so I came home today to a dead sump pump. Sad. It is a Jebao DC Marine Aqua 6000. It usually runs on full speed. This pump is $101 on Amazon or I can get one double the output for $140. A couple questions ... If I get the higher pump and run at half speed will this increase the lifespan as opposed to running full speed? Do you recommend any other pump that will give similar results for a decent price? I have a back up pump that I'm rigging up but I don't want this to be the permanent solution!
For a dc motor, no... Running it at half speed still will wear it out at the same rate as the same motor running at full speed, if the speed is the same... Now if the difference is a better pump, then sure it should last longer
Same brand just one is the 6000lph and the other is 12000lph. Both D.C. Pumps. They use a control pad to alter speed. Hmm ... I feel like I have enough output from the old pump so I don't guess it'll be worth spending an extra $40 on one twice as powerful if it's just going to wear out in the same amount of time. Do you recommend any other brands that are reasonably priced?
To me, strictly my opinion, I run an ac pump. I am never going to mess with the pump speed. I want it off or I want it on. A mag drive Eheim AC pump will outlast any DC pump. It certainly it a better value in price, you simply get the magical size you need, using whichever formula you want to go with, and it just runs forever, unless you shut it off.
I often shut it off for feeds and cleaning. I'd say 4-5 times a week minimum. I've also read that DC pumps are quieter and put off much less heat.
They are quieter and cooler... But you asked for something that will last for a better price... Actually, I could not tell you what quieter means as far as a return pump... The only way I know it's on is to put my hand on it.. As far as cooler, I would have to believe that is due to the friction of the components inside, the tolerance it was built to, the quality of the components, not simply whether the motor is ac or dc.