Kill-a-watt question

What does it mean when kill-a-watt show a lower wattage than what a pump is rated?  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Maybe I should have created a poll. 

I vote yes. Or no, depending if the statistics say I should know. In which case I vote maybe.

I have heard that its a good thing, the wattage on pumps is the max when the pump is basically fully loaded, so If you were pumping closer to the max head, that would really work the pump and it would be drawing closer to the rated ammount, and usually wear out faster.  I know that is what you need to monitor when you mod a pump for a skimmer, different needlewheels with more or less mesh stuff like that you are suppost to watch the watt draw so you don't get into pushing the pump to hard or above the rated watts and burn it out faster. 

How much different is it?

If you were pumping closer to the max head, that would really work the pump and it would be drawing closer to the rated ammount

Just opposite.  Max power draw on a pump is at minimum head (maximum flow).  When you pinch off on the discharge of the pump the power consumption should decrease.

hmm, ok my bad too, thanks for the correction, not sure I understand it, makes me want to experiment with a kill-a-watt and some pumps just to see everything that goes on under different conditions.

now if I just had the time for that much tinkering :)

It could very well be normal.  I kind of doubt aquarium pump manufactures are very thorough in their evaluation of their pumps (i.e. they could be off on their flow/power ratings).  If it's moving water around for you, it's working .