Recommend a quiet, reliable in-sump pump brand?

[WuTang]

I'm currently in the decision process of having a custom Sump | Refugium built by Lifereef. I really like the Lifereef Skimmer (kinda pricey) but I believe it's worth the money when it comes to maintenance and performance. I also like the accessories that can be added: Filter Media Canisters, Float Switches. Although, I need recommendations on VERY QUIET, VERY RELIABLE in-sump pumps. I hear GenX is good but have heard Iwaki pumps (American and Japanese Motors) are one of the best. The Japanese motors are more expensive and was wondering if they're worth the money? Does anyone have any experience with Iwaki pumps? I appreciate any and all feedback and recommendations...

[Reefland]

I can't help but to recommend MAG pumps, not the most powerful but in my experience, very realiable and quiet in-sump pumps. I've never used anything larger than the MAG 18, but there are 24 (2400gph) and Mag 36 (3600gph).

[zhenya]

I hear GenX is good but have heard Iwaki pumps (American and Japanese Motors) are one of the best. The Japanese motors are more expensive and was wondering if they're worth the money? Does anyone have any experience with Iwaki pumps?

I don't believe Iwaki makes submersible pumps( if that is what you meant by in-sump), other than that they are exellent pumps with good reputation. Not sure if there is such thing as extremely quiet pumps that are submersible or external.
I have to agree with Scott on the MAG pumps recommendation as I used them exclusively myself for submersibile application. I can still hear them,though.

[Poseidon]

Make it 3!!! I have 2 MAG 12's in my sump, one for return, one for the skimmer. I can't hear either one of them over the noise the skimmer and overflow makes. I doubt they are completely silent, but they certainly are NOT LOUD!

[WuTang]

What do you guys think of the Little Giant 4MDQX-SC 1120 GPH external pump? This pump comes with my Lifereef LF150 series sump that's currently being built. It's air cooled and not water cooled like an equivalent pump from Mag. If I went for the water cooled Mag, there's a chance of the water heating up in the sump as quoted from Lifereef. Is this thing loud or should I possibly go for another external pump brand? A Mag 9 submersible pump will be residing in my sump to drive my skimmer already... This is why I opted to get an external pump to flow the water to my main tank and refugium. I appreciate any opinions and advice.

[zhenya]

What do you guys think of the Little Giant 4MDQX-SC 1120 GPH external pump? This pump comes with my Lifereef LF150 series sump that's currently being built. It's air cooled and not water cooled like an equivalent pump from Mag. If I went for the water cooled Mag, there's a chance of the water heating up in the sump as quoted from Lifereef. Is this thing loud or should I possibly go for another external pump brand? A Mag 9 submersible pump will be residing in my sump to drive my skimmer already... This is why I opted to get an external pump to flow the water to my main tank and refugium. I appreciate any opinions and advice.

Try asking Ninong about this pumps, I believe he has them.

[Reefland]

I'll let Ninong comment directly on the Little Giant pumps, but as for the heat problem with a MAG submersible pump, it is a null point. I have used MAG's exclusively for a couple of years now and never had a problem with heat. I currently use a MAG 7 and MAG 18 on our 75 gallon system with no noticile temperature difference.

[Poseidon]

Aren't you going to be putting a HEATER in the tank anyway? IF the MAG does actually make a slight contribution to heating the tank water, I have serious DOUBTS that it is enough to change the tempature of the tank by anything more then tenths of a degree.

Mag pumps are solid as a rock, and as far as I can tell, virtually silent. So why put more money into an external pump? That cash can be used elsewhere, FOR SURE!!!!

[WuTang]

Thanks for all the replies. I went ahead and changed my order to the CLF2 series sump (Compact Berlin with all In-Sump Pumps). I will have one Mag 9 pushing water back to my main tank, another Mag 9 driving my skimmer, and a Mag 5 flowing water to a 15 Gallon Refugium. With the volume of water that is being processed, I don't think heat will be a factor. My sump will be 30x11x14 sump. From your replies, I'm hoping these in-sump pumps will definitely cut down on the noise level. Although, it definitely gives me more needed space in my cabinet... I appreciate any opinions on this setup.