how long has your return pump been running?

[DMK]

my iwaki 30RXT has been running pretty much non stop, except for water changes, etc., for almost 3 years. i've never took it apart to inspect or anything. is this needed? how long can these last? i keep my Ca at about 440. how long has your return pump been running, and what kind? i'm particularly interested in iwakis but would like to hear from anyone. i'm thinking about buying another as backup but don't want to blow $200 if not needed.

 

[Blown 346]

I have a Quiet One 5000 return pum and it has also been running for 3 years without it ever being cleaned or taken apart.

 

[Oimate84]

My iwaki is around 10 years old and running...only time it stopped was when switching tanks, and when hurricane Rita came through and knocked power off for 2 weeks....havent cleaned it in 5 years as well...not something im proud of, I probably need to service it soon

 

[Anemonebuff]

I have a Mag 18 and I changed the impeller last year. Not because I had too, but because I felt that I should before it was necessary or it failed.

 

[Anemonebuff]

Oh yeah, my Mag 3 has been on my pond for about 8-9 years now.The impeller has been changed once.

 

[MDboyz]

My Mag 9.5 has been running more than 3 years now. Haven't open it to check on the impeller yet.. .. still running strong tho.

 

[glaudds]

My Iwaki has been running for 7+years now. I finally took it apart cleaned it last year for the first time after it wouldn't start after I shut it off for some tank maintenance. Other than that it runs continuously. Great, reliable pumps in my experience.

 

[masterswimmer]

My Mag 9.5 has been running for just short of two years. At the one year mark I took it apart to clean it. Only because, I don't really know why. I guess I thought I was supposed to at some time.

I have five different backup pumps for all my various pumps, just in case.

Russ

 

[DMK]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6535622#post6535622 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by glaudds
My Iwaki has been running for 7+years now. I finally took it apart cleaned it last year for the first time after it wouldn't start after I shut it off for some tank maintenance. Other than that it runs continuously. Great, reliable pumps in my experience.

wow seems like the iwakis really run. what did u fond when u opened it? does iwaki recommend internal cleaning at a certain time?

 

[glaudds]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6536005#post6536005 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DMK
wow seems like the iwakis really run. what did u fond when u opened it? does iwaki recommend internal cleaning at a certain time?

I don't know what the recommended cleaning interval is, probably more often than I have been doing. I've heard people doing periodic preventive cleaning on a semi yearly to yearly basis. I'm just to busy/lazy.
When I did take it apart, I found a small amount of buildup on the impeller and housing. Gave them an acid bath and the pump was good to go. I think what locked it up was some debris that got sucked up into the pump when I was doing the tank maintenance.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have two Velocity T2s. One is about 5 yrs old, the other about 2. Both have been running no-stop except for WC and maintaince. I clean them out about every 6 months or so. They are known for getting some calcium build up, but it isn't that hard to clean them.

 

[The Reefer91]

wait, anemone buff, isn't a mag 18 to small for a tank that size? i was also going to use a mag-drive, just not sure what size i would need

 

[palmer59]

Six years + on my Mag 24.

Mike

 

[Holyreefer]

Those Iwaki pumps are they the American or the Japensies?

 

[LivingTropicals]

Iwaki MD70RLT (japanese model) for 2+ years non-stop now.

 

[Anemonebuff]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6536928#post6536928 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Reefer91
wait, anemone buff, isn't a mag 18 to small for a tank that size? i was also going to use a mag-drive, just not sure what size i would need

No, the overflows can only handle approx. 600 GPH each=1200 GPH. After head loss and 90 degree bends I probably pump 1000 GPH through my sump.

I really only use it for the sump. For circulation I use a Tunze Stream(1850 GPH), a maxi jet 1200(295 GPH), and a Penguin powerhead that pumps 300 GPH.

 

[TBone303]

I have been running my GenX Mak4 for over 3 years without a problem and I have never done any maintenance to it.

 

[Holyreefer]

Anyone have any opinions on the American iwaki pumps i'm considering using them for a closed loop

 

[LivingTropicals]

IMO go with the japanese model, I've been told the american made is not as good. How, maybe in reliability...not exactly sure. I went with the japanese model based on the feedback I recieved.

 

[kbmdale]

I think the american model is just a little bit louder.