More power friendly return pumps out there?

[canar]

I am looking to get a new return pump. My thought was to replace my working one and keep it as a backup. Does anyone know of someplace out there that makes a pump with the following stats that takes less wattage?


BlackFin 6000 5000gph @4' 26'MAX 295Watts 2"x2" in out

 

[dom418]

Internal or external? I've heard great things about reeflo dart or bubble blaster pumps for internal.

 

[canar]

Its external. Looks like the Hammerhead is the closest I can find with Reeflo. Does anyone else make big return pumps besides Reeflo?

 

[Timber77]

Hi ted, check out the dolphin ampmaster diamond series, i think they are a little bit more efficient and they are very durable, a little less noisy in the gph you are looking at.

 

[ostrow]

Ted, sadly, no. Dolphin and hot tub pumps can be had with saltwater seals but every thread I have ever read says they are louder, require even more frequent repair, and are less energy efficient. Hammerhead is the biggest reeflo if you don't like the blowhole.

Reeflo pump have big issues. However there is a recent thread on RC that identifies a better seal for them that holds up longer. May check that out.

Your only other option is Iwaki/Panworld but they are hogs, run hot, and move less water.

 

[Timber77]

I've been running an amp master for 6 years, only changed the seals once. I think it depends which series of pump.

 

[ostrow]

Well to be more accurate after reviewing my notes (2010), it is highly variable. Some have your experience and others have nightmares. On all models including "Pro". For Hammerhead and higher flow I saw watts ranging from 330-500+.

I researched due to issues with Reeflo. The aggregate report was that Reeflo better because made for the hobby, quieter and burn fewer watts.

 

[kzickovich]

Ive had a reeflo barracuda and now I have a dart never had a problem with either except they are a little noisy

 

[canar]

Bought the hammerhead, They gave me a great deal I could not pass up.

 

[TellyFish]

My Reeflo Super Dart Pro has been running 24/7 since Jan 2011 with no issues. I took it out for service once because it had sucked in a large piece of a plastic bag. Took the plastic out, hooked it back up and it was fine.

I do however, keep an extra seal and bearings around just in case.

Interested to hear what others think of the Dolphin Diamond Series?
http://www.saltysupply.com/Dolphin-Amp-Master-Diamond-External-p/dp62502.htm