twon8
Formally registered membe
I've got streams that have been running ten years, seems long to me? And they are very efficient
DC Pumps?
- Thread starter Kengar
- Start date
I've got streams that have been running ten years, seems long to me? And they are very efficient
twon8
Formally registered membe
jason2459
Well-known member
Keep in mind this is in a discussion for DC pumps for skimmers. Many have ran Tunze DC powerheads for over a decade with no issues. But if the controller goes so do electronics that can also apply to many of the newer AC pumps with "smart" chips in them. Many AC pumps have those built in chips now like Sicce and Bubble Blasters just to name a couple off the top of my head. But a DC controller is easier to replace then one of those Chips sealed in an AC pump. I've had one of those chips go out on me on a bubble blaster. Entre pump had to be replaced.
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jason2459
Well-known member
I think this thread is for any kind of DC pump really. That quote was in a thread in the Tunze sponsor section talking about DC skimmer pumps.
Speedbump67
New member
I am going to have to research pumps more. I was planning on a DC pump but I do not want to have to replace it all the time.
I was asking with respect to main return pumps, but I think information from skimmer use could be helpful, too.
From the responses so far, I likely will go with AC. I've used Dophin T4s in the past (don't know what they're called now of if they're even still made) and was always quite happy with them.
FWIW, Jabao DC pumps are dreck. If they last more than a month, your lucky.
Psionicdragon
New member
First waveline went out 1 year and 1 month...waste of 300 bucks
Coral_reefer
New member
Only if you don't replace the cheap controller or power supply that was likely the point if failure...
Weird, I'm on a year with no problems with two jabeo rw-4s and I don't even clean then regularly.
Dmorty217
Saltwater Addict
Not the same type or design of the pumps in this discussion. One is a return pump and what your referring to is a powerhead. Also a year isn't a long time in this hobby FYI. Talk to me in 5 years, willing to bet you don't still have the rw's and if you do they won't work
Meh, at the price point, if they work for two years in happy. Rolls Royce vortechs aren't without their rebuild problems at 5x or more the price
smatter
Active member
Aren't the electronics the weak link?
D-Nak
Active member
It really just boils down to controllability. If you want to be able to ramp up and down your pump and are willing to risk long-term reliability, then go with DC. If you want a more reliable pump with less parts that are prone to fail, then go with AC.
There are some extremely efficient AC pumps. Take a look at the specs on the Vertex V6. It's an expensive pump, but the Askoll motor block will last a long time. If you spend twice as much money on it, but it lasts longer than two DC pumps that cost half the price, then it's worth it. To me, the return pump is the heart of the system and I want it running flawlessly 24/7, so I want something that's rock solid.
All that said, I just bought a Vectra and I like it a lot. Yes, it's a DC pump but it's unlike any DC pump on the market. It's made differently, though it looks similar to other DC pumps, and the electronics running and monitoring it create a very compelling package. I like the fact that feed mode means the pump idles (much like a car at a stoplight) instead of completely shutting off. I also like the warranty on it, and I've dealt with Ecotech support before and it's very good.
There are some extremely efficient AC pumps. Take a look at the specs on the Vertex V6. It's an expensive pump, but the Askoll motor block will last a long time. If you spend twice as much money on it, but it lasts longer than two DC pumps that cost half the price, then it's worth it. To me, the return pump is the heart of the system and I want it running flawlessly 24/7, so I want something that's rock solid.
All that said, I just bought a Vectra and I like it a lot. Yes, it's a DC pump but it's unlike any DC pump on the market. It's made differently, though it looks similar to other DC pumps, and the electronics running and monitoring it create a very compelling package. I like the fact that feed mode means the pump idles (much like a car at a stoplight) instead of completely shutting off. I also like the warranty on it, and I've dealt with Ecotech support before and it's very good.
karimwassef
Active member
Many opinions on why DC pumps - here are mine
1. Quiet - definitely quieter than AC pumps in my experience.
2. Efficient - this is true on many levels. The ability to throttle is key + basic efficiency of converting electricity to rotational energy is better, if more complex and prone to reliability issues.
3. Small - you can argue that the external power supply needs to be factored in, but I don't buy it. I need space where my plumbing is, not at the outlet.
4. Adjustable - this allows so many amazing flow patterns with the right plumbing.
The bad news is reliability and in contrast to all the hype, they're all more or less the same. I've run Jebao for two years and I've run others - they're essentially ok, but make sure you have a backup system. It's better to go cheap and redundant vs. expensive and dedicated IMHO.
1. Quiet - definitely quieter than AC pumps in my experience.
2. Efficient - this is true on many levels. The ability to throttle is key + basic efficiency of converting electricity to rotational energy is better, if more complex and prone to reliability issues.
3. Small - you can argue that the external power supply needs to be factored in, but I don't buy it. I need space where my plumbing is, not at the outlet.
4. Adjustable - this allows so many amazing flow patterns with the right plumbing.
The bad news is reliability and in contrast to all the hype, they're all more or less the same. I've run Jebao for two years and I've run others - they're essentially ok, but make sure you have a backup system. It's better to go cheap and redundant vs. expensive and dedicated IMHO.
Shaummy
Member
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?
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?
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