Description
Aquaculture Duty
Pentair Sparus™ 3HP Variable Speed Aquaculture Pump with Constant Flow Technology™
Model 348047-AQ · 230V 50/60Hz, 1-Phase · Self-Priming · UL778 Listed
Set your flow rate. Walk away. The Sparus handles the rest.
If you manage a recirculating aquaculture system, fish hatchery, prawn farm, or large-scale marine display, you already know the frustration of conventional pumps — they run at full speed regardless of system demand, forcing you to throttle valves manually when conditions change, and wasting energy every hour of every day.
The Pentair Sparus with Constant Flow Technology™ eliminates that entirely. Simply program your desired flow rate using the onboard keypad, and the pump’s integrated variable frequency drive (VFD) continuously calculates and adjusts motor speed to maintain exactly that flow — no matter how filters load up, head pressure shifts, or seasonal conditions change. The intelligence is built in. The decisions are made for you.
| The Affinity Law in plain language:
Reducing a pump motor’s speed by just 10% cuts power consumption by up to 33%. The Sparus always runs at the minimum speed needed to hit your target — so you’re never paying for more energy than the job requires. |
Energy savings vs. fixed-speed pumps
Illustrative comparison based on Affinity Law principles. Actual savings depend on your system’s operating conditions.
Pump performance curves — all preset speeds
Operating range for Constant Flow Control mode shown in blue shading. Data from Pentair’s published curves (50/60 Hz, identical performance on both frequencies).
Data from Pentair’s published curves. Pump delivers identical performance on both 50Hz and 60Hz.
| Flow (GPM) | 0 | 20 | 40 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 120 |
| Max / 3,450 RPM | 95 ft | 90 ft | 83 ft | 73 ft | 60 ft | 45 ft | 28 ft |
| Speed 4 / 3,110 RPM | 78 ft | 74 ft | 68 ft | 59 ft | 48 ft | 36 ft | 22 ft |
| Speed 3 / 2,350 RPM | 44 ft | 42 ft | 38 ft | 33 ft | 27 ft | 20 ft | 12 ft |
| Speed 2 / 1,500 RPM | 18 ft | 17 ft | 15 ft | 13 ft | 11 ft | 8 ft | 5 ft |
| Speed 1 / 750 RPM | 5 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft | 2 ft | 1 ft |
Total Dynamic Head (ft) at given flow rates (US GPM) — approximate values based on published Pentair performance curves
PROGRAMMABLE SPEEDS
Four preset speeds — plus constant flow mode
Beyond constant flow mode, the Sparus can operate at four locked preset speeds. All presets are user-selectable via the onboard keypad. Up to 8 programmable schedules allow different speeds or flow targets at different times of day.
| SPEED 1
750 RPM |
SPEED 2
1,500 RPM |
SPEED 3
2,350 RPM |
SPEED 4
3,110 RPM |
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Built for aquaculture environments — not repurposed pool pumps
The Sparus is engineered specifically for the demands of intensive aquaculture — freshwater and saltwater alike. Every component is selected for reliability in humid, corrosive, continuously-running environments.
| Integrated VFD
On-board variable frequency drive — no external controller needed. Pre-programmed and ready to install. |
10-pole permanent magnet motor
Ultra-efficient ferrite permanent magnet, TEFC design. Runs cool and quiet at low speeds. |
| 316SS saltwater internals
Saltwater-rated 316 stainless steel fasteners and heavy-duty EPDM mechanical seal for marine applications. |
IP55-rated enclosure
Rated for wet locations and harsh industrial conditions. NEMA certified. |
| Clear inspection lid
See-through strainer basket lid with Cam & Ramp locking ring for fast, tool-free servicing. |
Rotatable keypad
On-board display rotates for easy viewing in any mounting orientation. Intuitive menu-driven programming. |
| Self-priming with loss detection
Self-priming design with loss-of-prime detection. Also suitable for flooded suction applications. |
2” NPT ports
2” internally threaded NPT inlet and outlet with oversized anti-blocking strainer basket and volute. |
Why aquaculture operators choose the Sparus
- Maintains constant flow automatically as conditions change
- Up to 33% energy savings vs fixed-speed pumps
- Eliminates manual valve adjustments entirely
- Improves biofilter and system stability
- Reduces wear — motor runs slower, not harder
- Freshwater and saltwater compatible
- 8 programmable time schedules
- Single-phase — no 3-phase power required
- Operates on both 50Hz and 60Hz identically
- Corrosion-proof thermoplastic pump body
- Active power factor correction built in
- UL778 listed — not for swimming pool use
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Full specifications — Model 348047-AQ
| Model number | 348047-AQ |
| Motor power | 3 HP / 3.2 kW input, 2.2 kW output |
| Phase | 1-Phase |
| Voltage | 230V (±10%) |
| Full load amps | 16 A |
| Service factor | 1.32 |
| SF horsepower | 3.95 SFHP |
| Frequency | 50 Hz / 60 Hz (identical performance on both) |
| Speed range | 450 – 3,450 RPM |
| Preset speeds | 750, 1,500, 2,350, 3,110 RPM |
| Flow range (CFT mode) | 20 – 140 GPM |
| Inlet / outlet | 2” Female NPT |
| Motor type | 10-pole ferrite permanent magnet, TEFC |
| Enclosure rating | IP55 / NEMA rated |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 23.5” × 11” × 13” (597 × 279 × 330 mm) |
| Shipping weight | 53 lbs (~24 kg) |
| Certifications | UL778 Listed; cUL approved |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Suitable for | Aquaculture, RAS, hatcheries — not approved for swimming pools |
APPLICATIONS
Ideal for these aquaculture settings
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
- Fish hatcheries and grow-out facilities
- Barramundi, salmon, prawn / shrimp farms
- Ornamental fish operations
- Public aquariums
- Marine and freshwater aquatic systems
- Bead filters, drum filters, multi-stage filtration
- Broodstock facilities and shellfish operations
