best needlewheel pump for the price in 2011?

zachtos · 03/02/2011, 09:50 AM

Hey, I need to replace both needlewheel pumps on my skimmer. I bought a skimmer about 4 years ago and now the impellors are badly worn out. I can NOT find replacement impellors that properlly fit the GENX-4100 pumps. They draw around 10-20scfh (very inconsistent since the impellors are dying). I bought one of those airflow meters for $25 to verify the flow. So, I get 20-40scfh (under 1000 lph) air intake currently.

What can I buy to replace these that will do a better job in the $100-200 zone. What's the best bang for the buck needlwheel pump on the market currently? I want the ATI Powercone pumps, but apparently they will not be released for another 4-6 months in the USA.

I was looking at octopus - Bubble Blaster HY-5000 Pump. A bit too expensive for me, but provides around 2000lph for an unknown wattage. I wish all the vendors would show wattage and air intake on EVERY #@$@# pump. Why do we have to play these games?

Waylander · 03/02/2011, 10:44 AM

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/cat...oducts_id=6728

Wattages on Bubble Blasters. I think you will be very impressed with how they perform compared to many other needlewheels.

mscarpena · 03/02/2011, 10:57 AM

I would say bubble blasters as well. I have heard wonderful things about them.

zachtos · 03/02/2011, 11:41 AM

Should I wait until ATI powercones come out? They seem about 50% stronger then the best bubble blaster motor (on paper). 3000lph at 35 watts and under $200. Too good to be true I'm betting. I don't think my tank will be happy waiting 2-4 months w/ little to no skimming though (medium-high stocked 240 SPS tank)

zachtos · 03/02/2011, 12:47 PM

After a bit of reading, I went with the Bubble Blaster HY-5000 Pump made by coralvue. I have an entire 400W MH setup from coralvue and it's fabulous. I love that company and trust their design. I suspect 2000 lph may overwhelm my 8" diamater skimmer x 18" tall body and 8" tall x 4" diamater neck. I will post my old pumps for sale, someone may find a use for them or have spare impellors.

03/02/2011, 09:50 AM	#1
zachtos Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,161	best needlewheel pump for the price in 2011? Hey, I need to replace both needlewheel pumps on my skimmer. I bought a skimmer about 4 years ago and now the impellors are badly worn out. I can NOT find replacement impellors that properlly fit the GENX-4100 pumps. They draw around 10-20scfh (very inconsistent since the impellors are dying). I bought one of those airflow meters for $25 to verify the flow. So, I get 20-40scfh (under 1000 lph) air intake currently. What can I buy to replace these that will do a better job in the $100-200 zone. What's the best bang for the buck needlwheel pump on the market currently? I want the ATI Powercone pumps, but apparently they will not be released for another 4-6 months in the USA. I was looking at octopus - Bubble Blaster HY-5000 Pump. A bit too expensive for me, but provides around 2000lph for an unknown wattage. I wish all the vendors would show wattage and air intake on EVERY #@$@# pump. Why do we have to play these games?

03/02/2011, 10:44 AM	#2
Waylander Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Here...sometimes there Posts: 273	http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/cat...oducts_id=6728 Wattages on Bubble Blasters. I think you will be very impressed with how they perform compared to many other needlewheels. __________________ Peace is our business... War is just a hobby. Current Tank Info: 110 planted, 75 & 125 Zoa, LPS, softies.

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03/02/2011, 10:57 AM	#3
mscarpena Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Buffalo, New York Posts: 1,924	I would say bubble blasters as well. I have heard wonderful things about them.

03/02/2011, 11:41 AM	#4
zachtos Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,161	Should I wait until ATI powercones come out? They seem about 50% stronger then the best bubble blaster motor (on paper). 3000lph at 35 watts and under $200. Too good to be true I'm betting. I don't think my tank will be happy waiting 2-4 months w/ little to no skimming though (medium-high stocked 240 SPS tank)

03/02/2011, 12:47 PM	#5
zachtos Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,161	After a bit of reading, I went with the Bubble Blaster HY-5000 Pump made by coralvue. I have an entire 400W MH setup from coralvue and it's fabulous. I love that company and trust their design. I suspect 2000 lph may overwhelm my 8" diamater skimmer x 18" tall body and 8" tall x 4" diamater neck. I will post my old pumps for sale, someone may find a use for them or have spare impellors.