DC Pumps?

[D-Nak]

How long do we go before we stop calling them a "risk long-term reliability"?

I've had my SpeedWave DC-3000 since I rebooted my tank in Feb 2013 and it's still as good as the day I installed it. So how long does it take? In a few months this return pump will have been in pretty much continuous use for 3 years.

Do I have a backup pump just in case? Sure..but I did that with my AC pump too.

Anyhow..I just don't understand why we keep :deadhorse: like all DC pumps that don't come from Ecotech or RD etc.. are useless and unreliable. I have not found that to be the case but maybe I'm just lucky.

What I will say is that unlike an AC pump, you can't just throw a DC pump in there and forget about it, they do take some maintenance to ensure that the impeller doesn't start binding to the ceramic bushing, but that's all I do to mine...running it at 3 bars for my setup. Maybe not running it full out has added to it's longevity?

How long? Probably until a manufacturer makes a reliable -- meaning consistent quality -- DC pump. There's really only one Chinese manufacturer that makes the majority of DC pumps. As others mentioned, it's the manufacturing process for DC pumps that makes them hit or miss -- some are good pumps that last a while, some are bad where they last only a few months.

My Speedwave died after 11 months. Others have had worse luck than me. But others have had good luck like you. However... Speedwave is an excellent example of a crappy DC pump. Do a Google search and try to buy one. Good luck finding one. LOL

If we see improvements in quality and reliability of DC pumps, then we'll all stop complaining about it. But that will take some time. Until then, get used to the complaining. Take Hyundai and Kia cars -- they used to be cheap, crappy POS -- now they are respected and compete with other more established brands.

Regarding maintenance -- all pumps require maintenance. Both DC and AC pumps should be inspected and cleaned regularly. One common problem with many pumps are the impeller magnets swelling and rupturing.

 

[reefforums]

What do you mean they hand build their pumps? Are they somehow manufactured or machined by hand?
Virtually all pumps are at least assembled by the hands of an individual. Manufactured by CNC and plastic molds/extrusion.

I still don't see how that's a great selling point. I'd actually rather have a robot build my entire pump. People are clumsy.

The pumps are assembled by hand and tested by a human in Germany. All parts with the exception of the PC boards are also made in Germany with German materials. This ensures quality and performance and is the foundation of the brand and the 10 year warranty.