Blueline/Pan World vs. Iwaki Pumps?

[Entacmaea]

Happy New Year everyone!

I'm looking at circulation pumps for my soon-to-be 70 gallon, and had mostly made up my mind to get the Iwaki 30RLXT, but many online retailers are touting the Blueline/Panworld pumps as better and quieter than comparable Iwakis. The Blue/Pan's are also about 40% cheaper, which is attractive.

Any opinions or experience?

Thanks, Peter

 

[Len]

Hey Peter, I've had both. I'm currently using the Panworld. For the Iwaki 30 series (and the comparable Panworld) on down, the Iwaki is quieter since it does not have a cooling fan. For the Iwaki 40 series (and caomparable Panworld) on up, the Panworld is quieter. Aside from that, I really can't comment on which is better since I've only had Panworlds for a short period. Iwaki are as reliable as anything I've owned. If the Panworlds hold up for half as long as Iwaki, I'll be happy.

FWIW, Ben's Panworld recently went noisy. I'm not sure if he found the reason for it yet.

 

[Entacmaea]

Thanks Len- so the Blue/Pan comparable model has a fan, while the Iwaki 30 series does not? I guess that is the clincher for me- quieter is worth the extra $50 bucks...

 

[Len]

Yep, Iwaki 20 and 30 series have no fans and are quieter. The 40 on up series has fans, and I would consider the Panworlds if noise is an issue.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a pan world 40 and I do not find the fan to be any louder than the ones in my caonopy. I have not owned an iwaki.