ASM G3 Skimmer Replacement Pump

[Reeferer]

I have recently aquired a ASM G3 and the Sedra 5000 pump needs to be replaced. Should I buy a new Sedra or go with a B Blaster? And what size BB if so? I would also like to know if a BB replacement would need to be modified to fit or plug and play?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Reeferer]

C'mon people. This was the skimmer that everyone had 5-10 years ago. I am thinking the BB 3000 and recirc mod. I know a few people are still around who have probably had this skimmer and performed the recirc mod. Please let me know what your thoughts are.

 

[wdebenedettojr]

I replaced the pump on a friends tank that ran a g3 with the regular sedra. Always worked fine with the regular pump. Ain't broke don't fix it mentality.

 

[JohnK]

I'd want to replace it with a newer generation / more efficient pump too. The problem is you have to be your own guine pig for sizing/compatibility unless you can find someone who has tried the exact same swap out. Then again, maybe you could find one of the current generation of controllable DC pumps with a needle wheel impeller - then you would have the adustability to correct for oversizing the pump. (I've been running a RLSS R6i with the controllable DC needlewheel pump for a while now and I simply love it.)

I'd upgrade/replace the pump, get it dialed in, then decide IF I wanted to do the re-circ mod. Best to make one change at a time, that way it's easier to figure out what went wrong

 

[charged45]

Can you contact the Pump Mnfr?

 

[cilyjr]

I am pretty sure the sedra does 500gph so you could look for a similar pump. I have this pump and skimmer and I resirc modded it. Should you choose to do that it really dosent matter the gph of the recirc pump as it is not feeding it. One could go bigger if they wanted. I would suggest a feed pump with a slightly lower gph if you do recirc mod it to increase reaction time in the chamber..

 

[Reeferer]

Thanks all for your comments and feedback. I am going to research a controllable pump. Does anyone have any experience with the Diablo DC pinwheel pumps or have any suggestions on controllable DC pumps?

 

[JohnK]

The diablo, speedwave, and RLSS are all basically the same pump. Chinese made, re-branded by whoever wants to sell them. I'm not sure how difficult it is to source needlewheel impellers though. Also, my experience has been 100% positve with the DC pumps, but just today Anthony started a thread where was having trouble with his, so take the reccomendation with a grain of salt. They are very nice working pumps, but they haven't been on the market long enough to have passed the test of time.

From there you get into the red dragon/bubble king DC pumps that are a bit (LOT) more expensive.

 

[jamesdong009]

I still really like the DC pumps and have been recommending them. Today was the first hiccup I've had and it could just be a user error

 

[cilyjr]

what would be the advantage of a controllable pump for a skimmer. do these pumps have a needle wheel or would one need to mesh mod them?

 

[JohnK]

what would be the advantage of a controllable pump for a skimmer. do these pumps have a needle wheel or would one need to mesh mod them?

Hey Chris,

In general the controllable pumps add another dimension of adjustability, but one could argue that's redundent and un-necessary. Having a skimmer that was designed around a controllable DC pump, IMO it's great for tuning flexibility. Necessary, NO, cool to fiddle with YES. Is it really an advantage, my subjective experience says yes very much, but that's totally subjective.

In the context of this thread, I suggested a DC pump mainly because when replacing a skimmer pump with something other than what came with stock you always risk under or over sizing the pump. Naturally most skimmers can be adjusted across a certain range of pumps, but there is always the possibility of over or underwhelming the skimmer body's size and shape. By going with a DC pump, I would at least assume that there would be an increase in the range across which the pump could match the skimmer. Think it of a sedra that could adjust from a 3000 to a 5000 as needed.

As far as needle wheel impellers, I know that RLSS and RO do make skimmers based around these pumps, so needlewheel impellers do exist, but I don't know if either company sells them seperately at this time.

 

[Reeferer]

Great information everyone. I think I have some more research to do but first thoughts are a DC pump. The flow rating and price of DC pumps look like they out-weigh conventional pumps in both categories.

 

[cilyjr]

Thanks for the info. I guess if they are priced in the same range of conventional pumps and you can get an impeller that works for your needs then why not