your final display volume, sump volume, and livestock plan rather than the box label alone.
What should I compare the Reef Octopus VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) against?
Jebao DCP-6500 Sine Wave Return Pump (1,710 GPH vs 1,720: less flow for smaller systems); EcoTech Marine Vectra M1 DC Return Pump (2000 GPH) (2,000 GPH vs 1,720: more flow); EcoTech Marine Vectra M2 Mobius DC Return Pump (2000 GPH) (2,000 GPH vs 1,720: more flow).
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