Need to borrow pumps for performance testing.

AZDesertRat · #1 03/09/2007, 05:19 PM

I am attempting to test several of the more common return pumps in a side by side comparison to weed out all the manufacturers claims. I have acquired a flow meter to measure flow rate and totalization, a Kill A Watt meter to measure electrical consumption, assorted valves gauges and fittings to add head and measure it accurately, a high quality digital thermometer to measure heat gain and a couple of containers to house the pumps and a known quantity of water for testing.

I already have an brand spanking new OceanRunner 3500 along with two used ones, a Mag 2, Quiet One 4000 and a few other around the house. I would like to borrow any Eheims especially the 1260 and 1262 models, Mag 7, 9.5 and 12 or any sizes really, and any other pumps you might be interested in seeing comparison tested. I hope to test each under as close to identical conditions as possible to make it fair and impartial. I plan to test each at full volume or basicallly open discharge or 0 head then all the way up to shutoff head to see how high they will really pump and how much power it reduces with each 6" increase in head.

I should only need any loaners for a day or so and if you are on the west side I can pick them up and return them to you, or you can come by and scope my tank out while I am tinkering with the pump.

We all hear all the claims and I just want to see if any or all of them are true or not. The only thing I won't be able to accurately measure will be decibels as they are all so quiet a normal dB meter would be worthless so it will have to be subjective for sound and vibration.

Satori · #2 03/09/2007, 06:15 PM

Very cool undertaking. Heat output will be interesting. I used a Mag 24 to mix 25 gallons of new saltwater, and it heated it to 108* in a 73 degree house.
I'll be following this thread!

GOLDMAROON · #3 03/09/2007, 06:17 PM

I am on the west side and if you give me till wednesday my new refuge shoudl be in and I can loan you a mag 5 and a mag 7

badfish · #4 03/09/2007, 06:17 PM

I have a Eheim compact 600. I am going to use it as a return. I would like to see what it really pushes out. Its yours any time.

elzool · #5 03/09/2007, 06:31 PM

I have an eheim 1260 you can borrow.

Just curious, but won't this vary quite a bit from manuacturers claims if the unit has been used for some time w/o cleaning?

evolust · #6 03/09/2007, 06:36 PM

I will bring my mag 7 to the meeting for you.

AZDesertRat · #7 03/09/2007, 07:07 PM

If the pumps are used I guess I will have to soak them in vinegar if you have not done so already. I was hoping to be able to test as many brand new pumps as possible but even used, if they are clean and the impellers or housings have not been modified should be very close to new specs.

elzool · #8 03/09/2007, 07:18 PM

Ahh, cool, glad to hear that. I figured you'd thought of it, but wanted to throw it in there. Mine is unused

pc1blues · #9 03/10/2007, 03:18 AM

Sent PM

Elliott · #10 03/10/2007, 09:10 AM

I have a new Dart and Barracuda you are welcome to use

AZDesertRat · #11 03/10/2007, 09:52 AM

I am not going to make FRAG today. I ahve been waiting all year for the Sportsmans Outdoors Expo at Cardinals Stadium so I can check out all the new archery and hunting gear. Thansk for all the offers and I will be contacting all of you soon. I have gotten a good response from westsiders so I will probably start with those since getting my hands on the pumps and returning them will be easier logistically. This is going to be a fun project andI can't wait to post the results!