Having trouble with EcoPlus pumps
11:49 am in Materials and Resources, Seeking Advice by Terreform One Students
Everybody be warned that the Ecoplus pumps are a bit of a hit or miss. It seems like sometimes you just get shipped a lemon.
We have been having a lot of trouble with the EcoPlus pumps and have had to return them 3 times. Agh! Seems like there are some manufacturer issues. Maria Ailova, the program director has almost given up on them.
The window we are using for our windowfarm is 6′ 10″ tall and the plan is to mount the pump right flush with the bottom of the window and have the tubing go up into the top reservoir about 6″ above the top for a total head (pumping height) of 7’4.”
The first pump we bought was the Ecoplus 1056, which is rated for 9.2.’ But it did not pump high enough and the attachment for 1/2″ tubing was broken. We replaced the attachment and it still did not work. Even the next pump down, the Ecoplus 633 is rated for a max head of 7.4.’
We returned the 1056 and ordered the 1267, which just barely reached the top. However, it leaked! The back of the pump housing put out a rapid drip as soon as we turned the pump on.
We returned that one and told them the problem. The next one they send did the same thing!
We finally got one that worked and did not leak. Just plan that there is a possibility you will have to return your pump so definitely wait to get seedlings until after you are sure your system is working.
- These pumps are cheap and seem to work well once you get a good one but they do sell lemons!

Yikes, I almost ordered one of these. Thanks for the tip!
Anyone had any experience with the Sunleaves brand? Looking at them, they appear to be just a rebranded EcoPlus…
I’m having the same issue with an EcoPlus 633….
I built a smaller scale mock-up at home with just 3 pods in 1 column using this pump. At the office, I’m building a larger scale version (using the same water pump) with 5 columns of 6 pods. It’s only pumping water about 1/2 way up the 6 feet or so that we need it to go.
I’m researching and considering replacing it with an air lift system….anyone have any advice?
A sidebar comment, submerging the pump seems to be much more effective than using it inline.