DC Return Pumps

FlyPenFly · 10/09/2013, 07:22 AM

Thinking about picking up the Reef Octopus Diablo DC Water Pump DC-3500. It seems very efficient compared to the big boys. 925gph at 30 watts seems almost double the efficiency of Sicce, Eheim, or Rio.

Any remarks on the reliability of these pumps?

rhinonm · 10/09/2013, 07:27 AM

I have been using a first generation dc-5000 (i think). Its awesome. No hiccups yet. Do know that it takes a couple weeks to get really quiet.

Vinny Kreyling · 10/09/2013, 07:42 AM

I have a DC 10000, knock on wood here.
I have been told to use a surge protector since they have a chip in them.
Haven't done it yet though.

jkcoon · 10/09/2013, 08:04 AM

I have a waveline DC10000 GenII and love it..

jda · 10/09/2013, 08:15 AM

I have a Diablo 10500. Wattage, head and flow is as advertised at about 2000ish at 10 feet at about 66 watts - eyeball and kill-a-watt check. I won't rate it as a good pump until I have seen it run for 5+ years without any issues. I will caveat this by saying that I don't really find sequence pumps all that reliable and very good since I have never gone much more than 2 years with them without having to replace a seal, bearings or a motor. I want lifeguard, ampmaster or that kind of performance with 5+ years of no issues... so perhaps my standards are higher than most.

They are controllable, so I might suggest that you get the bigger one, if you can afford the extra cash, and just run it lower. You might someday with that you had more flow.

vette.tech · 10/09/2013, 08:28 AM

That'd a good point about the extra flow, do you think you extend the life of a dc pump by running it at a lower power level

jda · 10/09/2013, 08:32 AM

I wish that we knew.

What I do know is that hobbyists are early to buy into the hype of new products when we are in fact just hoping that they are as good as what is out there. If you want something super reliable, then get a eheim, mag, quiet one or the dozens of other time tested solutions. I bought my Diablo DC off of hope that it will last, but I have no idea...

Vinny Kreyling · 10/09/2013, 02:00 PM

The only thing I have been told, and not by any manufacturer or sales rep, is to use a surge protector since they use a chip like computers do.

jda · 10/09/2013, 02:13 PM

If this is true, then they will be a failure. Nobody wants to use a surge protector or fault interrupt on something like a return pump - you just want them to run through a whisp of humidity or grid hiccup.

Vinny Kreyling · 10/09/2013, 02:16 PM

Like I said only by an individual.

zachfishman · 10/09/2013, 04:30 PM

I'd love a simple DC return pump (made by a reputable manufacturer) with no chip for controllability - I can valve it back. That way it isn't as susceptible to power surges/dips, AND is accompanied by the exceptional electrical efficiency these DC pumps have.

I expect to see a wealth of just such products by MACNA 2014.

rhinonm · 10/09/2013, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jda

I wish that we knew.

What I do know is that hobbyists are early to buy into the hype of new products when we are in fact just hoping that they are as good as what is out there. If you want something super reliable, then get a eheim, mag, quiet one or the dozens of other time tested solutions. I bought my Diablo DC off of hope that it will last, but I have no idea...

I dont know how many times my old quite one would seize and I would break the ceramic impeller trying to fix it. POS IMO. My DC5000 has already surpassed that big time

Johnic · 10/09/2013, 10:29 PM

Love my DC 5500.....quiet
But note that you need to use the suggested size output dia pipe to get the most of the flow rating...

FlyPenFly · 10/10/2013, 05:18 AM

Ok so it seems the Reef Octo diablo is the way to go

nickdo · 10/10/2013, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyPenFly

Ok so it seems the Reef Octo diablo is the way to go

It's better to get the most powerful version of the those pumps. You can get 5400L/h(~1426 Gal/h) from gen 1 DC10000(level 1 flow). It consume 27watt only, outperform weaker version DC pumps(DC3000/5000). They share the same body. there're no reason to buy weaker version(Except lowest flow 5400L/h is too much for u).

HowieUMD · 10/10/2013, 10:36 AM

I ordered the Diablo DC10500 yesterday. Can't wait for it to come in. Haven't read anything negative about them yet. I wasn't aware of the surge protector suggestion, so thanks to those who mentioned it.

pwreef · 10/10/2013, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickdo

It consume 27watt only, outperform weaker version DC pumps(DC3000/5000). They share the same body.

