Suggestions for High Head Pressure Return Pumps

bif24701 · Jun 13, 2017

ATI North America said:
Yes Reeflo pumps are direct drive and use a shaft with a seal. Yes some day the seal will wear out, but they are like $25 and last for years. They will start to drip, its then important to swap the seal before too many drips make it into the bearings which will cause it to become louder. I just replace the seal every 2-3 years to preserve the motor before it is needed. My experience with them (I sold pallets of them when I owned an LFS) the only way to go is Baldor motor. The tolerances are better so the seals last longer.

How do you confirm the Baldor motor?

Thank you for that info also, never know when I'll need it.

bif24701 · Jun 13, 2017

joro said:
So if I went the Reeflo direction, it looks like the YellowTail may be the right one to use? I want about 1000 GPH going through the sump and according to the graph at 20' head height - worst case - it's around 1,500 GPH which should be good I think. Is there any reason I'd want to go bigger and dial in down with a ball/gate valve?

What reason you choose the Reeflo over the Iwaki? I'm just curious.

I didn't know Reeflo made such high pressure pumps, good to know!

Ryengoth · Jun 14, 2017

I bought a Pan World, it leaked and was loud, even after repacking it. I ended up swapping out a Reef Octopus DC and I can only hear my skimmer running. You could run duals using a Y into a larger supply if you have room.

Ahmet Comlekcioglu · Jun 14, 2017

Have you checked jacuzzi pumps? They are much cheaper in my country and they can provide required head pressure. They are usually rated about 15000 liters per hour and do not lose head pressure easily. Moreover, jacuzzi pumps provide wider flow due to the diameter of pipe that you can use. Mostly 2 inches of diameter pipe suitable to those pumps. However, they may not be most electric efficient pumps. I need to check the data but half horsepower with 350 watts is not so bad, if you do not mind the sound. Lastly, jacuzzi pumps are durable to splashes of water. I hope this helps you to save some money. I guess, for marketing purposes, aquarium specific products are much more expensive, not because they merely high in quality, because they are produced less amounts due to market demand and so they are more expensive.

Robert Vacchiano · Jun 14, 2017

I run a 300 gallon deep demension tank with filter in basement and it is not directly under tank and use a blue line 70 and get about 1200 gallons an hour or you could use a 100 for even more flow but it uses a lot more power than the 70 does

outeastreefer · Jun 15, 2017

My vote Reeflo pump. I have a 300 gallon dd tank, sump in basement with 40ft 1 1/2" pipe. I run a hammerhead pump at 1/2 flow handles the head pressure no problem. also the pump is pretty quiet.

joro · Jun 15, 2017

Appreciate all the great suggestions and input! So I think I've narrowed it down to the Reeflo YellowTail or the Iwaki MD-100RLT (Japanese Version). I definitely like the price of the Reeflo better but am fine spending either, I just want the best, most reliable, long term solution. While noise isn't necessarily a big factor, I also don't want to walk into the fish room and have it sound like a jet engine since we also have our washer/dryer in there. From what I've researched, the Iwakis tend to be quieter but this particular model seems to have mixed reviews on noise, so not sure ;Bookworm

ksed · Jun 15, 2017

Iwaki

Battlecorals · Jun 15, 2017

I have 4 new iwaki md 100s that I ended up not using. Planning on selling at least 3 of them. would go 200 if you wanted

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/iwaki-md100rlt-water-pump-japanese-motor.html

joro · Jun 15, 2017

Battlecorals said:
I have 4 new iwaki md 100s that I ended up not using. Planning on selling at least 3 of them. would go 200 if you wanted

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/iwaki-md100rlt-water-pump-japanese-motor.html

You have a PM

bif24701 · Jun 15, 2017

Battlecorals said:
I have 4 new iwaki md 100s that I ended up not using. Planning on selling at least 3 of them. would go 200 if you wanted

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/iwaki-md100rlt-water-pump-japanese-motor.html

Man, I might have to find a use for one of them.....

bif24701 · Jun 15, 2017

joro said:
Appreciate all the great suggestions and input! So I think I've narrowed it down to the Reeflo YellowTail or the Iwaki MD-100RLT (Japanese Version). I definitely like the price of the Reeflo better but am fine spending either, I just want the best, most reliable, long term solution. While noise isn't necessarily a big factor, I also don't want to walk into the fish room and have it sound like a jet engine since we also have our washer/dryer in there. From what I've researched, the Iwakis tend to be quieter but this particular model seems to have mixed reviews on noise, so not sure ;Bookworm

The reason the Iwaki have mixed reviews is folks don't understand that these pressure pumps need back pressure. If they don't have a little back pressure they will be loud because air pockets develop in the pump, cavitation. The cavitation is what can make them loud, a simple valve on the outlet takes care of that, and if you need a valve on the pump to quiet it then you don't need to worry for losing any head pressure. Know what I mean? I think people put these pumps on a sump under a stand and like the idea of the flow/pressure/quality of the pump not understanding how they work.

Robert Vacchiano · Jun 15, 2017

I have used the iwaki 100 some years ago.had two of them on a 600 but the blue lines I use now might be even quieter and I have had 2 of them for almost 10 years.

joro · Jun 15, 2017

bif24701 said:
The reason the Iwaki have mixed reviews is folks don't understand that these pressure pumps need back pressure. If they don't have a little back pressure they will be loud because air pockets develop in the pump, cavitation. The cavitation is what can make them loud, a simple valve on the outlet takes care of that, and if you need a valve on the pump to quiet it then you don't need to worry for losing any head pressure. Know what I mean? I think people put these pumps on a sump under a stand and like the idea of the flow/pressure/quality of the pump not understanding how they work.

That makes sense and I plan on putting a valve on the output for sure. Do you recommend a ball or gate valve?

Looks like I’m going with the Iwaki

bif24701 · Jun 15, 2017

joro said:
That makes sense and I plan on putting a valve on the output for sure. Do you recommend a ball or gate valve?

Looks like I’m going with the Iwaki

Cepex ball valve is fine, won't bind up easy to turn. Don't need the super fine adjustment with a gate valve. Put a length of flexible tubing from the pump to the valve and it will isolate any vibrations from the pump and prevent them making their way upstairs. From there use PVC. SPA flex PVC would be great if you can find it. Need about 2' with the SPA Flex give or take. Hell you could do all of it in SPA flex if you can find/afford it. Otherwise braided vinyl might be the only soft tubing in +1" sizes. I wish I had done all my plumbing in SPA flex. Next time, Next time.

Jmblec2 · Jun 16, 2017

Reeflo is know to be great reliable pumps that can be rebuilt after years of use along with excellent customer service.

And they are made in the good old usa.