Looking at replacing my mag9 with an ehiem 1262

Mchava · 07/20/2006, 11:35 PM

Well iam looking to get rid of all my mag pumps and the only pump I have left is my return pump. Its a mag 9, I was looking at replacing it with a ehiem 1262 since its alittle smaller and it uses less power. Since the electric rates are going up everyday I need to save every watt that I can. So what would you folks think is the ehiem a better pump then the mag 9? thanks is advace
Mario

Pez Vela · 07/20/2006, 11:57 PM

Mario,

I just replaced my Mag9.5 with a Ocean Runner 3500 which uses even less wattage than the Eheim 1262.

Mag 9.5 = 93W
Ocean Runner = 65W
Eheim 1262 = 80W

All of them are around 900-950GPH if I am not mistaken.

Mike

hahnmeister · 07/21/2006, 01:18 AM

Ahhh, but they vary in head-pressure so at 3-4' or whatever the height is that they have to pump up...they will vary. The Mag has the best pressure handling, then the eheim, then the Oceanrunner (thats why its wattage is lower). They are all rather similar, but the eheim is the best made, then the poor man's eheim (oops, I mean Oceanrunner lol...good pumps really), then the Mag. The eheim will run circles around the MAg in longevity and quietness.

What size tank might I ask? A 900gph pump might be more than you need. The 1260 is a better performer with head-pressure.

mufret · 07/21/2006, 07:15 AM

You won't regret making the switch. I've replaced all my Mag returns with Eheims and noticed a significant difference in the noise (the mags weren't loud but the eheims are quieter) and flow.

crumbletop · 07/21/2006, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hahnmeister
Ahhh, but they vary in head-pressure so at 3-4' or whatever the height is that they have to pump up...they will vary. The Mag has the best pressure handling, then the eheim, then the Oceanrunner (thats why its wattage is lower). They are all rather similar, but the eheim is the best made, then the poor man's eheim (oops, I mean Oceanrunner lol...good pumps really), then the Mag. The eheim will run circles around the MAg in longevity and quietness.

What size tank might I ask? A 900gph pump might be more than you need. The 1260 is a better performer with head-pressure.

I think the 1260 would be a better fit than the 1262. I disagree that the mag performs better under head (Mag 9.5 vs Eheim 1262). I replaced a Mag 9.5 with the 1262 and had to completely redo my drain plumbing because the 1262 was overflowing my display. Much more flow from the eheim under head than the mag. I have since swapped out my 1262 for a 1250.

Jack

Wryknow · 07/21/2006, 09:44 AM

Yes, you really don't want to over-do the sump flow IMHO. I'm running a single 1262 on my 215 and I am very happy with the amount of flow in my sump.

Pez Vela · 07/21/2006, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Ahhh, but they vary in head-pressure so at 3-4' or whatever the height is that they have to pump up...they will vary. The Mag has the best pressure handling, then the eheim, then the Oceanrunner (thats why its wattage is lower). They are all rather similar, but the eheim is the best made, then the poor man's eheim (oops, I mean Oceanrunner lol...good pumps really), then the Mag. The eheim will run circles around the MAg in longevity and quietness.

What size tank might I ask? A 900gph pump might be more than you need. The 1260 is a better performer with head-pressure.

Very good point "Meister". I was only looking at Watts consumed because my aquarium is only 2 feet (vertically) or so from my pump location. I forget many of us who have basement sumps, etc...

Here's another question for all of you since we are discussing the Eheim... I was told to run a Mag9.5 on my "Lifereef" skimmer, so would the comparable Eheim be the 1260 or 1262? This assuming the pump is submersed directly adjacent to the skimmer in my sump. Opinions appreciated.

Mike

manderx · 07/21/2006, 09:55 AM

Quote:

I disagree that the mag performs better under head (Mag 9.5 vs Eheim 1262).

yup, so do i. 1262 is a very beefy pump. the specs underestimate it's true power.

manderx · 07/21/2006, 09:59 AM

Quote:

I was told to run a Mag9.5 on my "Lifereef" skimmer, so would the comparable Eheim be the 1260 or 1262

go for the 1262 for the skimmer. i've noticed skimmer manufacturers recommend pumps on the low side because they don't want to scare people off by recommending bigger and more expensive pumps.

crumbletop · 07/21/2006, 10:04 AM

I'd go with the 1262 on the skimmer as well. It wouldn't hurt to dial it back some if you had to.

humbugy · 07/21/2006, 10:37 AM

tunze also has some interesting looking pumps, ive been looking into this one, the cost is similar to the larger eheims

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=TZ1711

hahnmeister · 07/21/2006, 10:59 AM

Eheim 1262 specs:
Pump output 898 U.S. gal./h.
Max head pressure 11 feet 10in
Mag950 Specs:
115 Volt 60 Hz
93 Watts - 1.33 amps
14 Feet Shut Off
3/4 in/out threaded
950gph at zero feet
800gph at 4 feet
200gph at 12 feet

I have both pumps as well, and have done the 'bucket' test for flow because this idea of the eheim being unterspec has come up a few times. Its rated correctly and is not as good of a head performer as the Mag...but Id still take the Eheim. It will last longer and quieter.

