Best Return Pump???

[GQ22]

My return broke again after replacing the impeller. FYI it was a Iwaki 40rlt after one year....

Anybody have have any feelings on whast the best pump?

Wattage, durability, cost, etc...

 

[Rborgia]

I'm not sure how big of a system you have and how you have it plumbed... but here are specs on both your Iwaki (this is the American version) and the Enheim 1260/1262 which a lot of people seem to love and recommend. I plan to get a 1260 myself as a return (but I have a 58g reef).

Iwaki 40 RLT - 3/4" / 3/4" 750 gph 21.3 10" x 3.75" x 5.2" (from Marine Depot).

Eheim 1260 635 gph 12'1" 65W 1" 3/4" 8.6" x 4.6" x 6.3" 6.0 lbs
Eheim 1262 900 gph 11'6" 80W 1" 3/4" 8.6" x 4.6" x 6.3" 6.0 lbs

I haven't seen a solid wattage rating on the Iwaki, I did find one that said 218w. If thats the case, you can save considerably on the EB.

They are all priced in the same range... The Iwaki is a little higher.

Iwaki - $148.99
Eheims - $119.00/$129.00

Rich

 

[NYReef]

I have used the Eheim pumps in the return of wet dry sump's for years on my discus tanks, they are the most reliable and energy efficent pumps in that price class. I'd recommend them to anyone for whom the flow rate is acceptable.

 

[mdk888]

Not sure if you had the US or Japanese iwaki model, but I will be putting up the 40rlt japanese model up for sale soon if you are interested.

 

[glipper69]

go with an ampmaster with a ball valve to slow the flow down a little. best wattage, power and silence. trust me I've used them all. about as quiet as the old style quiet one's.

if you don't want to go that route try a mak4 about as quiet as an iwaki, same flow, lower price and about 30% less wattage. though the iwaki's last longer.

my 2 cents,
Good luck with your decision
Frank

 

[jawwad2004]

I think the Quiet One pumps are also really good. You should give them a look. Im using the quiet one 3000 as a return on my 90, and you can barely hear the thing. The pump is submerged and there is barely any heat output, unlike the mag drive pumps, which can be also used as a heater, lol.

 

[nyfireman3097]

Best out there for wattage and reliability is the red dragons BUT VERY VERY expensive