New pump needed

MSB123 · Sep 20, 2019

I just got a new royal exclusiv vertex alpha 300 with dual red dragon 1500 vertex special pumps. I will be running this skimmer as my primary skimmer and would like to order a spare pump for it in case one needs cleaning, needs to be sent in for repair or if it breaks. I cannot seem to find this pump anywhere. Have you guys seen these for sale anywhere? New is preferred.

MSB123 · Sep 20, 2019

mfinn · Sep 20, 2019

@slief

slief · Sep 22, 2019

We built those skimmers for Vertex many years ago. We are no longer building those skimmers. That said, the only thing that will ever fail on those pumps is the motorblock. If you do your routine maintenance, those Red Dragon pumps which are actually Royal Exclusiv pumps will last dang near forever. You just need to take the pump completely apart, soak the motor, impeller and pump cover in vinegar for 10 minutes then scrub it inside and out. A 15 minute process that entails 5 minutes or less in labor. If you do that ever 4-5 months, those pumps will last you a LONG time. Like well over 10 years long.

If you really think you want a complete pump, one will run you are $675. Feel free to PM me if you really want one.

This is the replacement motor block:

part motor-block for BK Double Cone 130 - 250 - Royal Exclusiv USA CORP /// royalexclusiv.com

part motor-block for Bubble King® Double Cone 130-250

royalexclusiv.com

This is the replacement impeller:

complete rotor Mini-Red-Dragon

complete rotor Mini-Red-Dragon for Double Cone 250 / Mini-Red-Dragon pump 1800 with metal-shaft

royalexclusiv.com

That said, I ran an Alpha 300 skimmer for a couple years on my 500 gallon display with over 70 fish (many of which being large tanks) for a couple years. Even then, the load wasn’t really sufficient for that skimmer (it’s VERY conservatively rated). As such, I hope you have it on a VERY large system with a VERY heavy load because it’s not likely to be consistent on a 180 gallon display even if it’s packed to the gills with fish.

TheHarold · Sep 22, 2019

Holy cow a $250 impeller? That’s insane... it’s not particularly large either.

Sweet skimmer!

slief · Sep 22, 2019

TheHarold said:
Holy cow a $250 impeller? That’s insane... it’s not particularly large either.

Sweet skimmer!

Not your typical impeller. They are hand made and start with a titanium shaft unlike most impellers which use stainless or ceramic shafts. They also use a very expensive high quality magnet. These impellers NEVER fail unless the user breaks the needle wheel.

TheHarold · Sep 22, 2019

slief said:
Not your typical impeller. They are hand made and start with a titanium shaft unlike most impellers which use stainless or ceramic shafts.

Even with a titanium shaft, it seems quite expensive. As for hand made- very few components in that assembly. I guess that’s premium for you- good warranty too.

MSB123 · Sep 23, 2019

Thank you so much for the info. 350 display, 200 sump.
very heavy bio load, including 14 tangs. I will use it well.
I got it basically new (previous owner is a friend who had it in use for just over a week when he decided that it was too big for his system (400 gal system) and offered it to me. I will definitely do the maintenance needed.