replacement pump for 150g.. any suggestions?

cojo444 · 07/21/2009, 04:51 PM

I have a 150g tank that I've been running for about 4 years now. My main pump is going out for the 2nd time. After three years the bearings went out on the first and the manufacture replaced the pump (free of charge). The output of the new pump has drastically dimenished over the past year. I've checked the impeller and plumbing for obstructions and everything is fine. The pump is definetly defective.

I would prefer an oversized external pump that could potentially be used for a 200g if I ever upsize. Whose the most reliable and quietest on the market? Any help would be appreciated.

Shane Hoffman · 07/21/2009, 05:24 PM

EHEIM !! they run cooler and are more reliable than even mag pumps IMO...EHEIM is of course the BMW of the pump world.....gotta love the GERMAN engineering...

jayb12 · 07/21/2009, 05:36 PM

something along the lines of a mag 18 would be pretty damn nice i would think, you can always plumb the pump with a t fitting and a ball valve so if your putting too much pressure out, you can open the fitting and dump water back into your sump. gives for nice control over your output flow

lth03 · 07/21/2009, 06:26 PM

Both Eheim and mag drive is not design to run external for long period,most the pump I see running for more than 10 year is Iwaki,Little Giant,Gen-X...You might want to get Iwaki,it last really long,one of my local fish store running Iwaki MD-20 for the last 17 years already.

dennisdeng2002 · 07/21/2009, 07:44 PM

For reliability, Iwaki pumps can't be beat. But if it has to be submersible, a eheim will more than suffice and will probably you 10+ years of great use.

jayb12 · 07/21/2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lth03
Both Eheim and mag drive is not design to run external for long period,most the pump I see running for more than 10 year is Iwaki,Little Giant,Gen-X...You might want to get Iwaki,it last really long,one of my local fish store running Iwaki MD-20 for the last 17 years already.

my mistake, i thought he was looking for a submersable

jcmelski · 07/21/2009, 09:41 PM

I'm using a reeflo dart. I like it so far.

Mike31154 · 07/21/2009, 11:27 PM

I saw another thread where a fellow was wondering whether it was time to overhaul his pump. It had been running 6 years without a hitch and still going strong. Panworld, similar to Iwaki but slightly better price.

cojo444 · 07/22/2009, 07:40 AM

Thanks for the quick response!

I'll look into the Iwaki pumps. I don't mind spending the money as long as I only have to do it once.

What's the general consensous on the reeflow dart?

lth03 · 07/22/2009, 10:56 AM

reefflo dart 3600 gph only 145W and max head 12' is better suit for closed loop pump than return pump in your 150,Iwaki MD-55 or MD-70 will do better job for return purpose and I believe they has 1" inlet and outlet,easier to do plumping compare to 2" and 1 1/2" inlet and outlet from the dart.

detroit_fan · 07/22/2009, 12:25 PM

I use a Reeflo and am very happy with it. Very quiet, great flow.
FWIW i have ran an eheim 1262 external for years and never had an issue, great pump.

solitude127 · 07/22/2009, 12:31 PM

Is noise an issue? IME, Iwaki's are much louder than Darts.

PSU REEFER · 07/22/2009, 09:04 PM

I love my Ampmaster/Dolphin for my 150. It is the 4200 and runs everything on my manifold w/ no problem. Have been running it for 1 yr w/ no problem and bought it used. It is very quiet in my stand.

das75 · 07/22/2009, 10:05 PM

Seen a Dart as a return on a 150g, even with head still about 2000gph so easily could be a return on a 200g. Thing about them, is even the standard Dart are quiet (running one on my CL).

There's also the BlackFin pumps from Reeflo. They had some problems when first introduce but seems they've got the bugs out.

Ran a Iwaki (MD70RLT) for a while as a basement return and though a great pump (and don't have seals like the Reeflo) they are louder and draw a little more power than a comparable Reeflo (Barracuda my case). Definitely would not want a 70 in the same room, but do consider the smaller Iwakis.

cojo444 · 07/23/2009, 07:27 AM

I just took another reefer's advice and purchased a Iwaki pump. Based on my flow requirements i purchased the MD70RLT. The literature that I've been reading indicated that it's better for pump longevity to have a slightly larger pump and use a valve to choke down the pump's output (so I went with the pump one size up).