Back to my original question though...what size tank? I would say that a 1260 should be plenty, and if you really want to go 'low flow' (as long as your in tank circulation is enough) a eheim 1250 is prolly all you need.

hahnmeister · 07/21/2006, 11:12 AM

That TUNZE is a nice pump. Its most likely DC, which is the reason it can make about 800gph with only 55 watts...DC pumps are more efficient than AC (low speed pumps at least) because the DC has more torque per watt so they can use larger blades on the impeller. Its got 3m/10ft of head pressure as well...not bad, but not as good as the eheim or Mag. At $175, I would expect more though...I would prolly never use the speed control myself. Or heck...the operating specs of the Oceanrunner 3500 are pretty close to that...
Ocean Runner 3500
3500 l/h (900 gph)
3.3 m (10.7 feet) Max Head
Power Consumption 65 watts

Another pump I would consider due to its build quality, and decent output for the low wattage it uses is the PAN WORLD 40PX.
Model 40PX - equal to Iwaki MD20 Pressure rated
480gph max flow
13.5 foot max head pressure
45 watts
3/4" MPT in/out

Its pressure rated so of that 480gph it doesnt lose very much...but it is external.

Mchava · 07/21/2006, 05:35 PM

well my tanks is a 90gallon. The overflow was built to handle about2000g so its not a big deal. I dont think I want anything lower then a 900gph. Also since its inside my sump and dont want to run it external. Well it seems that the ehiem 1262 it is. So far I have my skimmer w/1260 and my Ca reactor with a 1250. Oh and I dont need low flow in the sump since iam not growing anything there more to house the equipment. Once again thanks for all your help

hahnmeister · 07/21/2006, 08:17 PM

Well, the amount of equipment shouldnt mean anything as far as 'needing' low flow or high flow. Its just that many people put multi-hundred gallons per hour pumps on their tanks when all they need is a few. Less heat, less noise, less electricity, better skimming are a few of the usual benefits of doing so.

Nano Chris · 07/22/2006, 05:54 PM

Eheim 1262 gets my vote

ddboy · 07/22/2006, 11:10 PM

I have swap my mag 18 for a ehiem 1260 on my 150g. there is not much different, since for Mag, I don't think it deal with pressure that well. then I also swap to a 1262. And notice almost no different from the 1262 & the 1260. i would go with the 1260 for your set up.

RichConley · 07/22/2006, 11:26 PM

take a look at the blueline NS800. MUCH more powerful pump at less wattage.

40w, 17ft max head, 850gph at 0'

crumbletop · 07/23/2006, 06:34 AM

Blueline is external only. Mchava wants to run the pump in-sump.

mburnickas · 07/23/2006, 06:44 AM

I would get the 1262 in place of the Mah9. I replaced my Mag 5 with a 1260 on my Aqua C.

david8956 · 07/23/2006, 09:58 AM

Quote:

I have both pumps as well, and have done the 'bucket' test for flow because this idea of the eheim being unterspec has come up a few times. Its rated correctly and is not as good of a head performer as the Mag

hahnmeister - are you saying the Eheim 1262 has **less** flow than a Mag 9.5 with say, 4' of head pressure? That is the exact opposite of what most people say. (Note crumbletop's comments about going from a Mag 9 to an Eheim 1262 and overflowing his display due to the increased flow) I have a Mag 9.5 now and was just before upgrading to the Eheim 1262 because I keep reading the flow on that pump is much higher than rated, etc, etc. (This pump feeds my chiller in addition to being a return pump)

crumbletop · 07/23/2006, 10:11 AM

I swapped out the pump using the exact same plumbing, and the drains couldn't handle the flow without me changing things around. I didn't do a bucket test or anything that would more accurately assess the flow, but I did have to adjust my drain plumbing to be able to accomodate the eheim.

hahnmeister · 07/23/2006, 11:53 AM

According to the 'bucket' test, the eheim came up right to spec. Many people claim that since they are european made, that they are made for 50Hz and that going to the 60Hz makes them run faster. Its not like they just swap the plug though...the entire inside of the pump is different when you go from 220 to 110v...and the specs are remeasured as well. Eheim, Aquaclear, and OR pumps are spec'ed out seperate for the two voltages...they have to.

