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COR-20 STANDALONE
MODE USER GUIDE
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 1
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 2
COR-20 FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 2
WHAT’S IN THE BOX ....................................................................................................... 3
GET TO KNOW YOUR COR DRIVER .................................................................................. 4
GET TO KNOW YOUR COR PUMP ..................................................................................... 5
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION – COR-20 DRIVER ................................................................. 6
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION – COR PUMP .......................................................................... 6
COR PUMP AND COR DRIVER CONNECTION .................................................................... 8
COR-20 DRIVER STATUS LED PANEL AND LED BAR ........................................................ 8
COR DRIVER BUTTONS ................................................................................................... 9
SETTING IQ-LEVEL ....................................................................................................... 10
COR PUMP MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................ 11
NEPTUNE SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................... 14
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 2
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Neptune Systems APEX COR-20 pump!
This Guide is for use by persons who will be using their COR pump without a
Neptune Systems APEX controller system. If you will be using the COR-20
with a Neptune Systems APEX system, refer to the COR User Guide for APEX
Systems found on the Documentation page on the Neptune Systems web
site.
The COR-20 pump is a flow-optimized, energy-efficient variable-speed DC pump which is
ideal for use as a return pump, closed loop pump, or reactor manifold pump in saltwater
and freshwater aquariums. The COR-series pumps were designed from the ground up to
be tightly integrated with the Neptune Systems APEX family of aquarium controllers for
ease of use and advanced control, however the COR-20 was also designed so that it can
be operated WITHOUT connecting it to an APEX.
COR-20 FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
COR-20: 2000GPH @ 0’, 90w maximum current
Multicolor status LED to indicate the operating state of the pump system and of
any conditions requiring user attention
Speed indicator 8-LED bar to visually show the speed for the pump
Convenient push buttons to turn off the pump, turn on the pump, and to activate
a 5-minute feed mode which may be used during feeding times or during
aquarium maintenance periods
COR pumps may be used submerged/in-sump or for externally-plumbed
installations
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 3
2-port AquaBus hub for APEX system interconnection (not used during standalone
operation)
Dedicated 100-watt 24VDC power supply
Watertight connectors in the cables between the COR driver and COR pump
COR pump cable length: 9 feet (275cm)
Pump dimensions: 120mm x 98mm x 165mm
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
COR-20 Package Contents
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 4
The COR-20 package comes with:
COR-20 driver / control unit
COR pump
6’ (2m) AquaBus cable for connection to an APEX system
100w 24VDC power supply & power cord
1-1/4” threaded x 1-1/4” slip union for use on the COR pump output
1-1/4” threaded x 3/4” slip fitting for optional hard-piped use on the pump output
1-1/2” threaded x 1” slip fitting for optional hard-piped external plumbing
O-rings for each fitting (not depicted)
5mm hex wrench
Note: the included power supply may be slightly different than the one depicted
GET TO KNOW YOUR COR DRIVER
COR Driver - Front
COR Driver - Back
COR-20 Driver Connections
Pump Speed LEDs
Status LED Panel
Control Buttons
Mounting System
AquaBus Ports (used only
when connected to an APEX)
DC Power Jack
Pump Cable
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 5
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE COR-20 DRIVER TO A
COMPUTER OR OTHER USB DEVICE.
AquaBus ports look like USB, but are not USB. NEVER plug standard USB
devices into any AquaBus connector or connect an APEX controller or
AquaBus module to computer equipment’s USB ports. Damage to the
AquaBus module and/or the USB device may result.
