Engineering Solutions for Hydroponic Precision
EcoPlus built its reputation by solving the real-world problems growers face daily. Every product addresses a specific challenge in hydroponic cultivation—from preventing pump failure in shallow reservoirs to maintaining precise dissolved oxygen levels in nutrient solutions. This focus on practical performance has made EcoPlus essential infrastructure for thousands of commercial and hobby growers.
Innovation That Keeps Systems Running
EcoPlus distinguishes itself through engineering that anticipates failure points before they happen. The patent-pending Convertible Bottom Draw technology represents a fundamental rethinking of pump design, while the Commercial Grade chiller lineup delivers professional cooling capacity at accessible price points.
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Convertible Bottom Draw Technology: The
Convertible Bottom Draw series eliminates dry-run failures with inlet designs that function in under 0.5 inches of water. The interchangeable outlet system switches between horizontal and vertical discharge without tools, adapting to any reservoir configuration.
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Fixed Flow Reliability:
Eco Fixed Flow pumps deliver consistent GPH ratings across their entire operational range, providing predictable circulation for nutrient delivery systems. Dual submersible and inline capability maximizes installation flexibility.
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Commercial Air Systems:
Commercial Air Pumps generate high-volume oxygen delivery for deep water culture and aeroponic applications. Oversized diaphragms and thermal management systems ensure continuous operation in demanding production environments.
Choosing Your Core Components
Matching EcoPlus equipment to your cultivation method ensures optimal performance and longevity. Start by identifying your primary challenge—circulation, temperature control, or oxygenation—then select capacity based on reservoir volume and plant count.
Maximizing Equipment Performance
EcoPlus equipment delivers best results when integrated into properly designed systems with appropriate maintenance protocols. Follow these guidelines to extend service life and maintain peak efficiency.
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Pump Placement: Position Convertible Bottom Draw pumps at the reservoir's lowest point to leverage gravity feed. Use the horizontal outlet configuration for external manifolds, vertical for direct inline connections. Clean intake screens weekly in systems with organic nutrients.
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Chiller Optimization: Install water chillers with at least 6 inches of clearance around intake and exhaust vents. Use insulated lines to minimize heat gain between chiller and reservoir. The
fitting kits provide proper connection hardware and prevent leaks.
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Air Pump Efficiency: Mount air pumps above water level to prevent backflow during power interruptions. Distribute air output across multiple stones rather than single large diffusers for superior dissolved oxygen saturation. Replace air stones every 6 months to maintain pressure efficiency.
EcoPlus equipment forms the foundation of efficient hydroponic cultivation. The combination of innovative design, reliable performance, and accessible pricing makes these systems the practical choice for growers at any scale. For guidance on building complete hydroponic infrastructure, explore our
hydroponic systems collection or review our
cultivation guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes EcoPlus Convertible Bottom Draw pumps different from standard submersible pumps?
The Convertible Bottom Draw pumps feature a patent-pending inlet design that operates in less than half an inch of water, preventing dry-run failures common in shallow reservoirs. The interchangeable outlet system switches between horizontal and vertical discharge orientations without requiring different pump models, providing installation flexibility for any hydroponic configuration.
How do I size an EcoPlus water pump for my hydroponic system?
Calculate your required flow rate by multiplying reservoir volume by the recommended turnover rate for your system type. NFT and aeroponic systems need 1-2 turnovers per hour, while DWC recirculation requires 3-4 turnovers hourly. The Eco 185 handles up to 100 gallons with single turnover, the Eco 633 serves 200-300 gallons, and the Eco 2245 manages commercial systems exceeding 500 gallons.
Do EcoPlus water chillers work with all hydroponic system types?
EcoPlus chillers integrate with any recirculating hydroponic system including DWC, RDWC, NFT, and ebb-and-flow configurations. The 1/10 HP model cools reservoirs up to 55 gallons, the 1/4 HP handles 100 gallons, and the 1/2 HP manages up to 200 gallons. Commercial Grade models provide cooling capacity for systems exceeding 300 gallons with precise temperature control within ±1°F.
What's the difference between EcoPlus Eco Air Pumps and Commercial Air Pumps?
Eco Air Pumps serve small to medium setups with 2-13W power consumption, delivering 44-380 GPH for individual DWC buckets or small reservoir aeration. Commercial Air Pumps provide high-volume output (793-3566 GPH) with 18-200W motors designed for continuous operation in large RDWC systems, commercial DWC arrays, and aeroponic applications requiring sustained dissolved oxygen levels above 8 ppm.
Can I run EcoPlus pumps inline or must they be submersed?
The Eco Fixed Flow series operates both submersed and inline, providing installation flexibility for external pump stations or submerged reservoir placement. Convertible Bottom Draw pumps function exclusively as submersible units due to their specialized inlet design. The Elite 1500 model includes built-in thermal protection for extended inline operation without overheating concerns.
How often should I perform maintenance on EcoPlus equipment?
Clean pump intake screens and impellers every 7-14 days in systems using organic nutrients, monthly with synthetic nutrients. Inspect chiller coils quarterly and flush with citric acid solution to remove mineral buildup. Replace air pump diaphragms annually and air stones every 6 months to maintain oxygen transfer efficiency. Use the EcoPlus pump filter bags to reduce maintenance frequency and extend equipment life.
What water temperature range should I maintain for optimal root health?
Target 65-68°F for most crops to maximize dissolved oxygen availability while preventing root disease. EcoPlus chillers maintain this range automatically with integrated thermostats. Temperatures above 72°F reduce oxygen solubility and encourage pathogen growth, while temperatures below 60°F slow nutrient uptake. The Commercial Grade series provides tighter temperature control (±1°F) required for temperature-sensitive crops and commercial production standards.
Are EcoPlus pumps compatible with nutrient solutions and pH adjusters?
All EcoPlus pumps feature corrosion-resistant materials compatible with standard hydroponic nutrients, pH adjusters, and supplements within normal concentration ranges (EC 1.0-3.0). Avoid concentrated acids or peroxide solutions above 3% strength. The Convertible Bottom Draw series includes ceramic shafts that resist chemical degradation better than standard metal components found in competitor pumps.
