- Sku: VARIOS-2
- Vendor: Reef Octopus
Reef Octopus Octo VarioS Advanced Controllable DC Water Pump
The Reef Octopus Octo VarioS Advanced Controllable DC Water Pump is a quiet, energy-efficient, and fully controllable pump for your sump return, closed loop, reactors, or manifold. Unlike traditional AC pumps, the VarioS runs on safe low-voltage DC, produces less heat per gallon of flow, and includes a detachable controller with five speeds, feed modes, a float-switch input, and a 0-10V port so a controller like a Neptune Apex can take full command. Five sizes cover systems from nano tanks up to very large reefs. Explore more of our reef and saltwater gear.
How It Works
The VarioS is a variable-speed DC pump. Its controller lets you set the exact flow you need and ramp the pump up gently on start-up to reduce wear. The volute rotates in 90 degree steps so you can orient the output vertically or horizontally, and the whole controller detaches for clean, waterproof plumbing. Because it is DC, it draws far less power than a comparable AC pump.
Features — All Models
Choose Your Size — Model Comparison
Select a model in the tabs below for its full individual spec sheet.
| Spec | VarioS-2 | VarioS-4 | VarioS-6 | VarioS-8 | VarioS-10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Flow | 792 GPH (3,000 L/h) | 1,050 GPH (4,000 L/h) | 1,720 GPH (6,500 L/h) | 2,700 GPH (10,200 L/h) | 4,220 GPH (16,000 L/h) |
| Max Head | 13 ft | 14.7 ft | 16 ft | 18 ft | 29.5 ft |
| Power | 25 W | Not published | 70 W | 98 W | 25 to 200 W |
| Voltage | 24V DC | 24V DC | 36V DC | 36V DC | 36V DC |
| Inlet | 1 in slip PVC | 1 in slip PVC | 1 in slip PVC | 1 in slip PVC | 50 mm 1.5 in PVC union |
| Outlet | 1 in slip PVC and 1/2 to 3/4 in stepped barb | 32 mm 1 in and 3/4 in | 1 in slip PVC and 1/2 to 3/4 in stepped barb | 1 in slip PVC and 1/2 to 3/4 in stepped barb | 40 mm 1.25 in PVC union |
| Dimensions (WxLxH) | 4.75 x 5.7 x 4 in | 3.75 x 5.7 x 5.5 in | 3.75 x 5.7 x 5.5 in | 3.75 x 5.7 x 5.5 in | 5.2 x 8.3 x 6.3 in |
| Pressure Rated | No | No | No | No | Yes, pressure rated |
| Price | $311.84 | $404.24 | $450.44 | $577.49 | $1154.99 |
| SKU | VARIOS-2 | VARIOS-4 | VARIOS-6 | VARIOS-8 | VARIOS-10 |
Detailed Model Specifications
Click a model below to view its complete specification sheet.
VarioS-2 · 792 GPH · 13 ft head
The Reef Octopus VarioS-2 is a controllable DC circulation and return pump rated for 792 GPH at a maximum head of 13 ft. It is a free-flow pump, not pressure rated, so it is ideal as a sump return or for reactors and closed loops rather than second-floor or high-pressure applications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | VARIOS-2 |
| Price | $311.84 |
| Max Flow | 792 GPH (3,000 L/h) |
| Max Head Height | 13 ft |
| Power Consumption | 25 W |
| Voltage | 24V DC |
| Inlet / Input | 1 in slip PVC |
| Outlet / Output | 1 in slip PVC and 1/2 to 3/4 in stepped barb |
| Dimensions (W x L x H) | 4.75 x 5.7 x 4 in |
| Pressure Rated | No |
| Control | Detachable controller, 5 speeds, feed modes, float switch, 0-10V input |
| Includes | Pump, controller, float switch, power supply, PVC unions, stepped barb, intake screen |
| Water Type | Saltwater and freshwater |
| Warranty | 2-year pump, 1-year rotor |
VarioS-4 · 1,050 GPH · 14.7 ft head
The Reef Octopus VarioS-4 is a controllable DC circulation and return pump rated for 1,050 GPH at a maximum head of 14.7 ft. It is a free-flow pump, not pressure rated, so it is ideal as a sump return or for reactors and closed loops rather than second-floor or high-pressure applications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | VARIOS-4 |
| Price | $404.24 |
| Max Flow | 1,050 GPH (4,000 L/h) |
| Max Head Height | 14.7 ft |
| Power Consumption | Not published |
| Voltage | 24V DC |
| Inlet / Input | 1 in slip PVC |
| Outlet / Output | 32 mm 1 in and 3/4 in |
| Dimensions (W x L x H) | 3.75 x 5.7 x 5.5 in |
| Pressure Rated | No |
| Control | Detachable controller, 5 speeds, feed modes, float switch, 0-10V input |
| Includes | Pump, controller, float switch, power supply, PVC unions, stepped barb, intake screen |
| Water Type | Saltwater and freshwater |
| Warranty | 2-year pump, 1-year rotor |