This is not correct Diablo DC10500 consumes 85W at full speed. Also the three models are different in length as the size of impeller/water chamber is likely different.
http://www.coralvue.com/diablo-dc-10...eed-water-pump

FlyPenFly · 10/13/2013, 08:22 AM

Anyone have experience with the jebao DC units? From what I've been reading, Waveline are the same pumps manufactured at the same factory.

Av8bluewater · 10/13/2013, 08:38 AM

I have a DC5500. It's almost as quiet as my red dragon. I have only tested it in the sink so we will see once installed. Not sure if it will stand the test of time as it seems like the plastic is very cheap.

Ron Reefman · 10/14/2013, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyPenFly

Anyone have experience with the jebao DC units? From what I've been reading, Waveline are the same pumps manufactured at the same factory.

I have 3 DC12000 and 2 DC6000 on order in a group buy direct from Jebao, but they say we are still 2 -3 weeks out on delivery. Wish I could be of more help. I will post pics of their arrival and install and do a review.

Jwill1212 · 10/14/2013, 05:53 AM

I am running a Waveline DC10000 and a Speedwave DC4000 on my tank. My observations:The flow rates drop off much quicker than the graphs show,
they are very quiet, little to NO heat transfer, Very efficient for actual flow rates. My 10000DC has been running for 4 months, non-stop. The 4000 has only been running for about 2 + months.
With that being said, I ordered a DC12000 from the Jebao group buy.
BTW, the Waveline, speedwave, diablo and jebao all appear to be the exact same pumps. Some of the re-branders say they are different..........

FlyPenFly · 10/14/2013, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jwill1212

I am running a Waveline DC10000 and a Speedwave DC4000 on my tank. My observations:The flow rates drop off much quicker than the graphs show,
they are very quiet, little to NO heat transfer, Very efficient for actual flow rates. My 10000DC has been running for 4 months, non-stop. The 4000 has only been running for about 2 + months.
With that being said, I ordered a DC12000 from the Jebao group buy.
BTW, the Waveline, speedwave, diablo and jebao all appear to be the exact same pumps. Some of the re-branders say they are different..........

Wow.

It would be great if someone can do a comparison of the body, control unit, power supply, and impeller.

tangstank · 10/14/2013, 07:31 AM

I replaced my return pump & feed pump with DC 12000. Best part is you can lower the flow in the controller & it consumes lesser power. Love the energy saving & control feature.

nickdo · 10/14/2013, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwreef

This is not correct Diablo DC10500 consumes 85W at full speed. Also the three models are different in length as the size of impeller/water chamber is likely different.
http://www.coralvue.com/diablo-dc-10...eed-water-pump

1. DC 10000 consume 93w at full speed.
2. DC 10000 consume 27w at lowest speed, lowest speed output 5400L/h
3. DC 5000 consume 40w at full speed.
4. DC 10000 outperform DC 5000 in lowest speed with 13w different.
5. no reason to buy weaker DC pump, just buy bigger version and use lower speed.
6. same condition can be applied to those gen1 dc pumps

Jwill1212 · 10/15/2013, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickdo

1. DC 10000 consume 93w at full speed.
2. DC 10000 consume 27w at lowest speed, lowest speed output 5400L/h
3. DC 5000 consume 40w at full speed.
4. DC 10000 outperform DC 5000 in lowest speed with 13w different.
5. no reason to buy weaker DC pump, just buy bigger version and use lower speed.
6. same condition can be applied to those gen1 dc pumps

My DC 10000 consumes 84w at high (actual measurement with fluke 337 amp probe) 27w at low
BTW...... it is a Gen2

10/09/2013, 07:22 AM	#1
FlyPenFly SPS Killer Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,490	DC Return Pumps Thinking about picking up the Reef Octopus Diablo DC Water Pump DC-3500. It seems very efficient compared to the big boys. 925gph at 30 watts seems almost double the efficiency of Sicce, Eheim, or Rio. Any remarks on the reliability of these pumps?

10/09/2013, 07:27 AM	#2
rhinonm Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Rio Rancho NM USA Posts: 302	I have been using a first generation dc-5000 (i think). Its awesome. No hiccups yet. Do know that it takes a couple weeks to get really quiet. __________________ 180g 60x35x20 Rimless, 48" Sunpower, 5000 SRO Skimmer, 40" Advanced Acrylics Sump Current Tank Info: 200g SPS

10/09/2013, 04:30 PM	#11
zachfishman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 3,577	I'd love a simple DC return pump (made by a reputable manufacturer) with no chip for controllability - I can valve it back. That way it isn't as susceptible to power surges/dips, AND is accompanied by the exceptional electrical efficiency these DC pumps have. I expect to see a wealth of just such products by MACNA 2014. __________________ Patience is a reefer's best tool. Secret Xenia lover. M.S. Marine Biology Staff - Marine Discovery Center, St. Petersburg FL Tampa Bay Reef Club BOD 2018 Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana

