Which Pump is better?

[SoulFish]

Mag 12
1,150GPH (4'Head) @ 110Watts
$100-124

Rio 26HF
1,350GPH (4' Head) @ 100Watts
$74-136

It's going to be used on my 180 Gallon system (2 overflows each side) with a 40-50 Gallon Sump.

Which one do you guys think would be the least problem free pump. Which ones seem to have a better reputation for quality. Any other pumps in this range that would be better?

 

[patsfan1130]

I personally like Mag. they are very reliable. There have been many people with problems with the Rio

 

[zeus_roush]

I use mag pumps. I have used little rios in the past but they dont last very long. As far as the bigger rios I dont really know if they are different but I personally wouldn't trust them.

 

[SoulFish]

Toolfan, what pump do you use on your 180 reef?

 

[bsagecko]

Mags are totally better

Rio's suck balls

 

[jdckbr]

mag 12 excellent pump

 

[SoulFish]

You guys think that will be large enough for a 180 gallon?

 

[patsfan1130]

I am using a mag 12 on the 180. Thinking about going with a Mag 18. The 12 is powerful but I'm looking for more flow.

 

[crvz]

I use a mag 9 on a 150, I'd definitely recommend the mag over the rio.

 

[SoulFish]

Are these two pumps the same?

Pondmaster Mag Drive Pumps
<http://www.petsolutions.com/Pondmaster-Mag-Drive-Pumps+I25002525.aspx>

Mag Drive Water Pumps
<http://www.petsolutions.com/Mag-Drive-Water-Pumps+I25002513.aspx>

Why the price difference? They have different item numbers too, but both from Mag and called Mag 12?

 

[patsfan1130]

Pondmaster comes with a pre filter and I believe the cord is longer

 

[SoulFish]

Huh, so if I got the cheaper one .. the Pond Master it would be fine?

 

[SoulFish]

Would the pond one work in a tank sump?

 

[atvdave]

I use a MAG18 on my 125g with a 65g sump.

I have it TEE'ed off to 2 different returns so it slows it down a bit.

 

[frank2926]

Ocean Runner, or a laguna pond pump would be better. Lower watts more flow. Mags are fairly reliable, however they are electricity hogs. Mags also require larger diameter plumbing to get the stated flow.

 

[pillpusher]

The mag pumps are great pumps and I have used a number of them, but they are energy hogs and produce quite a bit of heat. I have switched to hte pentair Quiet One line and have had better results on the power and heat.

 

[SALT WATER CRAZ]

Mag over rio any day.