EcoPlus Eco Fixed Flow Submersible/Inline Pump – 100 gph

The EcoPlus Eco Fixed Flow Submersible/Inline Pump delivers a steady 100 GPH using a magnetic-drive design with a high-quality rare earth rotor magnet. At 5 watts, it is one of the most energy-efficient options in its flow class — well suited for small hydroponic reservoirs, aquariums, auto top-off systems, and compact water features where consistent, quiet circulation matters more than adjustability.

EcoPlus Eco 100 GPH Pump Specifications

The Eco 100 (SKU HGC728492) operates on standard 120V/60Hz North American household current. Its fixed flow rate means the pump delivers the same 100 GPH output continuously — there is no flow adjustment dial or variable speed control. The 3 ft maximum head height defines the practical vertical lift limit; sizing your plumbing runs to stay within that ceiling is essential for reliable operation.

Specification	Value
Part Number (SKU)	HGC728492
Max Flow Rate	100 GPH (fixed rate)
Max Head Height	3 ft
Power Consumption	5W
Voltage / Frequency	120V / 60Hz
Amperage	0.085A
Cord Length	6 ft
Outlet Fitting Size	3/8-in
Drive Type	Magnetic drive (rare earth rotor magnet)
Impeller	Ceramic shaft impeller
Lubrication	Oil-free
Water Compatibility	Fresh water and saltwater
Installation Mode	Submersible or inline
Use Environment	Indoor or outdoor
Dimensions (H × L × W)	3.6 in × 3.6 in × 6.1 in
Weight	1 lb
Certification	UL listed
Warranty	1 year
Included Accessories	3 attachment fittings, strainer, foam filter

Why Choose the EcoPlus Eco 100 GPH Pump

EcoPlus has built its reputation in the hydroponic market on consistent, no-frills performance at accessible prices. The Eco 100 reflects that approach: it is a straightforward magnetic-drive pump that does one job reliably — moving 100 gallons of water per hour continuously, without oil contamination risk, at the cost of less than one cent per hour in electricity.

• Magnetic-drive design eliminates oil contamination: The pump uses a high-quality rare earth rotor magnet instead of a mechanical shaft seal lubricated by oil. Because there is no oil in the motor cavity, there is no risk of oil leaching into the water — an important safeguard when pumping nutrient solutions or water that will circulate around plant roots or aquatic life. The magnetic coupling also reduces the number of wear surfaces, which translates to quieter operation and fewer failure points.
• Ceramic shaft and impeller for long-term reliability: The ceramic shaft and bearing components resist corrosion in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Ceramic is harder and more chemically inert than the stainless steel or plastic shafts found in budget-tier pumps, which reduces wear over continuous operation and maintains consistent flow over the pump’s service life.
• Fixed flow rate means predictable system behavior: Variable-speed pumps introduce a tuning step that adds complexity to system setup. The Eco 100 delivers 100 GPH at the rated head regardless of operator input. For growers running a drip system, auto top-off, or simple reservoir return, a predictable fixed flow simplifies scheduling and system design. Size the pump for the application; if the flow rate needs to change, step up within the EcoPlus family.
• 5-watt draw for efficient continuous operation: Running continuously for a full year at standard US electricity rates costs roughly $4 to $6 depending on local pricing. For an always-on reservoir circulation pump, that energy efficiency matters over the product’s service life more than it might in an intermittent-use application.
• Submersible or inline installation flexibility: The pump can be dropped directly into a reservoir or plumbed inline in a water line — two distinctly different installation scenarios that most small pumps handle with equal ease. The included strainer and foam filter protect the impeller from particulate when used submersibly.
• Compact footprint for tight reservoir placements: At 3.6 × 3.6 × 6.1 in and 1 lb, the Eco 100 fits inside small reservoir containers, under-bench sumps, and compact aquaponics tanks where larger pumps would not be practical. The 6 ft cord reaches most grow-room outlet positions without an extension.

Best Uses for the EcoPlus Eco 100 GPH Pump

The Eco 100 is sized for small systems. Its 100 GPH output and 3 ft max head position it as a entry-level circulation and delivery pump, not a high-volume system driver. Understanding where it fits — and where it does not — will prevent undersizing or oversizing your water management setup.

