Jim,
The difference in the Iwaki pumps is that the Japanese built are thought to be "better/quieter/cooler/efficient" than the US made ones. Whether this is true or not I couldn't say. By the time the Japanese ones are done being drop kicked around and generally abused in shipping on their way over I'm not sure it would make much difference but people do swear that the Japanese ones are better.
Back to the Lok-Line question, I picked up some the other day. The 3/4" size is surprisingly large. As in, I had no idea it was going to be that big. They do have a reducer splitter which goes from 3/4" down to 2 separate 1/2" feeds. This could let you have the 3/4" line without too much restriction on the smaller 1/2" lines and the added flexibility to do multiple outlets should you find you have too little flow in some areas of the tank.
Some other thoughts:
You could run a normal cannister filter with another pump inline if you need more flow. In this case you should probably just unplug the cannister and use the other pump. An eheim compact or other pump could be used for this as they are generally regarded as quiet. If possible, try to do a bucket test in the store. If you can hear the pump there, you'll definitely hear it at home.
A separate pump and cannister filter combo such as the OC and NC units would be nice, but is definitely approaching the overkill side of things. Most of the smaller, lower flow pumps use 1/2 - 3/4" inlets/outlets. You will need adapters for this, not a big issue but something to keep in mind when you go plumbing things.
You may wish to consider standpipes to reduce the potential amount of water which might come out should a hose disconnect. If you using overflows build into the tank, you can use those easily enough. Bear in mind that an outlet at the bottom of the tank will have more pressure in the pipe vs. outlets closer to the top ( as in with a standpipe or return line ). Less water to leak should it happen. Do not depend on any
Leaks/spills happen. Think about this now and plan for it. A way to attach hoses directly into your plumbing and over to the tub/sink is worth considering. Less buckets = less mess ( usually ). If for any reason you have an urge to use check valves in your plumbing, don't. They require maintenance which you aren't likely to do because of what they are and where they are probably located. They don't always work, as in they'll work fine when you're watching ( usually ) but the Great Demon Murphy will ensure that when you aren't around they'll inexplicably fail. Consider extra ball valves as shutoffs on the cannister inlet/outlets. I've snagged my eheim shutoff before and opened it while rummaging around the stand for something while the rest of the cannister was in the tub.
While you can get Wet/Dry filters to be quiet, this takes a lot more forethought and effort compared to canisters. Plan out your wiring. You don't want a tangle of wiring or a powerstrip underfoot in the stand if you can help it. Don't rule out the option of powerhead/prop pumps. They are surprisingly unobtrusive and easy to hide in plain sight. Finally, plug everything into a GFCI protected outlet, this is not optional.
Good luck and keep us posted.
-
S
Jim Miller;59385 said:
Shoggoth
Thanks for the suggestion but I'm really trying to avoid stuff in the tank. If it's really necessary because there's no alternative then I'll have to do it. But I'd rather start out with something that would have a good chance of meeting my objectives from the start.
I spent the last two hours reading up on the Iwaki and Ocean Clear alternative. On the Iwaki there appears to be a choice of Japanese or American motors. What's up with that? It also appears that although well built they are not "silent." Perhaps silent isn't really possible with the type of power they represent.
On the Ocean Clear front I can't really figure out how to configure a single cannister that meets both mechanical and biological filtration needs. It appears that multiple cannisters are required.
It does appear that these two in combination can move a lot more water.
Thanks
Jim (still researching...)
