ReeFlo Dart (or other) vs Reeflo Dart Gold

Gieser · 02/26/2009, 10:38 PM

Is anyone using the Reeflo Dart Gold, or any Reeflo Gold? I am curious if they are worth the extra $150. I will be using 2 for my closed loop on a 260 reef, and one for the main return (has about 5ft preassure).

Gieser · 02/27/2009, 05:20 AM

bump... Does anyone or has anyone used a Reeflo Gold Pump? Can anyone discuss a personal experience between Reeflo and Reeflo Gold?

Cheetos&Cocopuf · 02/27/2009, 09:08 AM

Hey Geiser,
I own and have run both on the same setup- the Dart Gold (Baldor motor) for normal use and the Dart (AO Smith motor) for backup.

Suprisingly... Output, noise, and heat all seem to be about the same.
Will the Baldor maintain its working performance longer? I don't know yet but, would guess yes.

Would I spend the extra on the Gold for my main pump again? If I had the money in my budget- Yes, but have to admit that the extra worth of the Baldor pump may just be perceived on my part.

The Dart and Dart Gold are both excellent pumps imho.

montepora · 02/27/2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cheetos&Cocopuf
Hey Geiser,
I own and have run both on the same setup- the Dart Gold (Baldor motor) for normal use and the Dart (AO Smith motor) for backup.

Suprisingly... Output, noise, and heat all seem to be about the same.
Will the Baldor maintain its working performance longer? I don't know yet but, would guess yes.

Would I spend the extra on the Gold for my main pump again? If I had the money in my budget- Yes, but have to admit that the extra worth of the Baldor pump may just be perceived on my part.

The Dart and Dart Gold are both excellent pumps imho.

I second that on the Reeflo Hammerhead and Hammerhead Gold I own.

Gieser · 02/27/2009, 07:43 PM

That sounds great! I will need 2 for my closed loops and one for my return. I thought the dart would be too strong for the return, but there is going to be 5ft of pressure. Is the Gold adjustable flow?

mrx66699 · 02/27/2009, 08:56 PM

I have two of the super dart golds the step up from the dart golds 4300gph each one on the closed loop and the other on the returns and they seem to be wonderful. They are new so will post some when I have more on them.

rpeeples · 02/27/2009, 11:37 PM

I have owned 5 dart AO Smith pumps....all but one crashed....bearing issues, leaks, but customer service was awesome. Now I have 2 Dart Golds (Baldor) and 1 regular dart as a backup. Run one on a CL and the other return. Love them thus far...quiet, low heat, low watts, and high flow and service is top notch!

LoneRegister · 02/28/2009, 12:03 AM

I just purchased a snapper - and upgraded the impeller to a dart impeller.

I am concerned that you have had so many crash. What did you notice prior to the crash? How long between crashes?

Thanks.

rpeeples · 02/28/2009, 01:05 AM

The AO Smith motors just did not have the capacity to run at the level required to move 3600gph. I am not sure if it was an overheating issue but all pumps would start to make a noticably louder noise like a metal scraping then it would get louder and louder until it was not possible to run the pump. I believe Reeflo has discontinued distributing all darts with the AO smith motors and are now all Baldor. But you may want to double check. great service and they stood behind their warrantly 100% no questions asked.

Dejavu · 02/28/2009, 05:38 AM

I work in waste water where pumps are the way of life. Many of the smaller pumps are motored by Baldor and so are well over 20 yrs old. If not older.

tomasz · 02/28/2009, 08:03 AM

Which ever you buy you will love it. I have both and will never look at any other pumps.

LoneRegister · 02/28/2009, 08:29 AM

I have to say that the pump is quiet.

I attemped to put a 90 on the inlet of the 2" dart pump - and it never got started. I think the design of these pumps cause it to fail to "prime"(?) if there is any resistance in the inlet side?

Can anyone clarify or offer clarity as to why this happens?

LoneRegister · 02/28/2009, 09:06 AM

Just checked mine - and the unit is the A.O. Smith motor.

Do I need to be worried? I just purchased it 5 days ago.

Gieser · 02/28/2009, 09:25 AM

Thanks everyone for the great info. I know the regular dart is an adjustable flow pump, is the gold adjustable as well?

jshepherd · 02/28/2009, 08:35 PM

I had problems with the ao smith motor and purchased a baldor dart and had the other one fixed for a back up. To me the baldor dart is quieter and I trust it more.

A big thumbs up to customer service as well.

atoa · 03/01/2009, 11:27 PM

Me too. I've had all kind of problems with the regular AO Dart. I couldn't stop it from leaking and it was noisy. It completely broke down after only 1 year.

I recently got the Baldor Dart and this one seems to be a more solid pump. It runs smoother, better flow and it doesn't heat up as much.