GET TO KNOW YOUR COR PUMP
1.5” intake, BSPP
threads
1.25” output,
BSPP threads
Detachable baseplate
with rubber feet
Titanium socket head
screws (4) for disassembly
One screw is not visible in this photo
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 6
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION – COR-20 DRIVER
The COR-20 driver should be securely mounted in a location free from moisture. The
COR driver uses an innovative mounting system which provides safe secure mounting
yet allows easy removal of the COR from the mounting plate. It is recommended that
the COR driver be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall, an upright mounting
board, or the side or back of your aquarium stand. Use the included screws to mount
the COR driver mounting plate, then slip the COR driver over the mounting plate and
press downward to firmly seat the COR driver on the mounting plate. If mounting on
drywall, use drywall anchors (screws and anchors not included). A printable mounting
template is available HERE
. The mounting template contains additional mounting
guidelines.
Be sure to utilize drip loops on all cables plugged into the COR driver.
Leave at least 1” of clearance at the top of the COR driver to allow for easy
dismounting of the driver.
Leave at least 2.5” of clearance below the COR driver to allow sufficient room for
cabling
WARNING: Water damage will void your COR driver warranty! Mount the
COR driver in a location safe from any form of moisture exposure – drips,
splashes, etc.
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION – COR PUMP
The COR pump may be installed for use either submerged (in sump) or externally-
plumbed. An extensive discussion of aquarium plumbing design, PVC plumbing
cementing, etc. is beyond the scope of this user guide; however, some tips and
suggestions are provided here. If you need assistance with plumbing design or
assembly, enlist the help of a local aquarist or an aquarium design, installation, and
maintenance professional.
Submerged/In Sump Installation
It is highly recommended that your return plumbing has 1-1/4” piping and
fittings to obtain the most flow from your COR pump. Smaller diameter piping
will reduce the overall flow of water.
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 7
If your tank return piping is 1-1/4”, use the included 1-1/4” union.
If your tank return piping is 1” diameter, use the included 1-1/4” union and a 1-
1/4” to 1” slip x slip PVC reducer fitting (not included).
Do not use the small orange O-ring on the pump if using the 1-1/4” union.
1-1/4” Union Mounted on COR output
If your tank return piping is ¾” or smaller, use the smaller 1-1/4” x ¾” slip
adapter and the smaller orange O-ring.
3/4” Slip Adapter Mounted on COR output
It is recommended that you install the outer collar part of the 1-1/2” x 1” slip
adapter on the intake threads, as this will provide protection for those threads.
Do not use the inner 1” slip part of the adapter, just use the outer collar.
Slip Adapter Collar Mounted on COR Intake
Externally-Plumbed Installation
If you will install your COR external to the sump, use both supplied slip adapter fittings,
or optionally, use the 1-1/2” x 1” slip fitting on the pump intake and the 1-1/4” union on
the pump output. Note that the reduced diameter of these fittings will restrict the flow
through the pump. Optionally, use a 1-1/2” BSPP coupler or union (not supplied) to
connect to larger intake piping. The included orange O-rings must be installed when
using the slip adapter fittings.
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 8
COR PUMP AND COR DRIVER CONNECTION
To connect the COR pump and driver, simply connect the pump’s cable to the short
pigtail cable of the COR driver. The connectors are keyed; align the connectors
carefully; do not force the connectors together.
Use the outer locking ring of the driver-side connector to tighten the connection and
form a water-resistant seal. The mated and properly tightened connectors are not
intended to be submerged in water.
The COR driver and COR pump cables should be connected prior to
connecting power to the COR driver. If you need to disconnect the COR
pump from the COR driver, power should be disconnected first, before you
disconnect the pump cable.
Plug the included detachable power supply power cord into the power supply and plug
the other end into a wall outlet or power strip.
COR-20 DRIVER STATUS LED PANEL AND LED BAR
The Neptune Systems logo on the face of the COR-20 driver is a
multicolor LED panel which indicates the status of the COR.
The top bar of 8 small LEDs provides additional information. In most
cases, it indicates the approximate speed of the pump.
There are several possible states of the LED panel.
Alignment slot and key
Outer
Locking Ring
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 9
Logo Color Status Meaning and 8-LED Bar Indication
Orange
• The COR driver is operating normally
• The number of LEDs lit on the 8-LED bar indicates the current pump speed.
