Currently my main pump is an iwaki 70 that has been running for 16 years. I have an Iwaki 55 that is matched up to my ETSS protein skimmer. Both of these are plumbed through the sump. For additional flow I have a koralia magnum 6, a quiet one pump on a loop system and a jebeo large power head. The concern is that my iwaki 70 seems to be losing its touch and doesn't seem to have the same flow it use to have. Before it dies I want to see what is currently a recommended pump for this size tank which is a fowlr set up. Appreciate the assistance!
Pump recommendation for a 300
- Thread starter Vrod2169
- Start date
To me that iwaki is complete overkill for a return pump where the pump is under the tank. You only need to turn the tank over 2-5 times a hour and with only 4-6 ft of head pressure I see no need for a pressure rated pump that is noisy and turns the tank over more then what's needed.
I have a 450g FOWLR and use a waterblaster 5000 as my return pump and two vortec mp60's for flow inside the tank. Probably pusing twice the water you are and half the watts
If you want another trouble free pump you could get a smaller iwaki... I forget their flow but possibly a 30 or 40 series pump would work, get the Japanese motor.
I the snappers are great pumps but not as reliable vs iwaki.....
I have a 450g FOWLR and use a waterblaster 5000 as my return pump and two vortec mp60's for flow inside the tank. Probably pusing twice the water you are and half the watts
If you want another trouble free pump you could get a smaller iwaki... I forget their flow but possibly a 30 or 40 series pump would work, get the Japanese motor.
I the snappers are great pumps but not as reliable vs iwaki.....
It certainly could be that the motor is failing, but if you have been running it for 16 years and not cleaned it, there could be calcium deposits impairing performance. I used to remove the volute on mine about every 5 years and soak the impeller in vinegar for a few hours to get it back to being as good as new.
As noted, it's a lot of pump for an under-tank sump, and you can certainly use a smaller, quieter pump. I'm a huge fan of both Iwaki and PanWorld and have had excellent results with 10 years of lifetime at minimum from both brands.
Thanks for all the input. The pump does push water about 16 ft to an outer wall to a chiller and back. It does get a small split to the gfo chamber and a separate return line for a second return point. I guess I'm cleaning the pump this weekend! Didn't know you can do that so thank you all for the input.
reefnut2012
New member
Downsize the pump and you might not need a chiller. Pumps cause friction = heat. Oversized pumps have been a big problem in my past...Just sayin
prop-frags
SPS Slave
We run an Iwaki 70 on our 300g reef setup - as you've noted it is very dependable. It is very easy to clean, so you definitely should do that! If you do happen to have the extra money, you may want to keep an eye out for another one to have on hand in case your old pump gives out. The return pump is the heart of most systems, and that's one component where having a spare is well worth it.
sohaltangs
New member
If you do happen to have the extra money, you may want to keep an eye out for another one to have on hand in case your old pump gives out. The return pump is the heart of most systems, and that's one component where having a spare is well worth it.[/QUOTE]
AMEN to that, my main pump went out on me last night on my 220, thank god I kept a few mag pumps laying around until my new pump gets here! And I will order a second one in the next couple weeks to have as a backup.
AMEN to that, my main pump went out on me last night on my 220, thank god I kept a few mag pumps laying around until my new pump gets here! And I will order a second one in the next couple weeks to have as a backup.
+1 That is a good advice. I only keep 3 for spare. Just in case they no longer make it.