VarioS-6 · 1,720 GPH · 16 ft head
The Reef Octopus VarioS-6 is a controllable DC circulation and return pump rated for 1,720 GPH at a maximum head of 16 ft. It is a free-flow pump, not pressure rated, so it is ideal as a sump return or for reactors and closed loops rather than second-floor or high-pressure applications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | VARIOS-6 |
| Price | $450.44 |
| Max Flow | 1,720 GPH (6,500 L/h) |
| Max Head Height | 16 ft |
| Power Consumption | 70 W |
| Voltage | 36V DC |
| Inlet / Input | 1 in slip PVC |
| Outlet / Output | 1 in slip PVC and 1/2 to 3/4 in stepped barb |
| Dimensions (W x L x H) | 3.75 x 5.7 x 5.5 in |
| Pressure Rated | No |
| Control | Detachable controller, 5 speeds, feed modes, float switch, 0-10V input |
| Includes | Pump, controller, float switch, power supply, PVC unions, stepped barb, intake screen |
| Water Type | Saltwater and freshwater |
| Warranty | 2-year pump, 1-year rotor |
VarioS-8 · 2,700 GPH · 18 ft head
The Reef Octopus VarioS-8 is a controllable DC circulation and return pump rated for 2,700 GPH at a maximum head of 18 ft. It is a free-flow pump, not pressure rated, so it is ideal as a sump return or for reactors and closed loops rather than second-floor or high-pressure applications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | VARIOS-8 |
| Price | $577.49 |
| Max Flow | 2,700 GPH (10,200 L/h) |
| Max Head Height | 18 ft |
| Power Consumption | 98 W |
| Voltage | 36V DC |
| Inlet / Input | 1 in slip PVC |
| Outlet / Output | 1 in slip PVC and 1/2 to 3/4 in stepped barb |
| Dimensions (W x L x H) | 3.75 x 5.7 x 5.5 in |
| Pressure Rated | No |
| Control | Detachable controller, 5 speeds, feed modes, float switch, 0-10V input |
| Includes | Pump, controller, float switch, power supply, PVC unions, stepped barb, intake screen |
| Water Type | Saltwater and freshwater |
| Warranty | 2-year pump, 1-year rotor |
VarioS-10 · 4,220 GPH · 29.5 ft head
The Reef Octopus VarioS-10 is a controllable DC circulation and return pump rated for 4,220 GPH at a maximum head of 29.5 ft. It is pressure rated, making it suitable for high-head and second-floor applications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | VARIOS-10 |
| Price | $1154.99 |
| Max Flow | 4,220 GPH (16,000 L/h) |
| Max Head Height | 29.5 ft |
| Power Consumption | 25 to 200 W |
| Voltage | 36V DC |
| Inlet / Input | 50 mm 1.5 in PVC union |
| Outlet / Output | 40 mm 1.25 in PVC union |
| Dimensions (W x L x H) | 5.2 x 8.3 x 6.3 in |
| Pressure Rated | Yes, pressure rated |
| Control | Detachable controller, 5 speeds, feed modes, float switch, 0-10V input |
| Includes | Pump, controller, float switch, power supply, PVC unions, stepped barb, intake screen |
| Water Type | Saltwater and freshwater |
| Warranty | 2-year pump, 1-year rotor |
Which Model Is Right for You?
VarioS-2 — Nano and small systems, about 792 GPH. A quiet return or manifold pump for AIO and small reef tanks.
VarioS-4 — Small to mid systems, about 1,050 GPH.
VarioS-6 — Mid-size systems, about 1,720 GPH.
VarioS-8 — Large systems, about 2,700 GPH.
VarioS-10 — The powerhouse of the line at about 4,220 GPH and a 29.5 ft head. Unlike the smaller models it is pressure rated, so it suits second-floor and high-head plumbing.
A Note on Pressure
The VarioS-2 through VarioS-8 are high-flow, low-pressure pumps, ideal for sump returns, reactors, and closed loops. They are not intended for second-floor runs or to feed Beckett or downdraft skimmers where steady pressure is required. If you need pressure, choose the pressure-rated VarioS-10.
FAQ
Can I control it with an Apex?
Yes. Every VarioS has a 0-10V input so a Neptune Apex or similar controller can run the pump. It also works standalone with its included controller.
Is a controller included?
Yes. The detachable controller, float switch, power supply, and plumbing fittings all come in the box.
Can it run submerged or external?
The VarioS is designed to run in-sump (submerged). Follow the manual for placement and priming.
Freshwater or saltwater?
The VarioS works in both freshwater and saltwater systems.
Have a question?
Reef Octopus Octo VarioS Advanced Controllable DC Water Pump
