wanna try a new return pump

[rz1a]

my current iwaki pump is dead silent and pretty good for my tank, but it uses 144 watts.

i was thinking of using an eheim that only uses 80 watts and is rated for like 900gph at 11'

its for a 28g tank, would the eheim be really quiet and reliable? i would like to use an external pump if possible

[matt]

Going to an eheim would be a serious downgrade in terms of quality and reliability. I would also plan for about 1/2 the actual flow of the "rating" under any sort of pressure use. If you have 11' of head (alot!) you should stay with the iwaki or maybe get a smaller pan world that's still designed to work in pressure situations.

Another thing is that eheims are tough to hard-plumb; if you remove the hose barb, the fittings are not tapered threads, but straight threads sealed with an o ring. Good luck trying to get that sealed with a taped PVC fitting in 11' of head pressure! If you want to use the hose barb and flex tubing, it's not an issue.

[TexasTodd]

I agree with the above from Matt, except that IME Eheim pumps are extremely reliable....even if run dry by mistake. I know of people who have run a single pump for close to 20 years.

But, as Matt said, it doesn't fit your application well with the head height you're dealing with.

Todd

[rz1a]

well, i only have about 4' feet of head. im using flexible tubing for the flow but theres about 4 90 degree elbows once it hits the return lines. right after the pump there's a T with one ball valve on both hoses on the t; one goes to the sump and the other goes back to the DT

the iwaki is a great pump and small too, super quiet, but was just looking around for something that uses less watts, that is quiet and reliable too.

if i should stay with the iwaki then it should be fine. was just thinking 144w would be a lot if it runs 24hrs a day every day

[erikharrison]

It comes to about 12 dollars per month.

[caferacermike]

I absolutely love my Eheims. I probably have close to $4,000 worth of Eheim products sitting in home and in use. Sounds like you are looking at the 1262 for $119 at Big Al's. I have 8 of them here in the house. They are darlings. Dead silent, efficient and deliver the full 900 GPH.

[rz1a]

yes, it was the 1262 that i saw from Marine Depot. how long have you had them running for? 80w seems way better than the 144w.

[caferacermike]

I have 3 1262's that have been running for 4 years without a single problem. They get rinsed out in the sink about once a year.

[rz1a]

i'm going to go ahead and look into these pumps

are you running these external or internal?

[caferacermike]

4 external and 4 internal. If they weren't the bomb why does Deltec and Euroreef demand them? My ER skimmer has 4 1262's external. That's $2,400 worth of ER modded Eheims.

[rz1a]

4 external and 4 internal. If they weren't the bomb why does Deltec and Euroreef demand them? My ER skimmer has 4 1262's external. That's $2,400 worth of ER modded Eheims.


and the external version is dead silent? i'm just trying to keep as much equipment as i can out of the water so it doesnt heat up my nano. i thought the eheims were good, i hadnt really heard much bad stories about the pumps though

[crossxfire2]

ooo I am also looking for a return pump! Eheim is da best?

[caferacermike]

All of my Eheim equipment is dead silent, external or internal. Sorry for not noticing your question.

[caferacermike]

At night when I'm trying to sleep, it's the computer I cuss at, not the tanks.

[TexasTodd]

Also, the external and internal "versions" are the same...no difference or different part number. Just no water around it when use externally to muffle sound.

If you're going to use some Korilias for flow it shouldn't matter that much if the flow is cut back some on the return from your sump. ;)

Todd