Warning regarding pumps from Aquariumguys

[spiff]

I ordered one of the Reeflo Darts from them, and I didn't realize what a POS I had received until I bought another one from a different source.

The one I bought from Aquariumguys consumes more power for less flow, is loud and is a mexican made POS.

The new one, which I now know is a true Reeflo pump, is made in the USA, has a motor that is twice as big, but uses less power and has a higher flow. It also has ball bearing instead of bushings, had sophisticated thermal detection protection circuitry and is much more quiet.

I know Reeflo has a Gold series on their pumps, but that is not what is going on here. There was only a $20 cost difference between these pumps. Aquariumguys apparently sells crap knock-offs.

There is a couple hundred dollar difference for the gold series.

 

[dennisdeng2002]

I highly doubt it is Aquarium Guys fault, they just sell whatever product Reeflo sends them. Reeflo has been experimenting with different motors on the Dart, from my memory there are Baldor and AO smith motors, and I think there were other motors also. Reeflo just makes the impeller and volute and attach to the motor.

 

[spiff]

I highly doubt it is Aquarium Guys fault, they just sell whatever product Reeflo sends them. Reeflo has been experimenting with different motors on the Dart, from my memory there are Baldor and AO smith motors, and I think there were other motors also. Reeflo just makes the impeller and volute and attach to the motor.

That is probably true. Its disconcerting never the less.

Its also curious that this mexican made POS (the AO Smith one), runs super hot compared to this new one, and of course its the one with out the protective circuitry.

 

[spiff]

Okay, I'm obligated to correct myself...

I heard back from Reeflo and they did use this cheaper A O Smith motor on the Dart but have switched over to a Baldor motor now. They still use the cheaper Smith motor on the cheaper Snapper model.

They also stated that there is thermal protection in this Smith motor too.

 

[hndakd]

i have an older dart ill have to look at what motor it has, mine runs pretty hot though. I turn it off at night and there is a SIGNIFICANT room temp difference. not just the its cooler at night difference.