Wanted: Pump suggestions for closed loop

[howman1]

hi,
i just finished plumbing my new 180g.
i have a closed loop system--fed by 2 1.5" bulkheads to the bottom of the stand--will return into sea swirls

i have 2 return pumps from the sump a gri and iwaki 20rlt--they both do the job nicely

what do you recommend for my closed loop return.
i am looking at an iwaki or ampmaster, is the difference in energy consumption significant? there is a thread saying ampmaster seals are dying after a few months...
-iwaki 70's 0r 100's are always for sale and seem to be very reliable.

thanks
howard

 

[Len]

I can't comment personally about Ampmasters, but I can confidently say Iwaki's are as reliable as pumps come. They aren't quite as quiet (at least not the larger models) or energy efficient as Ampmasters, but they more then make up for these with a strong performance record.

I've heard a lot of reports that Ampmasters will not start up on their own after a few months.

 

[golfish]

I have never used an Iwaki so no comment there. I do use a Amp Master 3000 on a closed loop with 2x1" Sea swirls. If you plumb it right you'll probably get more flow from the Amp Master and at .09-1.1 amps you'll save electricity for sure.

Leonard, is 100% correct about the restart issue on these pumps. I just replace the seal on mine. Apparently the seal they used on the older models had too much spring pressure and when the seal wore a bit it would not let the pump start when the power was cut. To be honest, the jury is still out on how the new seals are going to work. Mine seems to be working just fine. If I were going to purchase a new pump I would probably go with another Amp Master.

 

[Ritteri&Bubbles]

I also will recommend an ampmaster. If it was manufacturerd after February 02' then it will have the new seals that wont wear out. If it was manufacturerd before then it uses a seal that wears out quicker with saltwater. If you buy a new one, 99 percent chance its built after that date. If it isnt just call up Dolphin and they will send you a new seal set free of charge I believe.

 

[npaden]

On a closed loop system I would go with the ampmaster. There are some reliability issues still to be decided, but the ampmaster will move about 33% more water using 66% less electricity than the Iwaki 100. That computes to about $150 per year if you are paying 8 cents per kwh - if you are in California you could be paying double that. If you live in California you could buy a brand new ampmaster every year with the electricity savings over an Iwaki 100.

On a return setup I would go with a Sequence as they seem to be a bit more reliable than the ampmasters so far.

FWIW, Nathan

 

[golfish]

lol, I'm in So Cal and I pay 8 cents per KWH......don't believe evrything you read.