Anyone using a Quiet One pump on a skimmer?

NeveSSL · Apr 11, 2009

Hi all!

I've been thinking about replacing the stock pump on my new (to me... bought it used) DNW-200 and originally wanted a Sicce PSK-2500, but it turns out that they don't run dry well and my skimmer is a recirc.

I've heard that the Quiet One pumps are very similar to the Sicce, but maybe I was mistaken in that? Either way, they should be a bit quieter than the Octopus 3000 pump my skimmer came with stock. :squigglemouth:

Thanks!

Brandon

AZDesertRat · Apr 13, 2009

I have had horrible luck with Quiet One pumps. Both a 4000 and 2200 literally went up in flames on me. The 4000 was mounted externally on a closed loop with a Squirt and lasted just over a year before it burned up and electrified my entire tank. The chiller ran non stop for over 24 hours before I figured out it was the 4000 and trashed it. It was replaced with a Ocean Runner 3500, much better pump.
The 2200 was the recirc pump on a calcium reactor, again external and it sprung a leak inside the motor and was shooting water all over inside my stand. The hole was in the middle of the pump nowhere near a seam or joint and went through the motor windings again raising the tank temp.
Whats wierd is neither pump tripped the GFCI circuit.

My skimmer also uses an Ocean Runner, its the 2700 needle wheel and has been running almost non stop for 5.5 years now and it was used when I bought it! I know www.customaquatic.com carries ocean runners.

NeveSSL · Apr 13, 2009

Wow! Doesn't sound like fun at all. Nice to see you on this board, AZDeserRat. :)

I've got a Quiet One 3000 that has been running great for two years now. Absolutely 0 problems. It actually also has zero problems starting up, too. Others have had many problems.

I will check into the Ocean Runners. Do you think an Ocean Runner would be an upgrade to the stock pump this thing comes with (the octopus 3000)?

Thanks!

Brandon

AZDesertRat · Apr 13, 2009

Just by looking they appear to be the same pump. Its hard to say since the Chinese can clone just about anything today. The Ocean Runners are marketed by AquaMedic which is a German company but I have been told the pumps are Chinese manufactured. Aquatic Eco Systems used to market a similar pump at one time and it was slightly cheaper.
The OR pumps have had a major price increase in the last 6 months so the the others may be worth looking at since I'll bet a dollar to a donut they are the same pump.

One thing I really noticed when switching from Quiet Ones to other brands was my chiller ran less time to maintain the same temperature. The QO 4000 ran so hot I could not comfortably lay my hand on the housing for any length of time. The small one was the same, in fact when I discontinued use if the calcium reactor after the pump burned up, the chiller never runs anymore at all. I have since bought a new Hydor Seltz pump for the reactor but have not goot it hooked back up yet. Based on wattage alone the Hydor should be much more efficient that either the Mag or QO I had on the reactor before which should also equate to less heat gain.