Any experience w/ Deepwater BLDC pumps?

[dreaminmel]

I came across the Deepwater BLDC pumps w/ controller while refreshing myself on options and am wondering if any of you have any experience with them yet?

I love the fact that they include controllers with different flow settings and also that they run DC as opposed to AC. Just waiting for the "buyer beware" part... lol

http://www.marinedepot.com/Deepwate...s-Deepwater_Aquatics-PL00527-FIWPEPOH-vi.html

 

[donk228]

I did a ton of research on all of the new DC pumps before replacing my old Panworld 50pxx (external) with a BLDC5 (internal) on my 120. It's been running for about 2 months with no complaints. I was happily surprised at how quiet it is. It's not silent, though. There's a faint high pitched whirring noise on the highest setting.

The published flow rates are optimistic. I measured the flow on my system with less than ideal plumbing (I got lazy and added too many T's and elbows) and my BLDC5 maxes out at about 700gph with ~7ft head. Less flow than I expected, but still above my target of 5x turnover through the sump.

The threads on the output are slightly different (BSP). I didn't have any trouble getting a standard union to fit onto the BSP threads with a good seal.

I guess my only "buyer beware" is to consider going a size up if it's in your budget. I'd buy another BLDC pump if I had to do it over again but I'd get the next size up so I could have more flexibility to run it on a lower/quieter setting rather than maxed out.

 

[dreaminmel]

Thank you so much for the response. Seems like the fitting isn't a big concern unless the pump is run external (I'd run in sump) and the minor noise should be no issue in the basement. I was considering the 7 so will take heed and now consider the 8. Have you used the controller settings much?

 

[donk228]

Honestly, I haven't used the variable speed control as much as I had originally envisioned. But it's not the pump's fault. My drains are Herbie style (I think that's what it's called), one full siphon with a gate valve to balance the flow to equal the return pump and another fully open backup drain in case the main drain gets blocked. With my setup, any time I change the speed of the return pump then I have to fidget with the gate valve to balance the drain rate equally. That's a bit of a pain and not something I see myself doing very often. Your setup may be different and allow easier utilization of variable return rates, though.

I have yet to get in the habit of using the "feed" timer, so I can't comment on that.

One thing I forgot to mention, the controller and separate power transformer box do get noticeably warm, so plan on keeping them in a ventilated space.

 

[dreaminmel]

OK perfect, thank you so much for the feedback! I've got an 8 on the way.