10/09/2013, 10:29 PM	#13
Johnic Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,092	Love my DC 5500.....quiet But note that you need to use the suggested size output dia pipe to get the most of the flow rating... __________________ 75 Lee Mar Peninsula Tank, Reef Octo Elite 150, Custom Advanced Acrylic Sump, (2) MP40, Vectra M2 Main Pump, (2) XR15 Pro, Clear Water ATS CW-50, Alkatronic,GHL Doser 2.1, Apex Neptune El with Trident

10/14/2013, 07:31 AM	#23
tangstank Obsessed Reefer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northbrook IL Posts: 1,229	I replaced my return pump & feed pump with DC 12000. Best part is you can lower the flow in the controller & it consumes lesser power. Love the energy saving & control feature. __________________ No I am not addicted! But I just can't stop my obsession. Current Tank Info: 110 Gallon Corner Reef + 300G in wall..........++++

10/09/2013, 07:42 AM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I have a DC 10000, knock on wood here. I have been told to use a surge protector since they have a chip in them. Haven't done it yet though.

10/09/2013, 08:04 AM	#4
jkcoon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Missouri - KC area Posts: 218	I have a waveline DC10000 GenII and love it..

10/09/2013, 08:15 AM	#5
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	I have a Diablo 10500. Wattage, head and flow is as advertised at about 2000ish at 10 feet at about 66 watts - eyeball and kill-a-watt check. I won't rate it as a good pump until I have seen it run for 5+ years without any issues. I will caveat this by saying that I don't really find sequence pumps all that reliable and very good since I have never gone much more than 2 years with them without having to replace a seal, bearings or a motor. I want lifeguard, ampmaster or that kind of performance with 5+ years of no issues... so perhaps my standards are higher than most. They are controllable, so I might suggest that you get the bigger one, if you can afford the extra cash, and just run it lower. You might someday with that you had more flow.

10/09/2013, 08:28 AM	#6
vette.tech Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Lansdale, PA Posts: 367	That'd a good point about the extra flow, do you think you extend the life of a dc pump by running it at a lower power level

10/09/2013, 08:32 AM	#7
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	I wish that we knew. What I do know is that hobbyists are early to buy into the hype of new products when we are in fact just hoping that they are as good as what is out there. If you want something super reliable, then get a eheim, mag, quiet one or the dozens of other time tested solutions. I bought my Diablo DC off of hope that it will last, but I have no idea...

10/09/2013, 02:00 PM	#8
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	The only thing I have been told, and not by any manufacturer or sales rep, is to use a surge protector since they use a chip like computers do.

10/09/2013, 02:13 PM	#9
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	If this is true, then they will be a failure. Nobody wants to use a surge protector or fault interrupt on something like a return pump - you just want them to run through a whisp of humidity or grid hiccup.

10/09/2013, 02:16 PM	#10
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Like I said only by an individual.

10/10/2013, 05:18 AM	#14
FlyPenFly SPS Killer Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,490	Ok so it seems the Reef Octo diablo is the way to go

10/10/2013, 10:36 AM	#16
HowieUMD Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North Dartmouth, MA Posts: 128	I ordered the Diablo DC10500 yesterday. Can't wait for it to come in. Haven't read anything negative about them yet. I wasn't aware of the surge protector suggestion, so thanks to those who mentioned it.

10/13/2013, 08:22 AM	#18
FlyPenFly SPS Killer Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,490	Anyone have experience with the jebao DC units? From what I've been reading, Waveline are the same pumps manufactured at the same factory.

10/13/2013, 08:38 AM	#19
Av8bluewater Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 763	I have a DC5500. It's almost as quiet as my red dragon. I have only tested it in the sink so we will see once installed. Not sure if it will stand the test of time as it seems like the plastic is very cheap.

10/14/2013, 05:53 AM	#21
Jwill1212 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: West Coast of Florida Posts: 93	I am running a Waveline DC10000 and a Speedwave DC4000 on my tank. My observations:The flow rates drop off much quicker than the graphs show, they are very quiet, little to NO heat transfer, Very efficient for actual flow rates. My 10000DC has been running for 4 months, non-stop. The 4000 has only been running for about 2 + months. With that being said, I ordered a DC12000 from the Jebao group buy. BTW, the Waveline, speedwave, diablo and jebao all appear to be the exact same pumps. Some of the re-branders say they are different..........