There are 16 speed levels when in standalone mode.
Blue
• The COR is in Feed Mode
• The number of LEDs lit on the 8-LED bar indicates the current pump speed
Red
• An error condition exists. When the status LED is red, one of the LEDs of 8-
LED bar will flash to indicate the specific issue detected.
o The COR driver has detected an overcurrent condition (LED #1, #4,
or #5 may be flashing) This may indicate that the pump’s intake is
blocked or a foreign object is preventing the impeller from rotating
o The input power voltage is too high (LED #2 will be flashing)
o The input power voltage is low (LED #3 will be flashing)
o The COR pump is running while dry or out of water (LED #6 will be
flashing)
o The internal temperature of the pump is high (LED #7 will be
flashing)
Not Lit
• One of these conditions exist:
o The COR-20 driver has no 24VDC input power
o
The COR-20 driver has suffered a failure
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
o The LED panel may continue to be red for up to one minute after an error
condition has cleared or has been resolved.
COR DRIVER BUTTONS
During normal COR operation, the left and right buttons are used to control the speed
and flow rate of the COR pump.
The left button will decrease the pump speed
The right button will increase pump speed
Each button press changes the pump speed by approximately 6%. The buttons are also
used to control the pump – OFF, ON, and entering FEED MODE.
To turn the COR pump OFF, press and hold the left button for 3 seconds.
To return the COR output to ON, tap the right button.
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 10
To activate FEED MODE, press and hold the right button for 3 seconds; the status
LED will turn green to indicate that FEED MODE is active. FEED MODE lasts 5
minutes. The status LED panel will return to normal orange illumination when the
FEED MODE timer expires.
To cancel FEED MODE before the 5-minute timer expires, press and hold the right
button again for 3 seconds.
SETTING IQ-LEVEL
Setting IQ-Level is entirely optional but is highly recommended. IQ-Level allows you to
preset the pump’s normal speed (the speed it runs upon power up) and to preset the
Feed Mode speed.
In the next few paragraphs, we will discuss IQ-Level as it should be done for a common
aquarium setup in which the COR is used as a return pump. Other COR uses, such as
closed loop applications, will require different criteria be used for IQ-Level.
The COR pump’s normal operating and power-on speed should be preset so that the
pump moves the ideal amount of water for the tank’s overflow drain(s), without
exceeding the capacity of the overflow or pumping insufficient volume of water to
maintain a constant full siphon drain. This is important to do, as properly setting the
normal operating speed of the pump ensures that the output of the pump will not exceed
the capacity of the overflow and drain system, and that the pump runs at the proper
speed after a power outage.
The COR’s Feed Mode speed should be set with IQ-Level so that when the pump’s Feed
Mode is activated, it is running at a low speed. The ideal Feed Mode speed is that speed
which just holds the return piping water column full and in a quiescent state, and does
not actually cause water to be pumped or allow water to back-drain through the return
piping back into the sump.
To perform IQ-Level Adjustment for normal operation:
1. Use the left and right buttons to set the COR speed so that the water in the
display tank is stable, and that the water volume being pumped matches the ideal
water flow rate for your overflow or drain system. Each press of the button
equates to roughly a 6% change in pump speed.
2. As you get closer to the desired flow level, observe the water flow in the aquarium
for 30 seconds or more in between each change.
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 11
3. Press and hold both COR buttons at the same time for about 3 seconds until the
status LED flashes blue. This will save the current pump speed setting into the
COR driver. The COR will now automatically run at that speed after a power loss
or being turned off.
To perform IQ-Level Adjustment for Feed Mode operation:
1. Activate Feed Mode by pressing and holding the right COR button until it turns
green (about 3 seconds).
2. Use the left and right buttons on the COR driver to set the COR so that the water
in the return line plumbing is at a point of equilibrium – when the water is neither
draining back into the sump through the COR nor is water being pumped into the
tank. Each press of the button equates to roughly a 6% change in pump speed.
