DC Waveline, meet the Hydrothrustor Variable Speed Pump

Hey DC Pump fans - just a quick note to let you know that 3reef sponsor Salty Supply has a limited quantity of Waveline 12000 and 10000II variable speed pumps in stock right now. Up to 3170GPH with speed control. Nice.



You know, as a middle-aged aquarium geek, this DC pump craze takes me back. In the early '90's, perhaps even late '80's there was an external pump I always wanted, meet the Fasco Filtronics Hydrothrustor:



The Hydrothrustor was the Granddaddy of the DC variable speed pumps you see today. Although they were sold for a long time, they were never that popular for some reason. The funny thing is, when I google about it now I find an old RC post of mine from 2002 still asking about them. So the Hydrothrustor remains a bit of mystery. Ahead of its time and on the fringe much like the Aquaricare algal filter. I found this Hydrothrustor on eBay. Showing its age, but still working. If someone cares to give it a try, please let me know how it works.

matt

 

Hi I am new here and as things have it I yesterday got out my pump and was going to use it with an old never installed wet dry.
All from the 90's
Was going to set up a 75 gallon early 90's 75 i have that was set up from 91-2005
As new never used Pics taken an hour ago
Says oil every 6 months with 20 wt wonder how many drops ect?

 

This is why I post about old stuff.

Well since you have it, and it looks like new, it is tempting to say use it.

2 things I can think of that could merit not using it:
1) Energy use - is it a hog? What does that label say?
2) Noise - you might have to wet test it to find out how loud it is.

Regardless. I love the pic. It is exciting to me that you pulled this old hydrothrustor out of the closet so to speak.

Definitely following this.

matt

 

Not sure where to post my options for a set up and everything I have.
PM me if you get time. It is as new, never used as it was one of the items that was not flooded in 2005 Katrina flood as it was in the attic. Says 1.6 amps and 3000 RPM {I assume at fastest speed on control box}
Originally the tank was set up fish only back in 89 moved in late 91 early 92 and set back up. So was set up till mid 2005 with just an under gravel.
So all the wet dry, over flow box, and pump was just picked up. Just getting new T5 HO Hamilton set up in the old canopy for lights
Retired now and have time so going over what I have, and what I can do with least cost and have it work right.
Going to stick two 2 hoses on it and plug it in just to see how it runs wanted to lube it up first

 

Hi Just found this post by accident. I've been running a pair of these Hydrothrustors since
the early 90's. The pumps themselves are fine (oiled and/or cleaned regularly). However the
acrylic pump housings are becoming brittle and a couple of the tabs/clips that hold
it all together have broken so be careful taking it apart if you have to. The only reason
to take it apart is to replace the "O" rings. They, too, loose their elasticity over time
and may allow the pump housing to leak.
Since I'm late to this, I hope you had good luck and if you know anyone that
has any of these pump housings kicking around, I'd like to buy them.

 

Amazing these pumps are still out there. Thanks for sharing