Iwaki > Mag 18, but...

[Bernie]

Hi All,

So I got my 180 up and running a couple of weeks ago. Everything is looking good, plumbing it tight, lights are all working correctly. I only lost 1 fish in the change over and that was from just catching the little bugger.

My question or thoughts on opinions come with the return pump. The tank came with a Iwaki something something 100, and this thing is LOUD. Not super loud mind you, but a constant hum, like someone is using a hair dryer in the next room. But this isn't my only issue. I've got the returns cranked almost to closed, and the flow is still ridiculously high. I estimate with the head it is putting about 2900 gph through the system.

What's the opinion on flipping back to my trusty Mag 18 for the return pump? I know my flow will be down to about 1100 gph, but it will be much quieter, I won't have to choke off the return at all and I might be able to think again when in the living room.

Tank is really just fish with some mushrooms, zoas, a leather, and 1 SPS frag. So for right now, I'm thinking flow isn't the #1 priority in the tank right now, and cutting back won't really hurt me all that much.

Thoughts, opinions, anecdotal evidence?

 

[cdness]

2900 GPH through the sump is alot! You will be just fine swapping back to the mag pump.

Add some powerheads to the tank for additional flow and you'll be just fine.

 

[swannyson7]

You might want to try a couple pieces of rubber padding underneath the pump to cut down on the noise. To be honest, I'd keep the Iwaki just because as your reef grows, you'll need to have increased flow to provide adequate water movement throughout the entire tank... Especially if you plan to add more SPS down the road.

 

[Bernie]

I did have an issue with vibration, but I mounted the Iwaki on a car wash sponge and that totally got rid of that. What I'm hearing now is the built in cooling fan.

I've seen some hacks on the net to remove it and replace it with an electric fan but honestly that idea bothers me. More points of failure and, God forbid, fire is one of the electrical connections goes bad.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Brs sells a special silencer, it is a little 4" by 3/4" square that you rest the pump on. It works great.

 

[VegasRick]

I would keep the flow, 3k return pump for a 180 is about the norm. You can probably use bigger diameter pipe and split it so its not to much in one spot. If you want a quieter pump go with a reeflo.

 

[Bernie]

HAHA, the joke is on me! I apparently gave the dude that bought my old tank my Mag 18 instead of the Mag 12. Oh well, so reeflo you say is quieter. I shall be looking into those, thanks!

 

[1tyme]

:bigsmile::bigsmile:I have both. Both are nice. Do u have jap version or american. Jap version iwaki quieter.Check out BRS review of same. May help. Mag will be more quiet because of water dampaning. Iwaki and reeflo will transfer less heat to water. +1 on larger diameter plumbing. And what about 4 returns rater then 2. Or add another 180 and a remote sump and call it a day. LOL . Happy Reefing. God Bless.