Little Giant vs Iwaki pumps (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

Which are better overall? More reliable?
Are they comparable?

 

[kris4647]

Reliability is very comparable in my experience. The little giant you saw on my 75 gallon tank has run for aound 2yrs no issues at all. I have a 5md-sc on a ETS Gemini skimmer that ran well too. They are, IMO, a little more noisy than the Iwakis.

MAk-4's are more noisy than both.

Bottom line if you have time to plan for it. I'd get an Iwaki. Watch the boards for used pumps. When I was planning my 215 I put short cuts to all the major boards "For Sale" sections on my desktop.

 

[Guest]

I prefer little giants.

 

[Guest]

What is the difference between the japanese and american motors?

What is difference between the RLT and RLXT?
RLXT says it puts out more gph but what is the physical difference in them?
Are both suitable for a return pump?

I'm assuming the same answer will apply to the difference in little giants' MDQ-SC and MDQX-SC.

 

[rhane71]

What is the difference between the japanese and american motors?

The japanese motors are built better and will last longer than the american motors. they seem to be more quiet as well..

What is difference between the RLT and RLXT?

The difference here has to do with back pressure. The RLXT is used if you have no back pressure. the RLT can have back pressure. back pressure is when you throttle back on the discharge valve. If the flow is to much you can cut back on the discharge valve and decrease the output of flow..

RLXT says it puts out more gph but what is the physical difference in them?

The impeller in the RLXT is different. It is wider and has more blades. The channels are also deeper. Thus the output will be increased...

Are both suitable for a return pump?

Yes, the only difference is the RLXT is used mainly for a return pump and the RLT can be used for a return pump or to operate a skimmer, calcium reactor, kalk reactor, or anything that puts back pressure on the pump. I would go japanese if you can afford it. If not then american is fine as well. I have one of each and love both...

abran

 

[kris4647]

Like the title says the Jap. motor is made there and is reputed to be more reliable and quiet. Dont know if I buy the quiet part.

RLT is a pressure rated pump and RLXT is a flow pump. Pressure pumps are generally used on skimmers or instances where back or head pressure exists in the system. RLXT, given an unrestricted discharge or low head pressure, flow more water.

Hope that wasnt too confusing..........

 

[Guest]

Ok, which of these would you say is the best option.
New Iwaki 40RLXT (american) $159. Rated for 1200GPH @ 4'
Used Iwaki 40RLXT (american w/approx. 1.5 years of use) $135
Used Iwaki 40RLT (japanese w/ approx 1.5 years of use) $135 rated for 750GPH @ 4'
New Little Giant 3-MDQX-SC $112.99 Rated for 875GPH @ 6'
New Little Giant 4-MDQX-SC $124.00 Rated for 1080 @ 6'

I have a 90 gallon tank, approx. 5' head.
Which would you go with?

 

[Guest]

I'd go with the 3MDQX

 

[Cakepro]

I have both a Little Giant and an Iwaki on my 75 gallon hard coral tank. When I had some ceramic phosguard beads escape their bag a couple of years ago, they tore up the impellers. The Little Giant replacement impeller was $15 and the Iwaki impeller was $60. They are rated the same (3MDSQ or something along those lines).

That will be a factor in my next pump purchase.

~ Sherri

 

[kris4647]

For a dissenting opinion.......

Iwaki 40rlt Japanese...........

Unbeatable reliability and more quiet than LG. [IME]