Taam/Seio Polario 22ML Review

solinar · 08/07/2008, 09:11 PM

I received my 22ML (5500GPH) Polario tuesday and immediately set it up in my 150 (5X2X2).

My initial impressions upon unpacking it.

The pump itself seems a bit lightweight to be housing the motor inside the tank like it does.
The Magnet pair that holds it in the tank is monstrously strong. It comes shipped with a 1/2" thick piece of rubber in between the halves, and I almost couldnt get the two apart without getting a tool of some sort. I have no doubt if you caught a pinky in between the two halves and let it slam shut, it would seriously bruise if not break it.
The documentation included only tells you how to install it, there is no detailed info on working it, what the strainers.couplers are for etc.

I mounted the Polario on the back wall of the tank with the two strainer attachments (with the 1/3 shutters) and set the switch to high.
It definitely moves water as advertised, reversing every 15 seconds (adjustable to 30 minutes).

I felt like the water movement wasn't as much as I anticipated for 5500 GPH water movement, so I tested it. I put it to just blast water 1 way, and put a 4 gallon garbage bag over it. It took about 3 seconds to fill it up. This equates to 4800 GPH, and was a very rough test, so I can believe it is moving 5500 GPH as advertised.

The unit blasts full power in one direction for the alloted time, then completely and abruptly stops for 1 second or so, then reverses direction. It does not ramp the turning speed up and down for reversals. I am a bit worried about this, but I am sure with them being nearly ready for 2 years, they have been tested long term.

All in all, it is doing as advertised. My only real beef so far is that the documentation is not that great. Id like to be told that you can take not just the strainers off, but that the 1/3 covers that fit over the strainers will come off too (they do). Id also like to know how the speed knob works, it goes from low to high, but its a clickable knob that can spin around over and over, and there is a click directly at the bottom (6 o'clock) which is directly between low and high which is not labeled. Is this full high or full low or something else?

I will give an update after a few weeks to let you know how its working. I am also willing to answer any questions in this thread.

Entropy · 08/07/2008, 09:17 PM

How is the flow? Wide and disperesed or a jet? Are you using anything else? PICS/VIDEO!

solinar · 08/07/2008, 09:41 PM

It seems pretty dispersed, so much so that I thought that it wasn't putting out the amount of flow that it should until I tested it with a garbage bag.

For flow, I have about 700 GPH return from the sump, a vortech, and the Polario.

Right now its just set up in a tank with live sand and rock, as we are in a rebuilding stage. Its really hard to see much water movement without some livestock. Hopefully, I will get our hammers out of our temporary setup back in the 150 in a couple of weeks after it finishes cycling, and we can see the effects of the water movement a bit better.

sherm71tank · 08/08/2008, 10:15 AM

Keep the updates coming!

Jim_S · 08/08/2008, 10:28 AM

shelburn61 · 08/08/2008, 12:39 PM

Where did you buy yours? I preordered one from customaquatic but they apparently don't have them yet...

Noise level?

manderx · 08/08/2008, 01:17 PM

that kinda bugs me that it doesn't ramp up/down. does it chatter at all as it restarts?

solinar · 08/08/2008, 01:32 PM

I got mine from Premium Aquatics. They had 2-3 of the 22MLs left when I ordered mine.

It is pretty quiet, not noticeable over my Iwaki 55RL which is under the cabinet which is moderately loud.

It doesn't chatter when starting like the Seio 1500s and 2600s do.

I will work on pics tonight.

shelburn61 · 08/08/2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solinar

It is pretty quiet, not noticeable over my Iwaki 55RL which is under the cabinet which is moderately loud.

It doesn't chatter when starting like the Seio 1500s and 2600s do.

Sounds pretty good. the ramp up would be nice, but if I can get reversing gyres in a 120 without noise I'll be happy...

What's your feeling on the danger of fish/inverts being sucked through?

ioreefer45 · 08/08/2008, 09:09 PM

I just got the pump myself as well. Can't seem to figure out how to mount it externally for closed loop. I see the couplers that come with the pump, but they are kind thin and light. They don't seem to fit standard 2" PVC piping. Anyone already mounting this pump externally? If so please show how.

As for initial impressions -- the pump does feel kinda of light for what I think it can do and parts are not as high quality as I would like. Will have to figure out if it can be mounted externally or not since the documentation has no reference of it being mounted externally.

I got mine from thatpetplace.com with 10% discount- special going on right now.

kdblove_99 · 08/08/2008, 11:03 PM

Lets see some pics guys

solinar · 08/10/2008, 05:09 PM

I will be out of commission for a couple of weeks, so no pictures here, sorry.

