I have several of the iwaki pumps and i really like them,they are quiet and work well.I went with the jap. pumps,not the U.S. motors though!I use one to run my return from my sump and one to run my ETSS800 skimmer.
Maybe i am not understanding here.Are you trying to keep from putting powerheads in the tank?I have 2 big external pumps but i still have several powerheads in the tank as well.
Have you considered having the walls of the tank drilled for additional bulkheads and using a closed loop system in addition to the main overflows? That would give you much higher flow without having to put powerheads in the tank.
I have an Iwaki 100rlt on my 180 gal and love it but I also have a closed loop for my chiller and another closed loop through an oceansmotions 4-way for circulation with Little giant 4 pumps running both of them so that adds up to about 4000 gph flow.
thats a good idea except, im kinda wery of drilling the tank, damageing the integrity of the structure im kind of sceptical of it. but i will keep it in mind of course. thx
I've been using a Sequence Baracuda for 6 months or so. Lots more flow then my Dolphin Amp Master.
I'd rethink drilling the tank. Its give a much cleaner look and if you throw in something like the Ocean Motion you'll add some nice wave action. If you buy a well built tank you shouldn't have to worry about holes effecting the structure of the tank. A good manufacture isn't going to drill a tank if he thinks it will effect it.
I run two posiden (sp) T4's in my 150. They are rated for 1225gph - 3ft. They are quiet infact no other pump gets close to them. There downfall is that they heat the water and you will have to have a chiller. Also if you are running a small sump like I am and pumping over 2000gph through your sump you are going to have a Micro buble problem. I have solved mine but its tricky. I Had to get an auto top off to keep the water at an exact level (could not wait two days without a fill) or the pumps would push water faster than it could move throught my baffels to stop the bubbles. If you want more info I can post pictures.
BW