I didnt test the Mag9 with a bucket test, just the eheim (because thats the one that everyone was saying is so underrated). While the eheim came up right on target, perhaps the eheim 1262 is a stronger pump, but the Mag's specs might be overestimated (you know its highly possible). OR, I have noticed on the Mag pumps that their impeller wear is rather fast. While I can run an eheim 15 years w/o much wear on the blades, the impellers on the Mags seem to get about as much wear in just 2 years. Perhaps those who replace the Mag9/950 with the eheim 1262 are simply experiencing more flow due to their Mag being worn. Also, I would expect that the Mags magnets get weak faster compared to the eheim...this would reduce the flow as well over time.

As long as you have decent flow inside the tank though, like a closed loop or some powerheads/stream pumps....I would just use a 1250 or 1260 over a 1262. You just dont need that much flow through an overflow. OR, I would still strongly suggest the Oceanrunner...its a 'poor man's eheim' simply because it isnt heavily marketed like the eheim...but its almost as good as a eheim pump...ceramic shaft and all.

07/20/2006, 11:35 PM	#1
Mchava Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Santa Ana CA Posts: 4,352	Looking at replacing my mag9 with an ehiem 1262 Well iam looking to get rid of all my mag pumps and the only pump I have left is my return pump. Its a mag 9, I was looking at replacing it with a ehiem 1262 since its alittle smaller and it uses less power. Since the electric rates are going up everyday I need to save every watt that I can. So what would you folks think is the ehiem a better pump then the mag 9? thanks is advace Mario __________________ Mario

07/21/2006, 09:44 AM	#6
Wryknow Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,203	Yes, you really don't want to over-do the sump flow IMHO. I'm running a single 1262 on my 215 and I am very happy with the amount of flow in my sump. __________________ You cannot use reason to change the opinion of a person that did not use reason to form their opinion in the first place. Current Tank Info: 65 G RR, w/ 50 G sump/refugium, DIY LED lighting, AquaMaxx CO-1 skimmer, Tunze 1073.050 return

07/21/2006, 10:04 AM	#10
crumbletop Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 4,718	I'd go with the 1262 on the skimmer as well. It wouldn't hurt to dial it back some if you had to. __________________ "Misers get up early in the morning; and burglars, I am informed, get up the night before." - GK Chesterton Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA RR. 20 gal sump. 6x54W T5. AquaController Jr.

07/21/2006, 05:35 PM	#14
Mchava Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Santa Ana CA Posts: 4,352	well my tanks is a 90gallon. The overflow was built to handle about2000g so its not a big deal. I dont think I want anything lower then a 900gph. Also since its inside my sump and dont want to run it external. Well it seems that the ehiem 1262 it is. So far I have my skimmer w/1260 and my Ca reactor with a 1250. Oh and I dont need low flow in the sump since iam not growing anything there more to house the equipment. Once again thanks for all your help __________________ Mario

07/22/2006, 05:54 PM	#16
Nano Chris Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 2,758	Eheim 1262 gets my vote __________________ Chris ------- 34 Gallon Red Sea Max 130! Setup (Just got back into the hobby) Current Tank Info: 34 Gallon RedSeaMax!

07/20/2006, 11:57 PM	#2
Pez Vela Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern, CA Posts: 469	Mario, I just replaced my Mag9.5 with a Ocean Runner 3500 which uses even less wattage than the Eheim 1262. Mag 9.5 = 93W Ocean Runner = 65W Eheim 1262 = 80W All of them are around 900-950GPH if I am not mistaken. Mike

07/21/2006, 01:18 AM	#3
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	Ahhh, but they vary in head-pressure so at 3-4' or whatever the height is that they have to pump up...they will vary. The Mag has the best pressure handling, then the eheim, then the Oceanrunner (thats why its wattage is lower). They are all rather similar, but the eheim is the best made, then the poor man's eheim (oops, I mean Oceanrunner lol...good pumps really), then the Mag. The eheim will run circles around the MAg in longevity and quietness. What size tank might I ask? A 900gph pump might be more than you need. The 1260 is a better performer with head-pressure.

07/21/2006, 07:15 AM	#4
mufret Moved On Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canton, GA Posts: 144	You won't regret making the switch. I've replaced all my Mag returns with Eheims and noticed a significant difference in the noise (the mags weren't loud but the eheims are quieter) and flow.

07/21/2006, 10:37 AM	#11
humbugy Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: bloomington, il Posts: 464	tunze also has some interesting looking pumps, ive been looking into this one, the cost is similar to the larger eheims http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=TZ1711

07/21/2006, 10:59 AM	#12
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	Eheim 1262 specs: Pump output 898 U.S. gal./h. Max head pressure 11 feet 10in Mag950 Specs: 115 Volt 60 Hz 93 Watts - 1.33 amps 14 Feet Shut Off 3/4 in/out threaded 950gph at zero feet 800gph at 4 feet 200gph at 12 feet I have both pumps as well, and have done the 'bucket' test for flow because this idea of the eheim being unterspec has come up a few times. Its rated correctly and is not as good of a head performer as the Mag...but Id still take the Eheim. It will last longer and quieter. Back to my original question though...what size tank? I would say that a 1260 should be plenty, and if you really want to go 'low flow' (as long as your in tank circulation is enough) a eheim 1250 is prolly all you need.

