Return pump for a 180 gallon tank...

[TorryRx]

I was wondering if anyone had some thoughts/ advice for me...

I want to get a good pump for a 180 gallon mixed reef tank I'm setting up. What would you recommend? I know that the different models probably all have pros and cons when it comes to efficiency, low heat, good head pressure, etc. but what experiences have you had?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Torry

 

[nyvp]

seq dart is the best power/watt ratio very quiet

 

[daywn]

i'm running a iwaki 70 and gonna change to a sequence snapper.

 

[Speckled Grouper]

I use a Blueline HD-70 for my return and a Sequence Dart for my closed loop.

I like them both, the Dart is super quiet.

 

[Flamehawk]

Sequence Snapper: Over 2,500gph with less than 100 watt consumption. Near silent operation. Only big draw back is that it requires a 2" bulkhead for the intake.

My second choice would be a Japanese Iwaki, espcially one without a fan which is what makes them rattle. Iwaki 30s and smaller dont have fans, still run cool.

My third choice would be Eheim. The 1262 may give you just enough flow or you can use two Eheims in parallel which will allow you to run the system while still be able to clean one of the pumps.

My fourth choice and what i currently have on my 180gal is a PanWorld 50. Quality is almost as good as Japanes Iwaki but they all have fans.

Hope this helps, JOHNNY

 

[Rogger Castells]

Torry, if noise and power consumption are not an issue, IMO the best pump you could get is an Iwaki (jap Motor) probably 50 or 70 series followed by the replica the Pan World,
I would never ever buy another sequence pump as I have had three Dart pumps leak from the rear seal, it is true they don't consume much electricity and they are super quiet but that means nothing if you need to be worried about them leaking, this is a known problem that the company refuses to fix, all they do is send you a new seal.
I installed almost three years ago a brand new of the box iwaki 70 and a Sequence Dart, with in the first three months the dart started leaking the company replaced it, 6 months later it leaked again, Sequence replaced it but I had to fight with them, 3 months after that pump started leaking again from the back seal, sequence sent me a new set of "improved seals" they lasted about 9 months and started leaking too, In all this time the Iwaki pump has been running non stop with out a single problem. needless to say I've had it with Sequence, I am looking for a suitable replacement on the iwaki family.