• Small hydroponic reservoir circulation: In a deep water culture (DWC) or nutrient film technique (NFT) system with a reservoir capacity under roughly 15 gallons, the Eco 100 provides adequate circulation to prevent nutrient stratification and maintain dissolved oxygen levels. For larger reservoirs or multi-site drip systems, look at the EcoPlus 264 GPH or 396 GPH siblings in the same Eco Fixed Flow line. If you also need aeration alongside water movement, pairing the pump with an Active Aqua air pump covers both functions without overlap.
• Drip irrigation delivery in small grow setups: As a drip system pump, the Eco 100 delivers nutrient solution from reservoir to emitters at a consistent rate. Because the flow is fixed, calculate emitter output per site and match total system demand to the 100 GPH rating before finalizing your layout. For systems with inline filtration, an inline 200-mesh screen filter upstream of the pump protects the impeller from particulate without requiring frequent pump cleaning.
• Aquariums and freshwater or saltwater tanks: The ceramic shaft impeller is rated for both fresh and saltwater environments. In aquarium applications, the oil-free magnetic drive is particularly relevant because even trace oil contamination can stress or kill aquatic life. At 100 GPH, this pump suits tanks in the 10 to 30 gallon range as a supplemental circulation or sump return pump.
• Auto top-off systems: An auto top-off (ATO) system uses a pump triggered by a float switch or level sensor to replace evaporated water in a reservoir or sump. The Eco 100’s compact size and quiet magnetic drive make it a clean fit for this application. Its fixed flow rate means top-off events are predictable in duration given a known reservoir volume deficit.
• Pond and water feature circulation: For small ornamental ponds, container water gardens, and fountain basins, the Eco 100 handles surface circulation and light feature feeding at minimal power cost. The 3 ft maximum head limits usable fountain height, so confirm your feature’s vertical lift requirement before specifying this pump.
• Small-scale aquaponics: In a compact aquaponics system where water cycles between fish tank and grow bed, the Eco 100 provides the recirculation flow. The freshwater and saltwater compatibility and oil-free design make it appropriate for fish-bearing systems where pump contamination would affect water quality and fish health.

EcoPlus Eco 100 GPH vs Active Aqua Submersible Pumps

Active Aqua is the most commonly stocked competing brand in the hydroponic submersible pump category at this price tier. Both lines use magnetic-drive construction and removable foam filters. Here is how they compare on the details that matter for small-system hydroponic use.

Flow rate options and sizing: Active Aqua’s submersible lineup begins at roughly 160 GPH and steps up through 250, 400, 550, 800, and 1000 GPH models. The EcoPlus Eco Fixed Flow line starts at 100 GPH and steps through 185, 264, 396, 633, 1056, 1267, and 2245 GPH. If your system needs exactly 100 GPH — or if you want the smallest, lowest-wattage option available — the EcoPlus Eco 100 is one of the few options in the market at that output level. Active Aqua does not offer a comparable 100 GPH fixed-flow model.

Cord length: Active Aqua pumps in this tier typically ship with a 10 ft power cord, which is longer than the EcoPlus Eco 100’s 6 ft cord. In a grow room where the pump sits on the reservoir floor and the outlet is at a wall panel or power strip some distance away, the cord length difference is a practical consideration. If your outlet is more than 5 ft from the reservoir, plan for a rated extension cord or reposition the outlet strip.

Construction and drive: Both brands use magnetic-drive designs with ceramic or similar bearing materials in this segment. The EcoPlus Eco 100 explicitly calls out its rare earth rotor magnet and ceramic shaft, which provides a reference point for material quality. Both brands are UL listed. For the 100 GPH flow class specifically, the EcoPlus is the only stocked option on Premier Hydro — the Active Aqua 160 GPH would be the closest step up if you need more flow than the fixed 100 GPH provides.

Price and value: At this price point, both brands represent good value for hobbyist and small commercial hydroponic operations. The EcoPlus Eco 100 is priced as a utility pump, not a premium product. For growers who want to standardize on one brand across multiple system components, staying within the EcoPlus product family — stepping up to the 264 or 396 GPH models as systems scale — offers consistent performance characteristics and interchangeable accessories.

Compatibility & Operating Range

The EcoPlus Eco 100 is designed for continuous operation in water and water-based solutions within defined parameters. The following limits define its safe operating envelope.

• Liquid type: Rated for fresh water and saltwater. The ceramic shaft and impeller are chemically inert to standard agricultural nutrient solutions at normal concentrations. Not rated for hydrocarbons, solvents, or corrosive industrial chemicals. For RO-filtered water supply management, if you are integrating a reverse osmosis system into your reservoir water source, the Eco 100 is an appropriate recirculation pump once water is in the reservoir.
• Voltage: 120V, 60Hz. Standard North American outlet. Draw is 0.085A (5W), which is negligible on any standard circuit. No special electrical requirements beyond a grounded outlet within 6 ft of the pump placement, or with a suitably rated extension cord.
• Installation mode: Can be used fully submerged or plumbed inline. When used submersibly, the included strainer and foam filter protect the impeller from particulate. When installed inline, water must be continuously flowing through the pump body — the pump cannot run dry even briefly without risk of damage.
• Cannot run dry: This is a critical operating constraint. The pump must remain submerged in water, or have water actively flowing through it in inline mode, at all times during operation. Running dry even briefly will overheat the ceramic bearing and impeller assembly and cause premature failure. Do not plug in the pump until it is fully submerged or the inline water line is filled and under pressure.
• Max head height: 3 ft. Plan tubing runs so that the highest delivery point is within 3 ft of vertical lift from the pump. Head losses through tubing bends and fittings add to the effective head — keep runs short and fittings minimal to stay within the rated limit.
• Tubing and fitting size: The included fittings are 3/8-in. Three different attachment fittings are included, providing flexibility for connection to common hydroponic tubing sizes. Match your tubing inner diameter to the fitting size for a leak-free connection.
• Indoor and outdoor use: The pump is rated for both environments. For outdoor use, ensure the power cord and outlet connection are protected from direct rain exposure. The pump body itself can be submerged, but the electrical connection at the plug must remain dry.