Based on the most recent posting I'm a little worried that the pump will be too loud. My tank it set-up in the dinningroom with the sump located in the cabinets of the tank-stand. Is it generally agreed upon that this Iwaki will be too loud? I probably can change my order if I do it today...

My original pump was the reeflow dart. Very quiet pump but, I've experienced too many problems.

das75 · 07/23/2009, 12:53 PM

Not trying to be the sole convincing aurgement against here but having run a MD70RLT for about two years I would say if in the same room as the display, way to loud. Sound is hard to describe but think quieter than a vacuum cleaner and around the same as standing beside a forced air furance. I did a sound comparison between the Iwaki and Barracuda when I swapped, I'll see if I recored the dB levels when I get home.

As for the layout, mine was basement return pump in a walled room but I ended up replacing it mainly for noise when I finished up the rest of the basement.

Also not to side track this to a 'flow though sump debate' (I'm a high flow guy), but a MD70RLT directly below your display you'll probably have more flow than you'll need if a straight return (not Tee'd for skimmer etc).

detroit_fan · 07/23/2009, 12:55 PM

I would also say that the iwaki will probably be too loud for you. Great pumps, but that is one of thier drawbacks.

das75 · 07/23/2009, 11:29 PM

used a Radioshack sound meter A weighted at 24" Iwaki MD70RLT was 66dB. For comparison the Barracuda which is a bigger than a Dart (and couldn't imagine in the same room either for noise) is about 58dB (A weighted@24")

Most charts show vacuums at 70db at a meter.

brian10956 · 07/25/2009, 10:28 AM

A quite room is 40 normal conversation is 60 vacuum cleaner is 70 to my ears a quite pump is 56 and less if in same room as tank

HighlandReef · 07/25/2009, 11:35 AM

eheim

07/21/2009, 04:51 PM	#1
cojo444 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: chicago Posts: 15	replacement pump for 150g.. any suggestions? I have a 150g tank that I've been running for about 4 years now. My main pump is going out for the 2nd time. After three years the bearings went out on the first and the manufacture replaced the pump (free of charge). The output of the new pump has drastically dimenished over the past year. I've checked the impeller and plumbing for obstructions and everything is fine. The pump is definetly defective. I would prefer an oversized external pump that could potentially be used for a 200g if I ever upsize. Whose the most reliable and quietest on the market? Any help would be appreciated.

07/21/2009, 05:24 PM	#2
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	EHEIM !! they run cooler and are more reliable than even mag pumps IMO...EHEIM is of course the BMW of the pump world.....gotta love the GERMAN engineering... __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

07/21/2009, 05:36 PM	#3
jayb12 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: niagara falls, canada Posts: 552	something along the lines of a mag 18 would be pretty damn nice i would think, you can always plumb the pump with a t fitting and a ball valve so if your putting too much pressure out, you can open the fitting and dump water back into your sump. gives for nice control over your output flow __________________ 250 gal aggressive reef tank. 24" zebra moray------- 5" emperor snapper 5" yellow tang---------- 5" purple tang 3" volitan lion----------- 12" volitan lion 5" cinnamon clowns--- 6" clown trigger 11" harliquin tusk------ 6" niger trigger various sps, lps and soft corals and one hell of a clean up crew!

07/21/2009, 11:27 PM	#8
Mike31154 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,555	I saw another thread where a fellow was wondering whether it was time to overhaul his pump. It had been running 6 years without a hitch and still going strong. Panworld, similar to Iwaki but slightly better price. __________________ Mike Current Tank Info: 77g sumpless sw with rock, sand, a few critters, fishes & polyps. Lights, pumps.....

07/22/2009, 12:25 PM	#11
detroit_fan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 843	I use a Reeflo and am very happy with it. Very quiet, great flow. FWIW i have ran an eheim 1262 external for years and never had an issue, great pump. __________________ Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. B.Franklin We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home-T.Jefferson Current Tank Info: 125g & 29g

07/21/2009, 06:26 PM	#4
lth03 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 173	Both Eheim and mag drive is not design to run external for long period,most the pump I see running for more than 10 year is Iwaki,Little Giant,Gen-X...You might want to get Iwaki,it last really long,one of my local fish store running Iwaki MD-20 for the last 17 years already.

07/21/2009, 07:44 PM	#5
dennisdeng2002 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 57	For reliability, Iwaki pumps can't be beat. But if it has to be submersible, a eheim will more than suffice and will probably you 10+ years of great use.

