Iwaki pumps

[TheGus]

So I've been drooling over new system pumps and would like to replace my Rio 17HF with an Iwaki external pump. I'm torn between the MD30RLXT and the MD40RLXT.

The Rio is currently operating in a 19 gallon sump (want to upgrade to 30gal), plumbed inline to a Pondmaster 40watt sterilizer, and returned to a 75 gallon tank with a CPR CS90 overflow box. Tank stock consists of ~13 Clown loaches.

Clown loaches LOVE their water flow. Would the higher tank turnover rate from the MD40RLXT be worth purchasing a new overflow box? Or should I stick with the similar flow rate from the MD30RLXT and purchase a Koralia circulation pump? My main concern here has to do with the amount of dwell time that water has to be in contact with the bio-media. Help and suggestion appreciated.

 

[rudy1964]

I will sugest if you haven't bougth the iwaki pump take a look a the panworld or blue line similar pumps but a bit cheaper and quieter then iwaki.

 

[Dan F]

I have two Iwaki pumps (MD70 and MD100) that have performed flawlessly for over ten years. The MD70 powers a skimmer on my reef tank in my classroom. It has run dry a couple times and still works as good as ever - I don't think Iwaki can be matched for reliability. At the Oregon Coast Aquarium they use Iwaki pumps almost exclusively.

As far as which pump to get, I would go with the larger pump. You can always throttle it down just enough to match the overflow rate or tee off of the recirculation line and use the extra flow for filtration.

 

[dennisdeng2002]

I would go with the 30. I have the 40rlxt on my 120 and while it's an awesome pump it is a little loud and the flow, even after 2 canister filters, is huge and causes a lot of micro bubbles in my sump. I think the 30's and below don't have fans and are quieter, though my 40 is too bad. On a 75 it's going to be overkill and even a 30 might be too much. You really don't want that much flow going through a sump, just supplement it with a powerhead or two.