Red Dragon 3 Speedy 100Watt 3100gph

[Member No. 1]

Thinking about this to replace a COR20. Thoughts?
I want a DC pump that is 1-10V controllable, and has rock solid reliability.
(Abyzz is out of the question)
http://royalexclusiv.com/Flow-Pumps/...FLOW::967.html

[Vinny Kreyling]

Can do cheaper but NOT better!

[Member No. 1]

Vinny,
I’m done with cheap. I need quality.
You running one? If so, any issues?

[Vinny Kreyling]

I managed to get Scott's RD3 Speedy 80W almost 2 years ago.
NO COMPLAINTS!!!!

[Member No. 1]

Thanks

[xabo]

Running a 150W on my 225. No complaints.

[tom obrecht]

I run a RD as return on my display. Like you I have tried many return pumps through the years and always was disappointed with unreliable, sometimes noisy alternatives. I am completely sold with my Red Dragon! As soon as I saw the impeller assembly alone I knew I had made the right choice! Rock solid, built to last forever, silent and never has had a blip! Buy with confidence and With Scott as your rep, I just don’t see a negative.

[Member No. 1]

Thanks for the replies.

[Member No. 1]

@slief
Scott, is the Red Dragon 3 Speedy Pump 80W still available? As you can see from my post, I was looking at the 100W, but I think the 80W is more inline with the COR20 I'm replacing both in output and size.

[slief]

Originally Posted by Member No. 1

@slief
Scott, is the Red Dragon 3 Speedy Pump 80W still available? As you can see from my post, I was looking at the 100W, but I think the 80W is more inline with the COR20 I'm replacing both in output and size.

The 80w is long since discontinued. The RD3 100 Pressure pump has a 1” output and is very similar to the 80w. The RD3 100 flow pump has a 1.25” output. So if you want something closer to the 80 in form and fit, the 100w pressure would be a good choice. The flow version will have a bit more flow up to 12’ of head + friction loss. If you have reductions in your return line, then the pressure version may be the better choice.

The 0-10v on the 100w pumps require the 0-10v interface adapter which is a little box that sits between the RD3 controller and the aquarium controller (Apex or Profilux).

[Member No. 1]

Originally Posted by slief

The 80w is long since discontinued. The RD3 100 Pressure pump has a 1” output and is very similar to the 80w. The RD3 100 flow pump has a 1.25” output. So if you want something closer to the 80 in form and fit, the 100w pressure would be a good choice. The flow version will have a bit more flow up to 12’ of head + friction loss. If you have reductions in your return line, then the pressure version may be the better choice.

The 0-10v on the 100w pumps require the 0-10v interface adapter which is a little box that sits between the RD3 controller and the aquarium controller (Apex or Profilux).

Scott, thanks for getting back. The COR20 is running at 80%, 1-1/4" off the pump, to a "T", with (2) 1" returns. Both have gate valves for control. One is straight back to the tank, other is thru an AquaUV 25w UV. Both have flow meters on them. I'm running about 600gpm thru the UV, 300gpm thru the straight return. Gates valves help to regulate the flow thu each.
My concerns are the size of the 100W flow pump as compared to the COR20, and the 1" outlet of pressure pump.
I will control the pump with a Profilux P4.
So with that said, what are your thoughts? Either way, I've got some plumbing to do.

[slief]

Originally Posted by Member No. 1

Scott, thanks for getting back. The COR20 is running at 80%, 1-1/4" off the pump, to a "T", with (2) 1" returns. Both have gate valves for control. One is straight back to the tank, other is thru an AquaUV 25w UV. Both have flow meters on them. I'm running about 600gpm thru the UV, 300gpm thru the straight return. Gates valves help to regulate the flow thu each.
My concerns are the size of the 100W flow pump as compared to the COR20, and the 1" outlet of pressure pump.
I will control the pump with a Profilux P4.
So with that said, what are your thoughts? Either way, I've got some plumbing to do.