07/21/2009, 09:41 PM	#7
jcmelski Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: central nj Posts: 159	I'm using a reeflo dart. I like it so far.

07/22/2009, 07:40 AM	#9
cojo444 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: chicago Posts: 15	Thanks for the quick response! I'll look into the Iwaki pumps. I don't mind spending the money as long as I only have to do it once. What's the general consensous on the reeflow dart?

07/22/2009, 10:56 AM	#10
lth03 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 173	reefflo dart 3600 gph only 145W and max head 12' is better suit for closed loop pump than return pump in your 150,Iwaki MD-55 or MD-70 will do better job for return purpose and I believe they has 1" inlet and outlet,easier to do plumping compare to 2" and 1 1/2" inlet and outlet from the dart.

07/22/2009, 12:31 PM	#12
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	Is noise an issue? IME, Iwaki's are much louder than Darts. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

07/22/2009, 09:04 PM	#13
PSU REEFER Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 713	I love my Ampmaster/Dolphin for my 150. It is the 4200 and runs everything on my manifold w/ no problem. Have been running it for 1 yr w/ no problem and bought it used. It is very quiet in my stand. __________________ Rob __________ __________________ Current Tank Info: 500g w/ a few fish & little coral, but that will change. 4 MH(400w-2-10K & 2-20k), 4-6' VHO, CL thru eurobracing, 2-Tunze's, OCT 5000ext., RKE, 2-550's LFR(GFO & Carbon), 2-part, and more equipment to add down the road.

07/22/2009, 10:05 PM	#14
das75 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton AB Posts: 2,269	Seen a Dart as a return on a 150g, even with head still about 2000gph so easily could be a return on a 200g. Thing about them, is even the standard Dart are quiet (running one on my CL). There's also the BlackFin pumps from Reeflo. They had some problems when first introduce but seems they've got the bugs out. Ran a Iwaki (MD70RLT) for a while as a basement return and though a great pump (and don't have seals like the Reeflo) they are louder and draw a little more power than a comparable Reeflo (Barracuda my case). Definitely would not want a 70 in the same room, but do consider the smaller Iwakis.

07/23/2009, 07:27 AM	#15
cojo444 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: chicago Posts: 15	I just took another reefer's advice and purchased a Iwaki pump. Based on my flow requirements i purchased the MD70RLT. The literature that I've been reading indicated that it's better for pump longevity to have a slightly larger pump and use a valve to choke down the pump's output (so I went with the pump one size up). Based on the most recent posting I'm a little worried that the pump will be too loud. My tank it set-up in the dinningroom with the sump located in the cabinets of the tank-stand. Is it generally agreed upon that this Iwaki will be too loud? I probably can change my order if I do it today... My original pump was the reeflow dart. Very quiet pump but, I've experienced too many problems.

07/23/2009, 12:53 PM	#16
das75 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton AB Posts: 2,269	Not trying to be the sole convincing aurgement against here but having run a MD70RLT for about two years I would say if in the same room as the display, way to loud. Sound is hard to describe but think quieter than a vacuum cleaner and around the same as standing beside a forced air furance. I did a sound comparison between the Iwaki and Barracuda when I swapped, I'll see if I recored the dB levels when I get home. As for the layout, mine was basement return pump in a walled room but I ended up replacing it mainly for noise when I finished up the rest of the basement. Also not to side track this to a 'flow though sump debate' (I'm a high flow guy), but a MD70RLT directly below your display you'll probably have more flow than you'll need if a straight return (not Tee'd for skimmer etc).

07/23/2009, 12:55 PM	#17
detroit_fan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 843	I would also say that the iwaki will probably be too loud for you. Great pumps, but that is one of thier drawbacks. __________________ Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. B.Franklin We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home-T.Jefferson Current Tank Info: 125g & 29g

07/23/2009, 11:29 PM	#18
das75 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton AB Posts: 2,269	used a Radioshack sound meter A weighted at 24" Iwaki MD70RLT was 66dB. For comparison the Barracuda which is a bigger than a Dart (and couldn't imagine in the same room either for noise) is about 58dB (A weighted@24") Most charts show vacuums at 70db at a meter.

07/25/2009, 10:28 AM	#19
brian10956 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New City,NY Posts: 81	decible info A quite room is 40 normal conversation is 60 vacuum cleaner is 70 to my ears a quite pump is 56 and less if in same room as tank

07/25/2009, 11:35 AM	#20
HighlandReef Chalice Monger Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 1,163	eheim