EcoPlus Elite Series Automatic Submersible Pump – 1/5 hp

The EcoPlus Elite Series Automatic Submersible Pump (1/5 hp) is a narrow-profile water pump built for hydroponic reservoirs, sump pits, and drainage applications where space is limited. Its integrated float switch automatically cuts power when water levels drop too low, protecting the motor from dry-run damage without any manual intervention required.

EcoPlus Elite Series Automatic Submersible Pump Specifications

Specifications are sourced from the manufacturer product data for the 1/5 hp model.

Why Choose the EcoPlus Elite Series Automatic Submersible Pump

The primary reason growers choose this pump is its compact footprint. At just 8 in × 8 in, it fits into narrow sumps, inline pits, and tight reservoir corners where a standard submersible pump simply will not go. This matters in systems where every inch of available space is in use — deep water culture reservoirs with multiple net pots, flood tables with limited sump clearance, and under-bench drain reservoirs in commercial grow rooms.

The integrated float switch is a meaningful operational feature. The pump monitors its own water level and cuts power automatically when the reservoir drops below the safe operating threshold, preventing the motor from running dry and burning out. This is particularly useful for unattended overnight or weekend operation, where a standard pump without a float switch can fail silently and damage both the pump and the root zone.

• Narrow-profile design: fits in 8 in × 8 in spaces, suitable for pits and tight reservoir installations.
• Integrated float switch: automatic shut-off protects the motor when water levels drop, eliminating the need for a separate float switch accessory.
• Low suction capability: draws water down to a 1/16 in depth, useful for fully draining reservoirs or sump pits between cycles.
• Particle tolerance: handles water containing particles up to 1/4 in in diameter, accommodating minor sediment or debris without clogging.
• Anti-corrosive construction: wetted components resist rust and corrosion, extending service life in nutrient solution environments.
• Long power cord: the 32.8 ft (10 m) cord provides reach for installations where the pump sits well below the outlet or timer panel.

Best Uses for the EcoPlus Elite Series Automatic Submersible Pump

This pump is designed for water movement and drainage in hydroponic environments. Its narrow profile and low-suction capability make it most effective in the following applications:

• Hydroponic reservoir drainage: submersing in a reservoir to remove and transfer nutrient solution during change-outs or system cleaning.
• Sump pit applications: placed in narrow collection pits beneath flood-and-drain or NFT systems to pump runoff back to a main reservoir.
• Drain-to-waste removal: pumping runoff out of a collection tray or sump at the end of each irrigation cycle.
• Emergency backup pumping: useful as a secondary pump that activates automatically via float switch when a primary pump fails or water accumulates unexpectedly.
• Irrigation water transfer: moving clear water or dilute nutrient solution between containers where the installation space is constrained.

Because this pump handles particles up to 1/4 in, it is appropriate for systems that accumulate minor perlite fines or root debris in the sump — common in systems running rockwool or coco media. For fully clean RO water applications, pairing this pump with a pre-filter can extend service intervals. If your grow room uses a 200-mesh inline filter on your feed lines, a similar filter on the sump intake will keep the pump impeller clear.

Compatibility

The EcoPlus Elite Series Automatic Submersible Pump is designed for use with clear water and water containing fine particles — it is not rated for thick slurries, highly viscous fluids, or aggressive chemical solutions beyond standard pH-adjusted nutrient water. It is suitable for use in the following system types:

• Flood-and-drain (ebb-and-flow) systems with sump pits or collection reservoirs
• Deep water culture (DWC) and recirculating DWC (RDWC) reservoirs requiring periodic drainage
• NFT (nutrient film technique) systems with under-bench collection sumps
• Drain-to-waste media-bed systems using perlite, coco coir, or rockwool
• General hydroponic water transfer between tanks or reservoirs

The pump requires a minimum installation space of 8 in × 8 in. Verify that your sump or pit meets this clearance before purchasing. The 32.8 ft power cord provides flexible placement relative to the nearest outlet or timer. The float switch operates automatically — no separate controller is required for dry-run protection.

If you are monitoring water quality in the same system, the Apera GRO-STAR GS3-E replacement EC electrode is compatible with standard EC meters used alongside submersible pump setups. For oxygen enrichment in the reservoir, an Active Aqua multi-outlet air pump is commonly paired with submersible water pumps in recirculating systems.

Sources & Further Reading