Red Dragon for return

[jedimaster1138]

Is there a Red Dragon or other German made equivalent massively (battle) tank-like like pump that can replace my current submersible return?

Current return pump is a DC...a Speedwave 2640 GPH. The last 2 days it's been turning itself off for no apparent reason, then turning back on after a few seconds. It's kinda got me nervous. I don't want to sound like I hate the made in China mass produced stuff...but uh...yeah. I'm going to contact the vendor (it wasn't PA, shame on me I know) about getting it replaced, but I'm not sure I want to trust this thing as the main return for my reef if it's just another pump to use junk components and come out of some horrendous factory...

The really odd part is that the controller board stays on when it turns off...but the pump itself shuts down / loses pressure. I figured if anything would fail it would be PSU or the controller board...

 

[Jeremy B.]

The closest thing that is available to the DC-10000 (2640) pump is the Red Dragon 3 80w pump, which can be found here:

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/RE-RD3-80W.html

These pumps have been bulletproof so far, and I have yet to hear of any issues with a single one since they first came out overseas a little over a year ago. They are extremely quiet, fully adjustable (not just a 6-speeds), and use sine wave technology versus square wave technology like all of the Chinese DC pumps. They are certainly not cheap, but you're getting a ton of reliability and efficiency, not to mention the most quiet return pump you've ever heard - or not heard.

 

[jedimaster1138]

Thanks Jeremy.

That looks like a similar pump to the mini RD3 that runs my Bubble King Double Cone 180. If so, yeah it's not just silent. It's completely, utterly, deep space, dead silent. I actually can't tell it's on unless I look at the cone! heh (PS I've been meaning to follow up on an email conversation we had last August when I got my DC - you might remember the pump volute was damaged - the ozone nipple had snapped off in the box...)

Anyway, that pump you linked sounds great, except for the price (duh) and that it's only an 8000 l/h. If I want to replace my current 2640 gph, that means I should be replacing it with a 10,000 liter. I suppose I could just send less water into my chiller leg, but that's slightly less than ideal.

Do you happen to know if we're going to see a 10k l/h pump from our German friends any time soon?

Clearly I should have budgeted space for an external, but that's not happening now. I literally have no space left in my stand for a bottle of food, let alone a pump and moving my sump. Actually I'd have to redesign it. ARG. Anyway...

Another thing about that RD3 - all my return plumbing is 3/4". Are the Red Dragon pumps all metric fittings? Will it be a nightmare to convert to US English plumbing? If my math is correct the output is what, around 1.25" ? Right now I come out of my Speedwave with 3/4 hose, which is purely to eliminate vibration (not that there is much, it's just something I do) then about 10" later change to schedule 80 and then do all my T-s and such back into the tanks, chiller etc. I *really* don't want to re-plumb more than I absolutely have to...

PS still waiting on warranty info for my Speedwave. Why can't everyone have good support like you guys? SIGH

 

[Jeremy B.]

Yes, I do remember this, and I believe we have your nozzle in here for that. Shoot me an email over to jeremy@premiumaquatics.com and I'll get you taken care of on it.

 

[jedimaster1138]

Thanks Jeremy, email flying at you. You the man.

 

[dahenley]

sorry to jumble up this thread, but i didn't feel like my question warranted a new thread…

on the RedDragon pumps that are controllable, are any of them constant adjustable flow? (it sounds weird the way i worded it, but i was wondering if they are controllable like a tunze/vortech pump. whey they can ramp up and down or controllable with an auxiliary controller? i am wanting something for a closed loop pump, and i just figure something that can fluctuate on flow rate would be nice?)

Thanks!
(or any pump that you recommend that has this capability? I'm interested in a pump around the 1000gph range. (anything from 600-2000)

 

[Jeremy B.]

On the current pumps they are not 0-10v controllable, however this will be changing in the very near future. Once the 0-10v port is on them you could then put them on an Apex and ramp them up and down at any set time throughout the day, set condition in the tank, etc. etc.

 

[dahenley]

do you have an ETA? days, months, 6 months, year?

estimate is fine. (so i can keep an eye out)

and this is pertaining to the RD speedy pumps correct?

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hopefully in the next 2-3 months on the 0-10v control on them.

 

[dahenley]

sweet!!!

Thank you again. (always on top of everyones problems… and has an answer to our questions)
Thanks!

 

[Jeremy B.]

You're very welcome! Let me know if you have any other questions.