Here's a picture of the two pumps side by side:

-- Oliver

Gieser · 03/02/2009, 06:24 AM

So I have see discussion with the AO Smith and Baldor, but what about Sequence?

atoa · 03/02/2009, 07:25 AM

I also have a Sequence 1000 for my return. I've had excellent results. It came with a Baldor motor. It's a much bigger pump. The Sequence is more of a medium pressure pump. So, for a closed loop with little head, the Dart may be a better match.

-- Oliver

RokleM · 03/02/2009, 09:41 AM

There a number of Dart pumps. The "big" Baldor is in the image above. The Baldor that is the dart gold is the same size as the A.O. Smith dart. The dart gold runs significantly cooler and quieter than the A.O. Smith in my experience (on a skimmer).

It's worth the difference in my opinion.

Ignore the fan. I was testing both pumps with the fan on and off and happened to snap a picture of the dart gold with the fan still sitting there.

Dart gold (Baldor):

A.O. Smith dart:

Gieser · 03/02/2009, 09:43 PM

Has anyone used the Reeflo Sequence Dart?

Gieser · 03/02/2009, 09:47 PM

I was thinking about a Reeflo Gold Dart for my 2 closed loops, and one for my return. I know I don't need that much flow for the return, but if it is being pushed up a 6 foot pipe to get to the return pipe, would it still be too much? Should I go with the snapper instead?

Gieser · 03/04/2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gieser
I was thinking about a Reeflo Gold Dart for my 2 closed loops, and one for my return. I know I don't need that much flow for the return, but if it is being pushed up a 6 foot pipe to get to the return pipe, would it still be too much? Should I go with the snapper instead?

Bump: See Above Quote

02/26/2009, 10:38 PM	#1
Gieser Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 460	ReeFlo Dart (or other) vs Reeflo Dart Gold Is anyone using the Reeflo Dart Gold, or any Reeflo Gold? I am curious if they are worth the extra $150. I will be using 2 for my closed loop on a 260 reef, and one for the main return (has about 5ft preassure).

02/27/2009, 05:20 AM	#2
Gieser Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 460	bump... Does anyone or has anyone used a Reeflo Gold Pump? Can anyone discuss a personal experience between Reeflo and Reeflo Gold? __________________ ...because everyone deserves to have one small piece of the ocean, anywhere, anytime...get yours started today! Click on my read house to see our tank live! - DOWN RIGHT NOT BUT COMING SOON!! Current Tank Info: Envision Acrylic 310 "L"

02/27/2009, 07:43 PM	#5
Gieser Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 460	That sounds great! I will need 2 for my closed loops and one for my return. I thought the dart would be too strong for the return, but there is going to be 5ft of pressure. Is the Gold adjustable flow? __________________ ...because everyone deserves to have one small piece of the ocean, anywhere, anytime...get yours started today! Click on my read house to see our tank live! - DOWN RIGHT NOT BUT COMING SOON!! Current Tank Info: Envision Acrylic 310 "L"

02/27/2009, 08:56 PM	#6
mrx66699 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: ft. laud Posts: 5,994	I have two of the super dart golds the step up from the dart golds 4300gph each one on the closed loop and the other on the returns and they seem to be wonderful. They are new so will post some when I have more on them. __________________ Nano with a few dozen tangs. Life is the slowest form of suicide!

02/28/2009, 05:38 AM	#10
Dejavu ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 5,423	I work in waste water where pumps are the way of life. Many of the smaller pumps are motored by Baldor and so are well over 20 yrs old. If not older. __________________ Brian June 2013 TOTM Current Tank Info: 270 Starphire by Miracles in GlassBK 250 InternalSequence Blackfin 1800(2) 6105 Tunzes Streams(3) 400 watt Blueline E-Ballast400w 20k Radiums(3) Lumanarc IIIGEO 624 Ca ReactorTunze OsmolotorPM SR45 and TLF PhosBan Reactor 150Apex

02/27/2009, 09:08 AM	#3
Cheetos&Cocopuf Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 89	Hey Geiser, I own and have run both on the same setup- the Dart Gold (Baldor motor) for normal use and the Dart (AO Smith motor) for backup. Suprisingly... Output, noise, and heat all seem to be about the same. Will the Baldor maintain its working performance longer? I don't know yet but, would guess yes. Would I spend the extra on the Gold for my main pump again? If I had the money in my budget- Yes, but have to admit that the extra worth of the Baldor pump may just be perceived on my part. The Dart and Dart Gold are both excellent pumps imho.

02/27/2009, 11:37 PM	#7
rpeeples Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NC Posts: 643	I have owned 5 dart AO Smith pumps....all but one crashed....bearing issues, leaks, but customer service was awesome. Now I have 2 Dart Golds (Baldor) and 1 regular dart as a backup. Run one on a CL and the other return. Love them thus far...quiet, low heat, low watts, and high flow and service is top notch!

