Which pump?

[big t]

Hey all

I am trying to decide which return pump I am going to run on my new 90g SPS reef. I already know that I am going to be running a ampmaster 3k on a closed loop, so that is a given. I was thinking of using a 1200gph return pump, here are my options.

Gen-x Mak4 =1200gph at 4ft head and around $120ish
Little Giant 4MDQX = 1225 gph at 3ft head and around $120ish
Velocity t4= 1225 gph at 3ft head and around 150ish

I am looking for a very quiet pump that does not heat up the water so which of these woud be the best selection? And also is there any other suggestions? Should I run a smaller return pump?

A little help here please

 

[jmaxwell]

I have a 4mdqx running my 120g and it is very quiet. Oddly I have a 3mdqx running my protein skimmer and it is very noisy...not sure if it is a little defective or what.

Jim

 

[plumber_bob]

Why don't you look into the Iwaki 40RLXT?

I would never go with a Gen-X Mak 4 they are so damn loud and they run really hot compared to some other pumps. I've also seen a lot of problems with the Velocity T4.

 

[big t]

Well thanks plumber bob, I had never heard a bad thing about the genx before. Most say they are really quiet, and realiable. Anyone else had any probs w/ the genx externals? I will consider that iwaki pump. I have also heard of another pump that is good which is apparently made by the iwaki designers who broke away from the company. They are called PanWorld/Blueline HD Pumps. Simular price to the american made iwaki pumps.

 

[goby2004]

Hey big T I have been running a genx4 for 4 years, it gets more and more noisy as time goes on as did my Iwasaki, I ran a silent one that was, well silent for 4 years and then corrosion started showing up so I replaced it with a T-3 velocity, totaly silent also. Plumber Bob what problems have you heard of on the Velocities?

 

[Gordo]

I second the vote for the Iwaki pump. They have a low hum and add little heat to the water.

As for the A3K...... I hate mine. It may be quiet, but it leaks. I replaced the seals and three months later it leaked again. I plan to replace it with a Sequence pump.

http://www.azponds.com/new sequence.htm

~Gordo~

 

[Elmo18]

I vote for the Iwaki line as well. I have the American Motor RLX20 for my return on the 75 gallon and love it. No noise whatsoever, and doesn't add much heat.

- Ilham

 

[plumber_bob]

I've just seen multiple Velocity's die in a short period of time... Some customers say they are like external RIO's

 

[big t]

Ok well maybe it would be worth shelling out 40 or so extra for a really good pump huh? I will save up a bit more I suppose. Thanks you guys, I respect your opinoins.