Dolphin AMP MASTERS? Any Good?

[platapus]

Who uses Dolphin AMP MASTERS?

I was reading on marinedepot.com that they run at low amps?

How is this possible? Is it true?

A Mag Drive 2400 runs 265 watts! 2400 gph

A Dolphin 2100 runs at about 80 watts? 2700 gph 0 head (115 volts x .07 amps)

AM I understanding this correctly? Are there any down sides to the Dolphins?...you know ....kinda like that RIO fire starters

[reefcam]

I don't have the AMP Master, but do have the Dolphin 3600 which has the same output rating as the Dolphin AMP Master 3600. The difference is the current draw. The one I have draw about 2.3 AMP and the AMP Master 3600 draws 1.3A.

These are circulation pump and not pressure rated pump like the Iwaki, Mag.

Determine how much Head ft. you have and match it with the graph on Marine Depots site.

Oh, the AMP Master motor is basically a spa circulation pump. Dolphin buys the motor and have done extensive testing to determine which wet end works well with the pump. If you are adventurous, you can get a similar pump at your local pool store. You are basically look for 1725 RPM either 1/10 HP or 1/15HP or some where in between.

Let me know if you need help with the Dolphin pumps.

[MargaritaMan]

AmpMasters need continual maintenance. As far as amperage, my two Iwaki WMD-30RXLT only draw an amp each. An AmpMaster is classified as a circulation pump. Most, if not all circulation pumps draw low amps. When you get into pressure pumps, that is when you get into the higher amps. I have yet to see a reef tank that reeeaaallllyyyy needed a pressure pump. In most apps a circ pump or two works just fine. MM

[platapus]

Im at the sump / circulation design of a 200 gallon im planning. I want about 1800 gph @ 7 ft head for the sump return, and then I also want at minimum 1800 gph for a circulation, perhaps closed loop,( still reading up on this design) Im in california, and would like to use something that is energy efficiant if possible.

For a closed loop, if I have intake and return for the pump drawing from the back of that tank, ( drilled out ), and place the pump on the ground, does this lessen the head at all?

did that make sence?

[mojoreef]

I use an ampmaster 3000 actually a few of them and have had no problems. The 3000 is a 1/12 hp motor with a new designed impeller.

Here is the perforamnce curve of the ampmaster series.
http://www.dolphinpumps.com/new_!!_amp_mater_3000_aqua_sea_pump.htm

hope it helps

mike

[reefcam]

Hey Mike,

If you ever take your pump's wet end apart, could I get the impeller part number? It should be on the back of the impeller. I showed my pool supply guy (and I don't even own a pool or spa) the Dolphin pump, told him how much I paid for it and he just laughed and said I can get all that and sell it for half the price.
I believe the pump is made by Emerson if I'm not mistaken, unless they changed vendor.

I just replaced my Dolphin 3600 with an A.O. Smith pump (1/8) HP and it's quiet and produce less heat out the motor.

[hamburglar]

MargaritaMan,

What kind of maintenance do they require besides a few drops of oil every now and then? I better tell my LFS to maintenance his 4 year old Dolphin pump

[mojoreef]

Hamburglar their was a batch of the new amp master series that had problems with the seal. Alot of folks had to replaces the seals with in the first weeks and thier were reports that these folks would have to continue to replace the seals every few months or so. I believe they have fixed the problem but for a bunch of reefers they have to continue this seal replacing.


mike

[reefcam]

THe oil drop is all I can think off unless they changed pumps. I replaced my motor with a seal motor so no more oil drops for me.

Also, like every pump, clean out the impeller area to maintain the full through put and reduce wear and tear on the impeller.

Actually you should do this with circulation pumps as snails and debris can cause the water seals to wear and leak. I've replaced mine twice now and tonight going on my third. **** snails.

[hamburglar]

I think he cleans it every now and then. I didn't know about the seal problems. I hope they get all the bugs out of the because I would like to get one of those 3000's one day.

[MargaritaMan]

Hmmmmm! Thanks Mike. To clarify, I stated they required maintenace, I did not state they were a bad pump. I too went to "my connection" to purchase an AmpMaster, and was talked out of it into two Iwaki's. This is the same guy who has been selling to fish stores for over 20 years. When he put the two side by side and pointed out the differences it made sense. They both do the job, just personal preference. What works for one might not work for another. MM

[reefcam]

The Iwakis and Dolphin are both good pumps. I still own my Iwaki 30 RLT. It was just noisy and I couldn't deal with it. I put out a lot of water for a small pump, and now it is just sitting on my shelf after being used for 2 months.

I like the Dolphin because they are quiet and ya, the seal can be a problem, but the fix is simple. I now have a CSL T4, Iwaki 30RLT and 2 Dolphin 3600 sitting around as backup. I have since switched over to an 1/8 HP circulation pump. Same output as the 3600 since it is using the 3600 wet end.

I'm just curios what seal did they used? They did advertise this on their site. Oh and the FW and SW seals are both made of ceramic, so I stopped believing the SW seal marketing story.