1073.030 Master Recirculation Pump

[IsaaX]

I'm currently shopping for a return pump for my upcoming 75g custom reef. My choice seemed to be with a Eheim 1260 since it's failry energy efficient. Then I stumbled onto the Tunze 1073.030 Master Recirculation Pump on Marine Depots website

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TZ1711

The specs look really good to me. I have a few questions.

1) The info stated that it has a "variable" output. Does this mean that the pump has a Driver like the 6000-6200 Streams that will allow adjustment of the flow?

2) From what it says on Marine Depot's website, it has a 1" outlet. From looking at the pic, it looks to me that the outlet is 1" threaded. Are the threads metric or standard threads? I would like to add a 3/4 barb fitting.

3) How would this compare to the Eheim 1260? Does it generate more or less heat? Is it as quiet or quieter than the Eheim?

4) For those of you currently using this pump as a return, what have your experiences been? What size tank? Reliability?

 

[rvitko]

1) It is mechanically variable by an integrated valve.
2) It is actually 3/4" NPT but includes an adapter to 25mm PVC which is roughly one inch.
3) It uses about 23/rd's as much electricity so it should be much cooler but Eheims are very good pumps.
4) I can only say that we sell a fair number of these and about the only complaint we get is some vibration and noise but such complaints are far between so I am unsure if that only occurs in some installations.

 

[Herbie]

Hi, I will shed some light,
Its a great pump.........more powerful and a lot quieter than an Ehiem. Its very small so it will fit easily in more tight spots. It has an adjustable flow.........its the little red dial on the front of the pump. One nice feature is that the pump does not get louder as the flow is restricted...........unlike most other pumps. I have had a lot of submersable pumps, including Ehiems,mags,rios.......etc, and this little Tunze put them all to shame! Its very quiet........almost silent and very powerful with good head pressure as long as you dont cut it down to 1/2 hose. I had it hooked up to a two output 3/4 pvc set-up with two seaswirls and I had to cut the flow back to about half way! Yes the threads are metric..........25mm if I remember. I just cut off the threads and squeezed on some flexable vinyl hose and an adapter to 3/4 pvc.

Shameless plug...........
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=877780

Hope I could help..........
Later..........Herbie

 

[IsaaX]

Roger,

Is there a flow chart for this pump anywhere online? I'll have approximately 5' of head and would like to have a 3-5 times turn over.

Herbie, I got your PM, thanks for the offer. I'm still deciding, I'll let you know.

 

[rvitko]

Unfortunately I don't have a flow chart but maybe Herbie could give some advice?

 

[Herbie]

That little pump is a beast. I had a Ehiem 1260, and the Tunze 1073.030 is a LOT more powerful. I would say its very close to a 1262 in terms of gph and head pressure. The only thing I would recommend is to not restict the output to much.........it has great head pressure and gph when using 3/4. Mine was set up with about 5' of head pressure and quite a lot of hard 3/4 pvc..........t's,45's,90's and a few unions running 2 3/4 pvc lines up to the tank, into 2 sea swirls and I dialed the pump back about 1/2 way. It was amazing how much it water it was flowing...........Lets put it this way.........the pump running at full flow was easily overpowering my 700gph Lifereef single overflow! Nice that its very easy to cut the flow down with the dial in front, while its running with a dime.
If your going to compare it to anything.........the Ehiem 1262 is the closest........but the Tunze is half the size and very quiet! I am shocked that this pump is not more popular. It really has it all. It is WELL worth the slightly higher cost..........just the energy savings alone will pay for itself in no time. At full flow..........I think the Tunze is somwhere around.....55w.....vs. the 1262 at about 80w!
About the metric threads.........I am not 100%.........so take Rogers advise. I just remember not being able to thread any standard 3/4 MPT into the outlet.........so I just assumed it was metric, because it said 25mm on the fitting, and I cut them off and used it like a barb fitting.
Good luck.........hope I could help
Later...........Herbie

 

[IsaaX]

Roger,

Thanks for answering my questions. I was unaware that it already had a 1" adapter on there already. This will be perfect for what I need since I want to use 1" tubing. I'l be placing an order at Marine Depot in a few mins

Herbie,

Thanks for clarifying everything. Unfortunately, I will not be able to utilize the pump you have for sale since it doesn't have the 1" anymore. Thanks though, it's a good price.