Red dragon alternative ?
- Thread starter Jcm412
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Ohhh, I'm watching this one! Agreed with the price point argument. Unfortunately, everything I've read and talked to folks about talks about how they just run. For a looooong time.
I guess if you justified the cost in $ per gallons moved?
I guess if you justified the cost in $ per gallons moved?
coweyes298
Active Member
I am looking to RD3 or Abyzz for a while. Too sad Royal Exclusive discontinued RD3 80W. RD3 150W has the same price tag than Abyzz A100, but the gallon per hour for RD3 150W is nearly doubled than Abyzz A100. But Abyzz has a ridiculous 10 years warranty... Hard to pick in between these two.
~Louis
~Louis
IMO, these pumps are so above the rest, it's hard to choose a third place. If I had to choose a third place it would be the Messner Titan-Tec, however it is not available in the US. It it built with a similar design to the Red Dragon using Titanium for coating the parts. We have seen evidence that Ecotech was working with them when they were working on a return pump but they eventually settled on the current Vectra design. Never know, some other company may see fit to bring them in or use them as an OEM.
Messner Titan-Tec
EcoTech prototype
Messner Titan-Tec
EcoTech prototype
@gcarroll - Can you give me some more context as to what puts them above the rest? For me, building a 120gal tank, I'm not even sure where to begin with the cost benefit analysis since I'm not moving THAT much water...
I talking about the build quality and materials used. Alot of engineering went into those pumps. They did not cut corners to save a buck. Is it overkill? Yes it is. I even feel that the Abyzz takes it even further than the Red Dragon 3. Just look at the size, materials, and build quality of the controllers in comparison to the Asian counterparts.
Look at the Abyzz Impeller and RD3 Impeller and notice they are encased in Titanium.
Notice that the Abyzz and RD3 both have additional cooling for the rear bearing of the pump.
Other companies can do the same but choose not to to meet a target audience and price point.
IMO, these pumps are so above the rest, it's hard to choose a third place. If I had to choose a third place it would be the Messner Titan-Tec, however it is not available in the US. It it built with a similar design to the Red Dragon using Titanium for coating the parts. We have seen evidence that Ecotech was working with them when they were working on a return pump but they eventually settled on the current Vectra design. Never know, some other company may see fit to bring them in or use them as an OEM.
Messner Titan-Tec
EcoTech prototype
What does a Messner Titan-Tec cost?
There are undeniable similarities with the Titan-Tec. That could mean that they share the same parts source, or even that Messner is the OEM for Royal Exclusiv. Of course this is purely my speculation. I could be wrong.
Rory282
Community Member
Do you want the ac red dragon or the rd3 dc pump?
I have the red dragon 2,5. The smallest ac pump RE makes.
Build quality is top notch!
If you want a cheap alternative, the fluval sp series use the same askoll motor. Just not the same high quality impeller.
I have the red dragon 2,5. The smallest ac pump RE makes.
Build quality is top notch!
If you want a cheap alternative, the fluval sp series use the same askoll motor. Just not the same high quality impeller.
I would consider the fluval an improvement over the red dragon. Ceramic shaft and bearings! It's always best to have the shaft and bearings be the same material. Otherwise the softer material will wear.
Rory282
Community Member
in al honesty i don't think the fluval is an improvement over the red dragon. Although i agree with the point you make about using the same materials with bearings and shaft.
My pump has carbon bearings and ceramic shaft. Just think the build quality of the RD is better than the Fluval pump.