I don't think its going to be a problem for my tang, however if you have little slow moving fish like gobies and the like, it might be a problem. I would say its probably similar in risk to fish to a vortech.

spike78 · 08/16/2008, 01:01 AM

I just installed a polario in my 200 bow. I installed it in a closed loop configuration within the center overflow. The flow is great, I'm not really happy with the quality of the product. Specifically:

* The couplers are an odd size. No standard pvc fits the couplers. I ended up having to stretch some 2.0" ID flex tube to connect the couplers. This had to be one of the most frustrating things.

* The threading connecting the inner strainers to the unit are really weak and not deep enough. You can just pull on the connection and easily pull them off the unit, this will make the unit leak if installed externally. I'm not sure I would have confidence installing this unit externally. If you were to accidentally bump or trip on the cord to the unit, you would have one hell of a mess in record time. The magnet is extremely strong, so this may combat some of those accidental shocks.

* I've been having trouble with the controller. It seems to be resetting randomly. The controller has no static storage so every time the unit is reset, it defaults to a 15 second cycle and has to be reprogrammed.

You HAVE to install some type of strainer with this unit if you have any at-risk livestock. It's like a giant garbage disposal in your tank without any protection. I installed some screens over the bulkheads. It did cut the flow but I could just see one of my anemones drifting too close...

I'll try to get some video posted this weekend of my install.

Ed Reef · 08/18/2008, 12:54 AM

Weekend is over....any video????

pdelcast · 08/18/2008, 08:28 AM

I've been using a Polario now for about a month on my 300 gallon reef tank. It totally rocks. The "feed" button is a nice touch I think (turn the pump off for a short while for feedings.)

There are a couple of different inlets/outlets included -- and also a diffuser (which I don't use.) So you can tune how diffuse the flow is.

Spike78 - I'm sure they DON'T want you putting any PVC on the input and output, and that's why they don't make it a standard size. This isn't a standard pump to be used with pipes. THE POLARIO IS NOT TO BE INSTALLED EXTERNALLY. It says that several times in the manual, that it is submersible only.

I agree about the strainer -- but the speed of the flow is fairly slow. I've seen a chromis go almost to the impeller, and get back out safely. BUT -- be careful about any type of mesh, etc.. you don't want to jam the impeller.

shelburn61 · 08/18/2008, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pdelcast

Spike78 - I'm sure they DON'T want you putting any PVC on the input and output, and that's why they don't make it a standard size. This isn't a standard pump to be used with pipes. THE POLARIO IS NOT TO BE INSTALLED EXTERNALLY. It says that several times in the manual, that it is submersible only.

The display at MACNA had one mounted on an external closed loop...

tgunn · 08/18/2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shelburn61
The display at MACNA had one mounted on an external closed loop...

I wonder if they're using metric fittings? My Octopus skimmer uses metric PVC fittings for the output tube and feed lines.

Tyler

pdelcast · 08/18/2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shelburn61
The display at MACNA had one mounted on an external closed loop...

Hmmm... That's cool. I had thought about this, but the fact that it states only to run it in water in the manual made me stop...

shelburn61 · 08/18/2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bryon0508
here is a link to the pump's manual one of them is able to pump 3,500 gph and have a moon light adapter to them

http://www.riopump.net/installation%...20booklet.pd0f

this is what it can do

what sucks is that no expected release date but you can preorder

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...errerid=112003

pdelcast · 08/18/2008, 09:42 AM

Kick A... I want.

Quote:

Originally posted by shelburn61
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...errerid=112003

spike78 · 08/18/2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pdelcast
Spike78 - I'm sure they DON'T want you putting any PVC on the input and output, and that's why they don't make it a standard size. This isn't a standard pump to be used with pipes. THE POLARIO IS NOT TO BE INSTALLED EXTERNALLY. It says that several times in the manual, that it is submersible only.[/B]

I'm looking at the manual right now, the only statement I see is in the warnings section "Don't operate the pump out of water". Pretty much any pump, internal or external has that same warning against running dry. If this pump was only designed to work in a single configuration, then why the inclusion of "Couplers". Especially couplers that don't actually couple to anything.

Adding to my previous posts:

*The controller reset problem is really getting on my nerves. I'll call Taam today and see what the issue might be.

*This pump is LOUD. It easily drowns out my 2 vortecs.

I'll take some video right now. I'm not sure how much it will show.

tgunn · 08/18/2008, 01:27 PM

From the looks of it, this pump wouldn't work too well if you have a peninsula style tank would it? Unless you could put it at the end and use elbows of some kind to direct the flow down the length of the tank.

Tyler

spike78 · 08/18/2008, 04:00 PM

OK, here are the videos. Sorry about the size but it didn't make much sense to compress away all the detail when we are trying to see flow.

