Current USA is one of the oldest lighting companies in the aquarium hobby. After years of selling us power compacts, T5 Fluorescents, metal halides and these days LEDs, Current USA is branching out with the original Loop networking system, headlined by some pragmatic and useful aquarium water pumps.
In our sights today is the new EFlux DC Flow Pumps which bring with them a number of now-standard features, and a few refinements. The pumps themselves have a normal, cylindrical body and a blue-colored volute.
The stabilizer holding the pump upright is made entirely of silicone to help isolate noise and vibration, and it also ensures that you won’t have any loose silicone feet to lose. There’s no surprises on the inlet and outlet which both feature wide diameter, male threaded fittings – the outlet can be paired up with a union-jointed hose barb, while the inlet is protected by a large, high surface area strainer.
The heart of the EFlux DC Pump is a closed impeller design which might take a bit more power to turn, but also results in much higher possible head pressure than an open impeller. This results in a maximum head pressure of 11 feet for the smallest Eflux, and up to 20 feet of head pressure for the largest model.
Like any of the dozens of contemporary DC pumps available for aquariums, the EFlux Flow Pump is a controllable pump with flow speed adjustment right on the controller. However unlike the many rebadged DC Pumps we see flying under many different banners, the EFlux Flow Pumps are original to Current USA, the adjustment dial or rheostat is a unique interface. Also, the indicator LEDs notify users which model is plugged into it, and they display a couple different status modes.
But what really sets the Current USA Eflux flow pumps apart from the pack is their networking method. Recently it’s become more common and popular to see DC pumps with a 1-10v input which is accessible by aquarium controllers that support it.
Current USA has a completely different strategy with the Eflux pump as one of the cornerstones of their new Loop System. The external voltage input is replaced by a series of four micro-USB inputs which are used to both connect to other Loop-enabled devices, and daisy chain others into the system.
The EFlux Flow Pumps are available from Current USA in three models. The smallest model is the EFlux 6009 which will sell for around $160, capable of pumping up to 1,050 gallons per hour in a body that is about 5 x 3 x 4 inches.
Meanwhile the two larger models are the same physical size, about an inch longer than the EFlux 6009. The Eflux 6010 can deliver up to 1900 gallons per hour for about $180 while the largest EFlux Flow pump in the line is the 6011 model, with an estimated retail price of about $260.
The beauty of the EFlux Flow pumps and the Loop System is that all of the devices work well on their own. But should you so happen to be interested in getting more from your Current USA products, you’ll be able to bring them altogether under a single umbrella of control.
Current USA’s trio of Loop-connected devices are just starting to ship to retailers and it’ll be very exciting to see what reefers do with this new breed of smart-er aquarium products. [Current USA]
