Pump Ugrade Recommendations: (2) RIO HF 32 to External

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

I didn't mean to respond within the quotes...LOL

The Ecotech is 3100gph at $450. Pricey, true. It's typically used for closed loops and creating various waves if wanted...so for you application, you maybe paying for something not necessary.
 
Hey Knobhill,
If you end up going with the Deepwater Aquatics pump please keep us posted. Those performance specs are insane (almost to the point of being unbelievable), so I would be curious to hear if you think it's actually pushing that much more than your Rios.
For a pump to have a max head of 23.5' and push 3,700GPH @ 5.5' head on only 140 watts is crazy good.

Another option to consider:
Model / Output @ 5.5ft / Power consumption / Price/ Notes
Laguna Max-Flo 4280 / ~3,100GPH / 160 watts / $230 / Submersible, but some people run them externally

Mine has been running well for ~4 years. In my experience it is similar to the Reeflo Super Dart in regards to noise (both very quiet pumps) and much quieter than the Barracuda/Hammerhead. If you are sensitive to noise, I would steer clear of the Barracuda/Hammerhead (mine had an industrial motor hum to it).

If you want to stick with running two pumps, you'll actually get slightly better efficiency running two Max-Flo 2400s than a single 4280.
Model / Output @ 5.5ft / Power consumption / Price/ Notes
(2) Laguna Max-Flo 2400 / ~3,400GPH / 168 watts / $440

If my tank wasn't so tall, I would be running two 2400s.
 
Jabeo specs are crap, don't trust them. Trev tried some on his tank said there was significantly diminished flow after 5' of head.

I'd stay clear of Cuda/Hammerheads as well. Can run a few Darts for less wattage.

Something else that might be worth mentioning.... Of the fleet of Darts I run (5) not a single one was bought new, all used (Not sure I ever paid over $150 for a normal Dart - $250-300 for the hybrids) and have never had any issues with any of them. I've even had a few ingest bio - scrubbies, K1/K3, and even bio balls...... Still issue free.

The normal darts (3600) peg a whopping 130 watts on a Kill-o-wat and the 4300 hybrids are 150.
 
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aldiaz33 said:
Hey Knobhill,
If you end up going with the Deepwater Aquatics pump please keep us posted. Those performance specs are insane (almost to the point of being unbelievable), so I would be curious to hear if you think it's actually pushing that much more than your Rios.
For a pump to have a max head of 23.5' and push 3,700GPH @ 5.5' head on only 140 watts is crazy good.

Another option to consider:
Model / Output @ 5.5ft / Power consumption / Price/ Notes
Laguna Max-Flo 4280 / ~3,100GPH / 160 watts / $230 / Submersible, but some people run them externally

Mine has been running well for ~4 years. In my experience it is similar to the Reeflo Super Dart in regards to noise (both very quiet pumps) and much quieter than the Barracuda/Hammerhead. If you are sensitive to noise, I would steer clear of the Barracuda/Hammerhead (mine had an industrial motor hum to it).

If you want to stick with running two pumps, you'll actually get slightly better efficiency running two Max-Flo 2400s than a single 4280.
Model / Output @ 5.5ft / Power consumption / Price/ Notes
(2) Laguna Max-Flo 2400 / ~3,400GPH / 168 watts / $440

If my tank wasn't so tall, I would be running two 2400s.
Click to expand...

Greetings Aldiaz!
The sumps are situated in such a way that makes an external pump easier to service than submersibles.

There are pros and cons now that I'm thinking it over to using 2 pumps as opposed to one. If one fails, then the filter is still operating. I might try 2 smaller deep water pumps. But again, the electronics part is what worries me. My dart pump ran for 7 years and then I sold it, still working!
I'm going to work up a couple double pump scenarios now as well.

And Mufasa says hi, he got a bath today!
image.jpg image.jpg
 
knobhill said:
I had a dart and just sold it! It was THE best pump I ever owned. It was on my old 480g with (2) 2" overflows and I had to tune it down. So I guess that is a good option.

Reeflo Dart/Snapper Gold/ 3200gph / 165w/ $360
Click to expand...

I have the Reflo Hybrid as well and I will get this line again. The Wattage consumption actually goes down as you throttle it back...
 
Mufasa looks nice and clean! Handsome Lion dog- haha.

I think it's always smart to go with two smaller versus one big pump. It's more $ up front, but it's good insurance.

Keep us posted on whatever you decide to go with. Pix of the setup and pups are always appreciated!
 
Maybe I should run a dart and deepwater together , put them on kill-a-watt and compare! Now I just need to find them used and get to work lol
 
Thanks everyone for your help and opinions. It was a tough decision. After drawing up some plumbing sketches, the easiest route for me to take is to go with the Deepwater DC15, use it as a submersible pump, and tie it in to the current plumbing. This will be be the least expensive and time consuming way to increase flow, reduce noise, and cut my electric bill.

I am going to keep a rio in the sump with enough tubing to reach the top of the tank. It will be my backup pump in case this one doesn't work out. If the Deepwater doesn't cut it, I will be getting a Dart.

Thanks again for all of your help and reccommendations, each post was very valuable in the process.
 
Keep us posted on kill-o-watt results and how the flow is..... Always fun comparing this kind of stuff!
 
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