DVD Quality - 107 Megs:

http://www.stevesaarinen.com/video/Polario%20Demo.wmv

HD Quality - 250 Megs

http://www.stevesaarinen.com/video/Polario%20HD.wmv

ioreefer45 · 08/18/2008, 09:54 PM

I second the NOISE factor on this pump. It's pretty loud actually. Even underwater you can clear hear the noise as it switches water motion from one side to the other.

Still trying to figure out if it's possible to mount externally. Will have to check with TAAM to confirm I guess.

Paul_PSU · 08/18/2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ioreefer45
I second the NOISE factor on this pump. It's pretty loud actually. Even underwater you can clear hear the noise as it switches water motion from one side to the other.

Still trying to figure out if it's possible to mount externally. Will have to check with TAAM to confirm I guess.

I'm a little confused. Doesn't the pic 5 posts above show it mounted externally?

08/07/2008, 09:11 PM	#1
solinar Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 71	Taam/Seio Polario 22ML Review I received my 22ML (5500GPH) Polario tuesday and immediately set it up in my 150 (5X2X2). My initial impressions upon unpacking it. The pump itself seems a bit lightweight to be housing the motor inside the tank like it does. The Magnet pair that holds it in the tank is monstrously strong. It comes shipped with a 1/2" thick piece of rubber in between the halves, and I almost couldnt get the two apart without getting a tool of some sort. I have no doubt if you caught a pinky in between the two halves and let it slam shut, it would seriously bruise if not break it. The documentation included only tells you how to install it, there is no detailed info on working it, what the strainers.couplers are for etc. I mounted the Polario on the back wall of the tank with the two strainer attachments (with the 1/3 shutters) and set the switch to high. It definitely moves water as advertised, reversing every 15 seconds (adjustable to 30 minutes). I felt like the water movement wasn't as much as I anticipated for 5500 GPH water movement, so I tested it. I put it to just blast water 1 way, and put a 4 gallon garbage bag over it. It took about 3 seconds to fill it up. This equates to 4800 GPH, and was a very rough test, so I can believe it is moving 5500 GPH as advertised. The unit blasts full power in one direction for the alloted time, then completely and abruptly stops for 1 second or so, then reverses direction. It does not ramp the turning speed up and down for reversals. I am a bit worried about this, but I am sure with them being nearly ready for 2 years, they have been tested long term. All in all, it is doing as advertised. My only real beef so far is that the documentation is not that great. Id like to be told that you can take not just the strainers off, but that the 1/3 covers that fit over the strainers will come off too (they do). Id also like to know how the speed knob works, it goes from low to high, but its a clickable knob that can spin around over and over, and there is a click directly at the bottom (6 o'clock) which is directly between low and high which is not labeled. Is this full high or full low or something else? I will give an update after a few weeks to let you know how its working. I am also willing to answer any questions in this thread.

08/07/2008, 09:17 PM	#2
Entropy Texas Reefer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 13,656	How is the flow? Wide and disperesed or a jet? Are you using anything else? PICS/VIDEO! __________________ Rich Overton 150G cube FOWLR, 30g sump, ReefKeeperII, 3x Koralia 1400's, QuiteOne 3000, Reef Octopus DNWB150, 4x 30w Par38 LED. Current Tank Info: 36x36x27 150g

08/08/2008, 10:28 AM	#5
Jim_S Timo Boll Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 5,333	__________________ We will survive in this world of competition, shooting guns and our ammunition... Bradley Nowell Current Tank Info: We're recreating the ocean in our livings rooms. With that said, I've had some ups and downs.

08/08/2008, 09:09 PM	#10
ioreefer45 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 57	polario -external mount I just got the pump myself as well. Can't seem to figure out how to mount it externally for closed loop. I see the couplers that come with the pump, but they are kind thin and light. They don't seem to fit standard 2" PVC piping. Anyone already mounting this pump externally? If so please show how. As for initial impressions -- the pump does feel kinda of light for what I think it can do and parts are not as high quality as I would like. Will have to figure out if it can be mounted externally or not since the documentation has no reference of it being mounted externally. I got mine from thatpetplace.com with 10% discount- special going on right now.

08/18/2008, 12:54 AM	#14
Ed Reef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Currently Based in China Posts: 4,060	Weekend is over....any video???? __________________ Ed ~ Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can only be explored by those willing to take the risks. ~ Current Tank Info: Ed Reef’s Shallow Crest Inspired ART

08/07/2008, 09:41 PM	#3
solinar Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 71	It seems pretty dispersed, so much so that I thought that it wasn't putting out the amount of flow that it should until I tested it with a garbage bag. For flow, I have about 700 GPH return from the sump, a vortech, and the Polario. Right now its just set up in a tank with live sand and rock, as we are in a rebuilding stage. Its really hard to see much water movement without some livestock. Hopefully, I will get our hammers out of our temporary setup back in the 150 in a couple of weeks after it finishes cycling, and we can see the effects of the water movement a bit better.