07/21/2006, 11:12 AM	#13
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	That TUNZE is a nice pump. Its most likely DC, which is the reason it can make about 800gph with only 55 watts...DC pumps are more efficient than AC (low speed pumps at least) because the DC has more torque per watt so they can use larger blades on the impeller. Its got 3m/10ft of head pressure as well...not bad, but not as good as the eheim or Mag. At $175, I would expect more though...I would prolly never use the speed control myself. Or heck...the operating specs of the Oceanrunner 3500 are pretty close to that... Ocean Runner 3500 3500 l/h (900 gph) 3.3 m (10.7 feet) Max Head Power Consumption 65 watts Another pump I would consider due to its build quality, and decent output for the low wattage it uses is the PAN WORLD 40PX. Model 40PX - equal to Iwaki MD20 Pressure rated 480gph max flow 13.5 foot max head pressure 45 watts 3/4" MPT in/out Its pressure rated so of that 480gph it doesnt lose very much...but it is external.

07/21/2006, 08:17 PM	#15
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	Well, the amount of equipment shouldnt mean anything as far as 'needing' low flow or high flow. Its just that many people put multi-hundred gallons per hour pumps on their tanks when all they need is a few. Less heat, less noise, less electricity, better skimming are a few of the usual benefits of doing so.

07/22/2006, 11:10 PM	#17
ddboy Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: West Covina, California Posts: 282	pumps I have swap my mag 18 for a ehiem 1260 on my 150g. there is not much different, since for Mag, I don't think it deal with pressure that well. then I also swap to a 1262. And notice almost no different from the 1262 & the 1260. i would go with the 1260 for your set up.

07/22/2006, 11:26 PM	#18
RichConley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bostonian in Chicago going to DC Posts: 9,908	take a look at the blueline NS800. MUCH more powerful pump at less wattage. 40w, 17ft max head, 850gph at 0' __________________ NO TANKS!!!

07/23/2006, 06:34 AM	#19
crumbletop Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 4,718	Blueline is external only. Mchava wants to run the pump in-sump. __________________ "Misers get up early in the morning; and burglars, I am informed, get up the night before." - GK Chesterton Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA RR. 20 gal sump. 6x54W T5. AquaController Jr.

07/23/2006, 06:44 AM	#20
mburnickas Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: MA Posts: 684	I would get the 1262 in place of the Mah9. I replaced my Mag 5 with a 1260 on my Aqua C. __________________ Thanks Mike Current Tank Info: 75 gal; Tek T5 lights, reef tank with low to mod coral; wavemaker with maxjet ph; red sea ozone with orp at 350 (and going higher); Ev-120 protein skimmer; quiet one 3000 main pump

07/23/2006, 10:11 AM	#22
crumbletop Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 4,718	I swapped out the pump using the exact same plumbing, and the drains couldn't handle the flow without me changing things around. I didn't do a bucket test or anything that would more accurately assess the flow, but I did have to adjust my drain plumbing to be able to accomodate the eheim. __________________ "Misers get up early in the morning; and burglars, I am informed, get up the night before." - GK Chesterton Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA RR. 20 gal sump. 6x54W T5. AquaController Jr.

07/23/2006, 11:53 AM	#23
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	According to the 'bucket' test, the eheim came up right to spec. Many people claim that since they are european made, that they are made for 50Hz and that going to the 60Hz makes them run faster. Its not like they just swap the plug though...the entire inside of the pump is different when you go from 220 to 110v...and the specs are remeasured as well. Eheim, Aquaclear, and OR pumps are spec'ed out seperate for the two voltages...they have to. I didnt test the Mag9 with a bucket test, just the eheim (because thats the one that everyone was saying is so underrated). While the eheim came up right on target, perhaps the eheim 1262 is a stronger pump, but the Mag's specs might be overestimated (you know its highly possible). OR, I have noticed on the Mag pumps that their impeller wear is rather fast. While I can run an eheim 15 years w/o much wear on the blades, the impellers on the Mags seem to get about as much wear in just 2 years. Perhaps those who replace the Mag9/950 with the eheim 1262 are simply experiencing more flow due to their Mag being worn. Also, I would expect that the Mags magnets get weak faster compared to the eheim...this would reduce the flow as well over time. As long as you have decent flow inside the tank though, like a closed loop or some powerheads/stream pumps....I would just use a 1250 or 1260 over a 1262. You just dont need that much flow through an overflow. OR, I would still strongly suggest the Oceanrunner...its a 'poor man's eheim' simply because it isnt heavily marketed like the eheim...but its almost as good as a eheim pump...ceramic shaft and all.