I really dislike mag drive pumps

[Tony727]

Pft I have to pull mine about 5-10 times before it'll turn over, hate the smell of 2 strokes though.

Jk check the bushings and let it run in vinegar for a while.

 

[bif24701]

The more I read the more it sounds like the entire first generation of these DC pumps is already dead

But we still keep hearing about how much better they are – mis/dis-information and all.

It's a little baffling...but then fads usually are

Only DC pumps I've heard with consistent issues are the Jebao line, you get what you pay for there.

 

[bif24701]

I work with dc permanent magnet motors at work, happens all the time. typically the halfway mark fix is reducing the servo amplifiers startup torque as these are tracked by 2000 count encoders so to stop them from jerking and overshooting target movement we have to turn down the torque but eventually it gets bad enough the need replaced

Are you sure we are talking about the same type of pump? Check out the link I posted, it talks about industrial pumps also.

 

[Drakonis]

Are you sure we are talking about the same type of pump? Check out the link I posted, it talks about industrial pumps also.

Those DC pumps are just smaller versions with less robust controllers. i read that page when i got posted, the only appeal is lower power use savings. that and i dont see the need for rpm control, flow is easily delt with a gate valve as far as return pump use goes. i think its a fad with padded bennefits.

 

[bif24701]

Those DC pumps are just smaller versions with less robust controllers. i read that page when i got posted, the only appeal is lower power use savings. that and i dont see the need for rpm control, flow is easily delt with a gate valve as far as return pump use goes. i think its a fad with padded bennefits.

So all the great benefits that where listed are not true?

 

[Drakonis]

Not saying they arent true, but besides power savings which benefit do you find best for a return pump? as a power head to recreate wave patterns sure but i dont see the cost advantage or reliability rep of an iwaki

 

[bif24701]

Not saying they arent true, but besides power savings which benefit do you find best for a return pump? as a power head to recreate wave patterns sure but i dont see the cost advantage or reliability rep of an iwaki

All of them.

 

[Salty1962]

I dislike the amount of heat the mag's give off. I only use one for my wc's.

 

[Paul B]

These two pumps have been running for about 20 years with no maintenance or cleaning that I remember

 

[Drakonis]

To each their own but in the realm of return pump i see bells and whistles with a pretty price tag. that and name the last thread about iwaki in a negative form besides purchase price. IMO all these DC motors need to earn it before i would sideline my iwaki. only use i see for these DC motors is scenarios where you will frequently change output or switch on and off so really this is powerhead or maybe closed loop tech not return pump tech untill they prove rock solid years of opperation.

 

[mcarroll]

A solution without a problem is what they seem like to me.

Every great reef I can think of runs a Mag pump or similar utterly without complaints. You don't even need a gate valve when you size them correctly.

When I pulled my Mag 7-driven skimmer – which was old, quiet and reliable – I had to add heaters to replace the watts.

Just because your pump isn't using the watts doesn't mean your system has any less requirements for heat. Red herring.

 

[Mike in CT]

My 2 9.5s keep my tank about 8 degrees above room temp in my 75. My house stays between 68-72 year round, so I have not run a heater in 4
years. Works out perfectly. Lol

 

[scardall]

Ive had many pumps over the years. Out of them all I absolutely dislike mag drive. Every time i turn them off they wont restart! How i get them going again is to stick a screw driver in the propeller to get it to turn. Not to mention they are so loud! And they heat the water so much and are huge energy consumers. I wish people would stop reccomending mag drives.

A lot of times mag drives are rebranded over and over. Sca-302 has a mag 5 on it and its the same problem, doesn't restart unless you give it a push.

My most favourite that ive tried as an in sump pump is the Eheim. Never cleaned it, had it more than two years, always restarts! Not only that its queit and consumes low power.

My next pump will be a little giant or iwaki. These pumps are reliable, if you want an external pump.

Iwaki are great external pumps. I do have a Gen-X that is still going after 16+ years. Bought a backup over ten years. NOT Good thing the manufacture is out of business. You may still find a gen-x. http://www.suburbanreef.com/gen-x-pcx-40-pump.html

 

[Cory]

Just to clarify im talking about mag drives by danner. Not all magnetic drive pumps are bad. That would include the maxspext gyre too which on the contrary is a great pump.

Restart issues on my mag drive by danner is what i dislike.

 

[Cory]

These two pumps have been running for about 20 years with no maintenance or cleaning that I remember

Wow lol. Do you have restart issues with them?

 

[AquaSpaces]

Cory, when you have time take the faceplate off, carefully take the impeller out. Post pictures of both.
As long as the impeller blades aren't broke, faceplate is good, power cord is fine( I see people moving pumps by the cord all the time), pump was not ran dry no reason this pump won't last you longer than you need it to. In the meantime the screwdriver trick works for a long time usually [emoji16]

 

[AquaSpaces]

Forgot to mention, if it's running your skimmer and you end up needing a new impeller they make a fractionating one for less then $20

 

[Cory]

Cory, when you have time take the faceplate off, carefully take the impeller out. Post pictures of both.
As long as the impeller blades aren't broke, faceplate is good, power cord is fine( I see people moving pumps by the cord all the time), pump was not ran dry no reason this pump won't last you longer than you need it to. In the meantime the screwdriver trick works for a long time usually [emoji16]

Will do when i get a chance. Probably not for a few days.

Look at this review:


Come on! "Doesnt produce too much heat", "no moving parts". Lol is this guy paid for this?

One thing i find peculiar is that this pump hasnt changed design in like what 20 years? Man, how is it still popular? Lol

I never knew they sold a fractionating impeller. Cool

 

[jeffrey holloway]

I prefer the DC pumps, gives you more control and uses less power. I use them for the return and the skimmer, very quiet and no heat. Up graded to the RO Various 6, Cleaned the two RO DC 5500 and put them back in the boxes for back ups if ever needed.

 

[Paul B]

Wow lol. Do you have restart issues with them?

No, never had an issue and I never remember cleaning them except for the intake occasionally on the larger one as it gets large amphipod and shrimp shells in the grill. Besides that, nothing. They are still running.