08/08/2008, 10:15 AM	#4
sherm71tank Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,670	Keep the updates coming!

08/08/2008, 12:39 PM	#6
shelburn61 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Charlotte Posts: 2,094	Where did you buy yours? I preordered one from customaquatic but they apparently don't have them yet... Noise level?

08/08/2008, 01:17 PM	#7
manderx Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Christiansburg, VA Posts: 4,893	that kinda bugs me that it doesn't ramp up/down. does it chatter at all as it restarts?

08/08/2008, 01:32 PM	#8
solinar Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 71	I got mine from Premium Aquatics. They had 2-3 of the 22MLs left when I ordered mine. It is pretty quiet, not noticeable over my Iwaki 55RL which is under the cabinet which is moderately loud. It doesn't chatter when starting like the Seio 1500s and 2600s do. I will work on pics tonight.

08/08/2008, 11:03 PM	#11
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	Lets see some pics guys

08/10/2008, 05:09 PM	#12
solinar Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 71	I will be out of commission for a couple of weeks, so no pictures here, sorry. I don't think its going to be a problem for my tang, however if you have little slow moving fish like gobies and the like, it might be a problem. I would say its probably similar in risk to fish to a vortech.

08/16/2008, 01:01 AM	#13
spike78 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 420	I just installed a polario in my 200 bow. I installed it in a closed loop configuration within the center overflow. The flow is great, I'm not really happy with the quality of the product. Specifically: * The couplers are an odd size. No standard pvc fits the couplers. I ended up having to stretch some 2.0" ID flex tube to connect the couplers. This had to be one of the most frustrating things. * The threading connecting the inner strainers to the unit are really weak and not deep enough. You can just pull on the connection and easily pull them off the unit, this will make the unit leak if installed externally. I'm not sure I would have confidence installing this unit externally. If you were to accidentally bump or trip on the cord to the unit, you would have one hell of a mess in record time. The magnet is extremely strong, so this may combat some of those accidental shocks. * I've been having trouble with the controller. It seems to be resetting randomly. The controller has no static storage so every time the unit is reset, it defaults to a 15 second cycle and has to be reprogrammed. You HAVE to install some type of strainer with this unit if you have any at-risk livestock. It's like a giant garbage disposal in your tank without any protection. I installed some screens over the bulkheads. It did cut the flow but I could just see one of my anemones drifting too close... I'll try to get some video posted this weekend of my install.

08/18/2008, 08:28 AM	#15
pdelcast Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 256	I've been using a Polario now for about a month on my 300 gallon reef tank. It totally rocks. The "feed" button is a nice touch I think (turn the pump off for a short while for feedings.) There are a couple of different inlets/outlets included -- and also a diffuser (which I don't use.) So you can tune how diffuse the flow is. Spike78 - I'm sure they DON'T want you putting any PVC on the input and output, and that's why they don't make it a standard size. This isn't a standard pump to be used with pipes. THE POLARIO IS NOT TO BE INSTALLED EXTERNALLY. It says that several times in the manual, that it is submersible only. I agree about the strainer -- but the speed of the flow is fairly slow. I've seen a chromis go almost to the impeller, and get back out safely. BUT -- be careful about any type of mesh, etc.. you don't want to jam the impeller. __________________ Patrick Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef - Acans, Zoas, Acros, Montis == 300 gallon reef to be mostly SPS

08/18/2008, 01:27 PM	#22
tgunn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Cupertino, CA USA Posts: 4,027	From the looks of it, this pump wouldn't work too well if you have a peninsula style tank would it? Unless you could put it at the end and use elbows of some kind to direct the flow down the length of the tank. Tyler

08/18/2008, 04:00 PM	#23
spike78 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 420	OK, here are the videos. Sorry about the size but it didn't make much sense to compress away all the detail when we are trying to see flow. DVD Quality - 107 Megs: http://www.stevesaarinen.com/video/Polario%20Demo.wmv HD Quality - 250 Megs http://www.stevesaarinen.com/video/Polario%20HD.wmv

08/18/2008, 09:54 PM	#24
ioreefer45 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 57	polario I second the NOISE factor on this pump. It's pretty loud actually. Even underwater you can clear hear the noise as it switches water motion from one side to the other. Still trying to figure out if it's possible to mount externally. Will have to check with TAAM to confirm I guess.