Usage Guidelines

The Eco 100 is a plug-and-run pump with no controls, timers, or flow adjustments built in. All scheduling and flow management happens external to the pump. Here is what to know for reliable long-term operation.

System sizing: 100 GPH at the rated head of 3 ft is the maximum. As vertical lift increases toward 3 ft, actual flow delivery drops. For a system where the pump sits on the reservoir floor and the delivery point is 2.5 ft above, expect delivered flow noticeably below the rated 100 GPH due to head effects. If your system design requires consistent 100 GPH at a significant height, measure actual output at installation and adjust emitter counts or reservoir refill scheduling accordingly.

Continuous versus timed operation: For reservoir circulation in DWC or recirculating systems, the pump typically runs continuously. For ebb-and-flow systems where nutrient solution floods and drains on a schedule, connect the pump through a flood timer matched to your reservoir volume and system tray capacity. The pump is rated for continuous duty — there is no minimum-off time requirement, and it handles continuous 24/7 operation within its rated parameters.

Foam filter maintenance: The foam filter that ships with the pump catches particulate before it reaches the impeller. In systems with suspended particles — coco coir fines, algae growth, organic matter — inspect and rinse the foam filter every week or two. A clogged foam filter reduces flow and can cause the pump to labor against back-pressure. Rinse the foam under clean water; do not use bleach or chemical cleaners, as residue can leach into the system.

Nutrient solution concentration: The pump is rated for standard hydroponic nutrient solutions. Extremely high-concentration solutions or solutions with undissolved mineral deposits can accelerate wear on the impeller and bearing. Keep reservoir EC within the range appropriate for your crop; do not allow salt deposits to accumulate inside the pump housing.

Reservoir level management: Keep the reservoir topped up sufficiently that the pump remains fully submerged at all times. A float-based or electronic level monitor paired with an auto top-off line — the Eco 100 itself can serve that function — prevents the pump from running partially exposed. Some growers use a separate small pump for top-off duty and dedicate the Eco 100 to primary circulation; others use a single pump for both. Either approach works as long as the pump body stays wet.

How to Install the EcoPlus Eco 100 GPH Pump

Installation is straightforward. No special tools are required beyond basic plumbing materials matched to your tubing size. Plan the installation before submerging the pump — once the reservoir is full and the pump is running, making adjustments to fittings is messy and disruptive.

1. Inspect on arrival. Remove the pump from packaging. Check that the power cord jacket is undamaged and the plug shows no signs of damage. Verify the foam filter is seated in the strainer housing and all three attachment fittings are present. Do not power on the pump out of water under any circumstances.
2. Select and attach the correct fitting. Three 3/8-in attachment fittings are included to accommodate different tubing configurations. Choose the fitting that matches your tubing’s inner diameter or the adapter you plan to use. Press or thread the fitting into the pump outlet port according to the included instructions. For threaded connections, use PTFE thread tape to prevent seepage.
3. Attach the discharge tubing. Run tubing from the pump outlet to the delivery point — drip emitters, return line, fountain head, or top-off port. Keep the run as short and direct as practical; each bend and additional foot of tubing adds friction loss that reduces effective flow. Secure tubing connections with appropriate clamps to prevent them from pulling free under flow pressure.
4. Place the pump in the reservoir. Lower the pump into the reservoir on the end of the power cord and discharge tubing. Position it so that the strainer faces the reservoir floor or is oriented to draw from the bulk of the water volume. Leave at least 1 in of clearance on all sides so the pump does not recirculate water from the immediate vicinity of its own discharge. For inline installation: fill the water line and verify flow is established before plugging in.
5. Submerge completely before powering on. Confirm the entire pump body is covered by water. The power cord can exit the reservoir above the waterline; the pump housing must be submerged. For an inline installation, confirm the pipe section containing the pump is filled with water and pressurized before energizing.
6. Plug into a grounded 120V outlet. The 6 ft cord provides limited reach; plan outlet placement during reservoir setup, not after. If an extension cord is required, use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated cord with a grounded three-prong plug; do not use lightweight indoor extension cords rated below the pump’s load. The pump draws only 0.085A / 5W, so virtually any properly rated extension cord will handle the current — the key concern is moisture exposure at the cord connection point.
7. Verify operation and check connections. Confirm water is flowing at the delivery point. Inspect all fitting connections for seepage. If flow seems reduced, check whether the foam filter is fouled (clean it under running water), whether any tubing is kinked, and whether the vertical lift from pump to delivery point is within the 3 ft maximum head rating.
8. Form a drip loop in the power cord. Route the power cord over the top edge of the reservoir and downward to the outlet so that the lowest point of the cord is below the outlet plug. This drip loop ensures that any water tracking down the cord exterior drips off the lowest point rather than running into the outlet. Secure the cord at the reservoir edge with a clip or cable tie to maintain the loop geometry.

Sources & Further Reading