How do you guys move big water around?

[inetmug]

Hi folks,

Just wondering how you move big water around, big meaning lots of it.

I need to fill my tank from the RO/DI in the garage. I had a electric sump pump but it recently died. I got lucky, it dies while agitating the salt mix, and it expelled oil into the water when the GFI popped. Apparently the motor was encased in oil, and the seal went. What a disaster had that been in my main tank. So, while I wated 40G of new SW, I got REAL LUCKY!!!!!:bounce1:

This setup would also be for water changes. My tank is located in the middle of the house, and it is about a 50' run from the garage.

Small pool pump? I do not think I will be using any pump that gets submerged if it contains oil, whihc they probably all do (i.e. sump pump).

 

[Pife]

I only use pumps for the aquarium trade. I use several Iwaki pumps that I really like.

 

[Pife]

Make sure and clean the container really good or I would just throw it out. I wouldn't trust it now since it has had an unknown substance in it

 

[inetmug]

Make sure and clean the container really good or I would just throw it out. I wouldn't trust it now since it has had an unknown substance in it

The container, and hose, has been retired.

In my local research, I was told that if you have a submersible that has oil in it, typically the utility type, it is vegetable oil. This makes sense as many of these are sump pumps for basements, wells, ponds, etc. And it smells bad as it goes rancid in the pump. Regardless, what a mess.

I got a pond pump locally that is oiless, and is rated for FW and SW use for aquariums with a ceramic shaft. Looks just like a Rio type pump. This is only going to be used for my initial fill, and water changes. I do not expect it to last, so I will take any suggestions posted for its successor gladly. I really want to get this done today, so this will do.

I inherited a iwaki pump in the mix, but it is screaming loud. Do they make rebuild kits for them are are these pumps disposable? I would like to get this one fixed if possible.



Thanks.

 

[dave.m]

Maybe it just needs to be cleaned, i.e. disassemble and soak calcium encrusted parts in white vinegar.

Dave.M

 

[inetmug]

On closer look, it is a gen-X pump, looks just like the iwaki. I am sure a knock off.

My buddy, bless his soul, was known for knock-offs LOL.

Disassenbly and cleaning per your specs.

 

[Nanook]

Iwaki or Panworld pumps are both very reliable.

 

[ca1ore]

Iwaki or Panworld pumps are both very reliable.

Yes indeed! Have owned probably upwards of 15 different models of both manufacturers and only had a problem one time (and that was a poorly considered used purchase). I have long held the opinion that a main pump is the last place one should skimp. Had an iwaki last over 20 years under continuous use; have a few Panworld pumps approaching 10 years with no outward signs of impending failure.

 

[Nanook]

Same here, those pumps are designed to last for decades. They may use a bit more wattage than some of the newer, fancier pumps, but they work forever which makes the electricity consumption savings moot on the newer fancier pumps

 

[inetmug]

My main pump is a newly refurbished Dolphin. That is the motor and pump itself. It looks like a small pool pump. They run around $560 new (4750GPH) and the out-of-warranty swap was $350. They turn them around within 48 hours. Very happy with the product, quiet to the point you do not know its running, and the service interaction was excellent. This is the pump that came with the system when I inherited it.

The cheapo $40 650GPH pond pump did the trick for the transfer yesterday. But I will be looking to acquire a quality pump for my changes for the long haul, so I am sure I will wind up with one suggested here.

Finally..... got the tank up and running. Many, have I ever learned a lot in the past 6 weeks.

 

[NewMariner]

Iwaki or Panworld pumps are both very reliable.

Nanook, Ive heard of the legendary iwaki's and their reliability(the japanese motors anyway). But they just don't seem to have the power say as the amp master. I just ordered one 6250 for a closed loop, and will probably order a second one for even more flow.

Which one are you running that gives comparable flow rates? The ones I was looking at seemed to have topped out at about 4k gph...

 

[Nanook]

Nanook, Ive heard of the legendary iwaki's and their reliability(the japanese motors anyway). But they just don't seem to have the power say as the amp master. I just ordered one 6250 for a closed loop, and will probably order a second one for even more flow.

Which one are you running that gives comparable flow rates? The ones I was looking at seemed to have topped out at about 4k gph...

My reply was in relation to the OP's request. For larger applications that you mention the pumps change to different brands of course. I've use Reeflopumps up to the Hammerhead and aside from replacing seals every so often, find them pretty reliable. I haven't used the Dolphin or RK2 pumps so can't comment on them.

 

[ca1ore]

Nanook, Ive heard of the legendary iwaki's and their reliability(the japanese motors anyway). But they just don't seem to have the power say as the amp master. I just ordered one 6250 for a closed loop, and will probably order a second one for even more flow.

Which one are you running that gives comparable flow rates? The ones I was looking at seemed to have topped out at about 4k gph...

Just my 2 cents, but pump up from the sump is most critical, and that is where I go with an Iwaki or PanWorld - really don't need massive flow, just the ability to handle a bit of head pressure. For CL circulation, where one could live with a duff pump for a few days, I have used both the Dolphin and Amp Master - not as bulletproof, but moves a ton of water, and I was quite happy with them. Largely gave up on CL in favor of Vortech's in my current reef tank incarnation.