Better return pump Eheim or MagDrive for the $?

[mg426]

Pat when I need a new pump I am most likely going to try out an Ehiem. I am not at all saying to not get one. I got flamed for sticking up for Mags before. All I was saying was I am happy with the Mags that I have used. If you get one and you like it I might just get one too.

 

[hahnmeister]

I have had many eheims....cannisters, pumps, and internal filters. At one time I had over 24 of them running on my freshwater setups (when you get that many, getting the lower wattage filters really helps). I have used everything of theirs from the hobby pumps to the large 1260 '5-gallon' cannister filter. Once I needed a silent cannister to run a 90g and a 75g next to my bed in college. I used a 2217 and a 2208 (pro series). I could sleep right next to the filter housings...my pillow and ear on the filter shroud itself, and all I could hear was the 'whoosh' of water passing through the pipes & pump OVER the noise of the pump itself.

I have had a 1050 hobby pump that finally died after 15 years of non-stop, no noise, no impeller changing service....it finally wore through the ceramic shaft until it cracked.

The hobby pumps CAN make noise, but its not from the pump itself. Its from the vibrations of the pump if they arent secured properly. When using mine in a sump, I wrap the mounting plate with silicone tubing to give the pump a nice cushion. This makes it silent again. As you get up to the 1262, yeah, there is a slight hum when you get within a couple feet...but you really have to try to hear it...and it somewhat depends on the pressure/flow its making at the time. But if its making more noise than this...its because you arent securing/padding the base properly and the vibrations can be loud then. As for the 1260 and smaller...dead silent.

 

[JS_racer]

went from a mag 7 to a eheim 1262 just the other day on a aga 120 4'. Noise is much quieter, flow is tons better. very pleased overall. (I had the mag plumed hard with 1.5" up to a t with 3/4 hose outputs. eheim is soft to a Y then soft to returns)

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7402411#post7402411 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PatMayo
Hummm, I have to rethink the Ehiem pump. I was comtemplating replacing my mag7 for 1250 or 1260 Ehiem pump, but since they too hum it may not be worth it. My mag 7 makes some noise but it's not huge. I was trying to get it even quieter but if the Ehiem makes the hum noise as the mag 7 does then is it worth it?

Regards,

Pat

In my case, switching from a Mag7 to and Eheim 1260 was night and day. The Mag7 was incredibly noisy. I can barely tell if the Eheim is on. The flow difference between the two is substantial as well.

I've owned Mag3/5/7/9.5. Never a single issue with any of them. Very reliable pumps and a good value. Its just that I wanted to get a quiet pump. The other notable difference is how Eheim performs in real life usage. They handle head pressure way better than a Mag and dont lose so much of their "rated" flow once you connect plumbing to them.

 

[PatMayo]

Great input everyone.

mg426, I as well have been pretty happy with the mag 7 as well. I was sitting on my couch last night in the family room and really heard the pump for the first time. That's what brought to mind replacing it.
If I do I will let everyone now what I think and then you can make your decision.


Thanks again everyone!

Regards,

Pat

 

[robsmith32]

Well, i have several mags, my ca reactor uses one externally, just a bit of saltcreep as far as leaking is concerned, but it is on its 3rd pump in year and half.. after using eheim on my skimmer. i have one on order to replace lg 3mdqx sc pump for return and will get one down the line to replace the last mag that is on the reactor.
They cost more, but after using it, i'm gradually upgrading my other pumps.
nothing really wrong with the mags, but eheim is just better..
just like nothing really wrong with a toyota, but i'd rather a lexus....and can't afford a rolls( red dragon)