External Pump Recommendation

[super]

I'm looking to move from my Mag7 and Mag3 submersed pumps to an external pump. I'm looking for recommendations for a single external pump that I could replace both mag pumps.

Are there any brands should I look at and/or stay away from?

 

[super]

Ive heard the mag pumps have issues some times being external? I was kinda thinking about going to something that was only designed as an external pump. Reeflo / Iwaki or something like that

 

[jef4y]

I'd look at the Panworld myself.

 

[super]

JeF4y;856277 wrote: I'd look at the Panworld myself.

From what I think I understand is those were made but the same people as Iwaki? Something like that anyways. I'll look into it

 

[jef4y]

I believe you're correct. They are good pumps with a solid reputation. Not the quietest pumps, but for the price they are very good.

 

[kirkwood]

Super;856278 wrote: From what I think I understand is those were made but the same people as Iwaki? Something like that anyways. I'll look into it

I've got a japanese motor Iwaki and love it. It's quiet and runs super cool. You can tell the quality of the product versus other pumps. I think you are correct that someone from Iwaki left the company to start Panworld. I think Iwaki is a little higher grade pump.

Also, I would NEVER under any circumstances run an internal/external pump (ie: Mag) in an external configuration. Only use pumps specifically contstructed for external operation.

 

[jj ocean]

The 3 mentioned are all great pumps and the only pumps I use. Reeflo is my pump of choice if it meets the specs of what I need it to do. Good reliability, energy efficient and can be valved back without service issues. Iwaki I use if I need high head pressure - almost double reeflo. Iwakis just consume more power, are a little noisier than reeflo and can't be valved back. They have excellent reliability. Panworld has some great pumps for the price. i mainly use them for accessory feeds (CA Reactor, fluidized media, salt mixing station and such). Above avg quality, wide range of sizes for a lot of different applications and value priced based on the 2 other mfg.

My personal service experience:

Reeflo - 3 different pumps over 8 years w/ only 1 self service seal replacement and impeller replacement. Direct mfg service.
Iwaki - 2 pumps over 10 years. Never any service issues.
Panworld - 4 pumps over 6 years. 2 pump replacements. Distributor service.

 

[super]

Thanks for the info... I think I'm leaning towards the Reeflo as I want a quiet pump and have almost no head pressure needs. I can T off for UV, Reactor, etc and still have plenty or power left in reserve.

 

[jj ocean]

You just need to be careful with feeding the reactor from the manifold with a large pump. Reeflo's have some decent head pressure. Some reactors seals will leak due to the pressure. Especially CA reactors since they hold some level of pressure (exit valved down) vs. more free flowing reactors like a FMC (entry valved down).

 

[super]

JJ Ocean;856612 wrote: You just need to be careful with feeding the reactor from the manifold with a large pump. Reeflo's have some decent head pressure. Some reactors seals will leak due to the pressure. Especially CA reactors since they hold some level of pressure (exit valved down) vs. more free flowing reactors like a FMC (entry valved down).

I am using a Reef Octopus Biopellet Reactor so I'll have a ball valve on it. Just trying to determine how much power I really NEED.

I'm having a hard time distinguishing between need and want. Its a common issue for lots of folks I'm sure :roll:

 

[jj ocean]

The good thing with the reflows is that you can valve down the flow right after it exits the pump and before going to the manifold, so get one that might be a little more flow than you need and valve down as necessary. The reeflo pump will actually consume less energy when valved down.

 

[super]

Any idea how far I can valve it down before harming the pump itself?

 

[jj ocean]

You'd need to call reeflo. They have great service and would answer it directly. They really don't state "how much" on their site. Just that you could do it. I probably valved back up to 50% of the outflow without any issues - pump sounded fine and no overheating/failures. If I was in the planning stages, I would target a reeflo with 25% more flow than you want. On some models you can actually spec/swap the impeller to change flow rates (ie hammerhead/barracuda). Go look on their website or call them.

 

[super]

JJ Ocean;856656 wrote: You'd need to call reeflo. They have great service and would answer it directly. They really don't state "how much" on their site. Just that you could do it. I probably valved back up to 50% of the outflow without any issues - pump sounded fine and no overheating/failures. If I was in the planning stages, I would target a reeflo with 25% more flow than you want. On some models you can actually spec/swap the impeller to change flow rates (ie hammerhead/barracuda). Go look on their website or call them.

I appreciate it... I WANT a new pump now, but we've been toying with the idea of swapping the 90g for a 180g... in that case I would NEED a new pump. I'd love to be able to buy something now and use it later if I make that change.

I'll call them and see what they say...