With a 1.25” coming off the Core 20 pump, I’d probably go with the flow pump as that is 1.25” out as well. As for the size, take a look here and compare that to the Core20 and your available space.

https://royalexclusiv.net/images/con...T_FLOW_eng.pdf

This is the 0-10v interface kit for the Profilux.
https://royalexclusiv.com/Flow-Pumps...100W::788.html

[Member No. 1]

@slief

Scott,
I would like to prefix this by saying I value your expertise, opinion and the information you have supplied.
I am in no way doubting you, but I am doubting the RE web site.
I am an information junkie. I like to research and if possible download the specs and read thru the manual before
I by a product. Especially when I'm spending close to $1,100.00 for a pump & controller.

So I am a little confused. My concerns/questions are in bold.
Specs for the 100w pressure pump. Taken from the RE web site.

Technical data Red Dragon® 3 Speedy pump 100 Watt 2.400 gph (9,0 m³):
100 Watt/h // max. 19 feet (6 mtr.) pressure height
speed adjustable Brushless DC pump
Watt-Display in 2 Watt-steps adjustable
intake side Ø 1.5′′ (50 mm) - pressure side Ø 1′′ (32 mm)
50 mm is 1.970" and 32mm is 1.260"
operating voltage: 110 Volt 60 Hz
Protection class pump: IP 68 control unit: IP 66
Weight pump: 3,4 kg
Weight controller: 1,1 kg
Height of intake side: center 2.76′′ (70 mm)
Dimension pump:
5.12" wide / 9.25" length / ~ 7.48" height
130 mm wide / 235 mm length / ~ 190 mm height
Dimension control unit:
5.51" wide / 7.48" length / ~ 2.76" height
140 mm breit / 190 mm length / ~ 70 mm height

Spec for the 100W flow pump.

Technical data Red Dragon® 3 Speedy pump 100 Watt 3.100 gph (12,0 m³):
100 Watt/h // max. 17 ' (5.25 mtr.) pressure height
speed adjustable Brushless DC pump
Watt-Display in 2 Watt-steps adjustable
intake side Ø 1.5′′ (50 mm) - pressure side Ø 1.25′′ (40 mm)
50 mm is 1.970" and 40mm is 1.575"
operating voltage: 110 Volt 60 Hz
Protection class pump: IP 68 control unit: IP 66
Weight pump: 3,9 kg
Weight controller: 1,1 kg
Height of intake side: center 2.76′′ (70 mm)
Dimension pump:
5.12" wide / 10.24" length / ~ 8.27" height
130 mm wide / 235 mm length / ~ 190 mm height
Dimension control unit:
5.51" wide / 7.48" length / ~ 2.76" height
140 mm breit / 190 mm length / ~ 70 mm height

The COR20 is rated at 2000 GPH and is supplying my needs for flow.
Size 3.875”W xv4.875”H x 6.250”D as you can see quite a bit smaller.

The pressure pump is about an 1" shorter in length, and 3/4" shorter in height.
Assuming the pressure pump has a 1" output vs the 1-1/4" of the flow pump, and my plumping is 1-1/4" for
a short distance then "T" into (2) 1" returns, do you think the pressure pump, even with it's smaller output
would give me the flow I need? My biggest concern is size. I'm not worried about adapting the plumbing to my
current system.

I just want to be sure I'm making the right choice. I wish I could see both side by side in person.

[Vinny Kreyling]

Took some time but a search revealed as I thought, the "O" symbol with a slash is
Outside Diameter. https://www.rff.de/_uploads/files/ka...asics_2016.pdf

Page 66

[Member No. 1]

Thanks Vinny

[Vinny Kreyling]

No worries.

[NeverlosT]

Just my two cents. I got the 100W RD3, and other than a small bump at initial install, which Scott helped me with immediately, it is now flawless for months. I had to rebuild my Vectra L1 once every 3 months due to biofouling and overheating, not this pump. This thing is stronger, quieter, and much more solid.

I recommend this pump. Worth the money.

[slief]

The inputs and outputs on these pumps use a SCH80 PVC union coupler with a female slip bushing similar to what you’d find on a PVC union. You get the threaded connection that treads onto the pump coupled with a bushing that you use to glue your PVC into.