3. As you get closer to the desired flow level, observe the water flow in the aquarium
for 30 seconds or more in between each change.
4. Press and hold both COR buttons at the same time for about 3 seconds until the
status LED flashes blue. This will save the current Feed Mode speed setting into
the COR driver. The COR will now automatically run at that speed whenever Feed
Mode is activated.
COR PUMP MAINTENANCE
Like all pumps, the COR pump should be serviced periodically as part of routine
maintenance or may need to be disassembled if, for example, a foreign object becomes
lodged in the pump.
To disassemble the pump:
1. Disconnect the power cable from the COR-20 driver
2. Disconnect the pump cable from the COR driver
3. Disconnect plumbing
4. Remove the pump, and drain excess water out
5. Slide the baseplate toward the rear of the pump and remove it
6. Use the supplied 5mm hex wrench to remove the 4 screws
7. Carefully slide the volute away from the pump body
8. Grasp the impeller firmly and slide it out of the pump body.
WARNINGS
The impeller may roll and fall off a flat work surface; use caution to
ensure the impeller assembly does not become damaged as a result.
Do not attempt to further disassemble the impeller.
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 12
Clean the impeller assembly, the pump cavity, the volute, and the exterior of the pump
case with a toothbrush or other suitable brush. If necessary, the pump components may
be soaked in a vinegar and water solution to remove calcium or hardwater mineral
deposits. Gently clean and dry the O-ring with a cloth, then apply a light coating of
silicone grease.
To reassemble the COR pump:
1. Carefully position the O-ring on the circular ridge on the pump body (see image
below)
2. Position the pump body so the impeller cavity is up.
3. Slip the impeller assembly down into the pump body until it is fully seated,
ensuring that the 3 keys in the impeller plate are aligned with the corresponding
slots in the pump body
(see image below)
4. While continuing to hold the pump pointing up, position and seat the volute over
the face of the pump body
5. Holding the volute firmly against the pump body, then set the pump down on its
base
6. Reinstall the 4 screws. Tighten the screws just enough to hold the volute snugly
in place against the pump body; do not overtighten.
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 13
Properly
positioned
O-ring
Impeller
alignment key
& slot
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 14
NEPTUNE SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY
Neptune Systems warrants this product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. If repair or adjustment is
necessary and has not been the result of abuse, Neptune Systems warrants this product
to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date
of purchase. If repair or adjustment is necessary and has not been the result of abuse,
misuse, or accidental damage, within the 1-year period, please return the product with
proof of purchase, and correction of the defect will be made without charge.
For your protection, items being returned must be carefully packed to prevent damage in
shipment and insured against possible damage or loss. Neptune Systems will not be
responsible for damage resulting from careless or insufficient packaging. Before
returning please obtain a return authorization (RMA) number from Neptune Systems.
Returned merchandise will not be accepted without a RMA number. To obtain assistance
with your Neptune Systems product, contact Neptune Systems technical support by
phone or via the Technical Support Contact Web Page
at
https://www.neptunesystems.com.
Except for the warranty set forth above, Neptune Systems is not responsible for any
damages including, but not limited to, consequential damage occurring out of or relating
to the delivery, use or performance of Neptune Systems’ products. Buyer’s remedies for
breach of warranty shall be limited to repair, or replacement and full or partial
adjustment to purchase price.
Neptune Systems
15750 Vineyard Blvd, Suite 150
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
USA
www.neptunesystems.com
support@neptunesystems.com
Phone +1 408-779-4090 Fax +1 408-762-2042
©2017 Neptune Systems - All Rights Reserved
COR-20 Standalone User Guide Page 15
The symbols to the right mean that according to local laws and
regulations your product should be disposed of separately from
household waste. When this product reaches its end of life,
take it to a collection point designated by local authorities.
Some collection points accept products for free. The separate
collection and recycling of your product at the time of disposal
will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is
recycled in a manner that protects human health and the
environment.