02/28/2009, 12:03 AM	#8
LoneRegister Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Peoria AZ Posts: 324	I just purchased a snapper - and upgraded the impeller to a dart impeller. I am concerned that you have had so many crash. What did you notice prior to the crash? How long between crashes? Thanks.

02/28/2009, 01:05 AM	#9
rpeeples Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NC Posts: 643	The AO Smith motors just did not have the capacity to run at the level required to move 3600gph. I am not sure if it was an overheating issue but all pumps would start to make a noticably louder noise like a metal scraping then it would get louder and louder until it was not possible to run the pump. I believe Reeflo has discontinued distributing all darts with the AO smith motors and are now all Baldor. But you may want to double check. great service and they stood behind their warrantly 100% no questions asked.

02/28/2009, 08:03 AM	#11
tomasz Moved On Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 465	Which ever you buy you will love it. I have both and will never look at any other pumps.

02/28/2009, 08:29 AM	#12
LoneRegister Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Peoria AZ Posts: 324	I have to say that the pump is quiet. I attemped to put a 90 on the inlet of the 2" dart pump - and it never got started. I think the design of these pumps cause it to fail to "prime"(?) if there is any resistance in the inlet side? Can anyone clarify or offer clarity as to why this happens?

02/28/2009, 09:06 AM	#13
LoneRegister Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Peoria AZ Posts: 324	Just checked mine - and the unit is the A.O. Smith motor. Do I need to be worried? I just purchased it 5 days ago.

02/28/2009, 09:25 AM	#14
Gieser Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 460	Thanks everyone for the great info. I know the regular dart is an adjustable flow pump, is the gold adjustable as well? __________________ ...because everyone deserves to have one small piece of the ocean, anywhere, anytime...get yours started today! Click on my read house to see our tank live! - DOWN RIGHT NOT BUT COMING SOON!! Current Tank Info: Envision Acrylic 310 "L"

02/28/2009, 08:35 PM	#15
jshepherd Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Massillon, Ohio Posts: 98 Blog Entries: 2	I had problems with the ao smith motor and purchased a baldor dart and had the other one fixed for a back up. To me the baldor dart is quieter and I trust it more. A big thumbs up to customer service as well.

03/01/2009, 11:27 PM	#16
atoa Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NoVa Posts: 105	Me too. I've had all kind of problems with the regular AO Dart. I couldn't stop it from leaking and it was noisy. It completely broke down after only 1 year. I recently got the Baldor Dart and this one seems to be a more solid pump. It runs smoother, better flow and it doesn't heat up as much. Here's a picture of the two pumps side by side: -- Oliver

03/02/2009, 06:24 AM	#17
Gieser Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 460	So I have see discussion with the AO Smith and Baldor, but what about Sequence? __________________ ...because everyone deserves to have one small piece of the ocean, anywhere, anytime...get yours started today! Click on my read house to see our tank live! - DOWN RIGHT NOT BUT COMING SOON!! Current Tank Info: Envision Acrylic 310 "L"

03/02/2009, 07:25 AM	#18
atoa Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NoVa Posts: 105	I also have a Sequence 1000 for my return. I've had excellent results. It came with a Baldor motor. It's a much bigger pump. The Sequence is more of a medium pressure pump. So, for a closed loop with little head, the Dart may be a better match. -- Oliver

03/02/2009, 09:41 AM	#19
RokleM Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,687	There a number of Dart pumps. The "big" Baldor is in the image above. The Baldor that is the dart gold is the same size as the A.O. Smith dart. The dart gold runs significantly cooler and quieter than the A.O. Smith in my experience (on a skimmer). It's worth the difference in my opinion. Ignore the fan. I was testing both pumps with the fan on and off and happened to snap a picture of the dart gold with the fan still sitting there. Dart gold (Baldor): A.O. Smith dart: __________________ -Eric-

03/02/2009, 09:43 PM	#20
Gieser Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 460	Has anyone used the Reeflo Sequence Dart? __________________ ...because everyone deserves to have one small piece of the ocean, anywhere, anytime...get yours started today! Click on my read house to see our tank live! - DOWN RIGHT NOT BUT COMING SOON!! Current Tank Info: Envision Acrylic 310 "L"

03/02/2009, 09:47 PM	#21
Gieser Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 460	I was thinking about a Reeflo Gold Dart for my 2 closed loops, and one for my return. I know I don't need that much flow for the return, but if it is being pushed up a 6 foot pipe to get to the return pipe, would it still be too much? Should I go with the snapper instead? __________________ ...because everyone deserves to have one small piece of the ocean, anywhere, anytime...get yours started today! Click on my read house to see our tank live! - DOWN RIGHT NOT BUT COMING SOON!! Current Tank Info: Envision Acrylic 310 "L"