We offer the pumps with both metric and imperial (inch) bushings which is the female slip part that goes inside the union coupler. Its the part you glue the PVC pipe into. Because the inside bushings are different for metric and imperial, doing metric conversion doesn’t apply here.

In europe, the pressure pump comes with a 50mm intake bushing and 32mm output bushing.

In the US, the pressure pump comes with a 1.5” intake bushing and a 1” output bushing.

In Europe the flow pump comes with a 50mm intake and a 40mm output bushing.

In the US, the flow pump comes with a 1.5” intake bushing and 1.25” output bushing.

There is a size difference between the pressure and flow version as you noted above. The pressure pump has a smaller pump head vs the substantially larger pump head on the flow version. And yes, the RD3 100 in either flavor is physically much larger than the Core20 and they are probably twice as heavy too. These pumps are beasts and built like tanks.

In terms of your flow needs, you could go either way and still have substantially more available flow than the Core20 puts out however if space permits, I still think you’d get more available flow at lower power levels with the flow pump despite your T shortly after the pump since that T fitting is 1.25” and then reduced down after the T but this is only speculation.
In all honesty, it’s a tough call because I have no clue what the total head/friction losses are between that T fitting and the main display outputs.

The pressure version will only shines after 12’ of combined head and friction loss and even then, it’s not by a huge margin. On the flip side, the way your plumbing is setup, the difference in efficiency by going with the flow pump instead of the pressure version will be minimal and given the confines of your sump, the pressure pump may be easier for you to plumb in due to the smaller size of the pressure pump.

In the end, either version will provide you plenty of flow.

I hope that helps!

[Member No. 1]

Thanks Scott, all good food for thought.

Breaking out the tape measure tonight.

[lubdafishes]

I’m setting up a new tank when I first used the pump to clean as instructed, pump worked fine, only ran the pump about 5 minutes. A few days later I received the interface once connected the pump no longer worked at least not as it should. Pump seemed like it was priming and was giving codes on display it only worked when I held the up arrow. Anyone please advise.

[Member No. 1]

Originally Posted by lubdafishes

I’m setting up a new tank when I first used the pump to clean as instructed, pump worked fine, only ran the pump about 5 minutes. A few days later I received the interface once connected the pump no longer worked at least not as it should. Pump seemed like it was priming and was giving codes on display it only worked when I held the up arrow. Anyone please advise.

@slief
Might want to post here, might have a better chance of getting a response.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745

[Member No. 1]

And as long as I'm here, as an FYI... I went with the RD3 100w Flow Pump.
It's been rock solid since install. It interfaced seamlessly with my GHL P4 and using a flow meter to control the pump's output, the P4 maintains the flow rate to within +/-10 gal/hour.
Very happy with the purchase.

[slief]

Originally Posted by lubdafishes

I’m setting up a new tank when I first used the pump to clean as instructed, pump worked fine, only ran the pump about 5 minutes. A few days later I received the interface once connected the pump no longer worked at least not as it should. Pump seemed like it was priming and was giving codes on display it only worked when I held the up arrow. Anyone please advise.

Are you by chance Greg? If so, we have replied to your email to the factory. A couple things could cause that. One is the pump being hydro locked due to plumbing configuration. It could be that the controller is just having a boot up error or possibly something impeding the impeller. Please respond to that email with your intake and output plumbing sizes and also some pictures of your plumbing. In the mean time, power the pump down, disconnect the motor connection from the controller and power it back up without the motor connected. Then power down and connect the motor and power back up again. If the issue persists, take the pump cover off and remove the impeller. Inspect for blockages and debris inside the pump. If the pump has been in operation for more then 6 months, soak the motor, impeller and pump cover in undiluted household distilled white vinegar for 10 minutes. Then scrub inside the motor block with a tooth brush, scrub the impeller and pump cover with a dish brush. The rinse and reassemble. The vinegar will remove and mineral deposits in the bearing and friction points that would otherwise cause start up errors.