Best DC return Pump

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I want to replace my 3 return pumps with a DC pump to reduce noise and the number on pumps. I currently have 3 pumps, 2 returns and one to feed an external skimmer. Dc pumps seem to becoming popular and wanted feed back on your experiences with DC pumps.

Thanks
 
What is the total output of the 3 pumps you have now?
Do you need to increase it? Decrease it?
Internal or external?
 
I would use a separate pump for the external skimmer.
What's the required flow rate for it?
 
I currently run 3 1250 Eheims rated at 317 gph, all are in sump. I want to replumb and feed both returns and the skimmer with 1 DC pump.
 
Best quality would be the pumps mentioned above. Best price is Jabeo. I just went with a DSC1200 to run my 240, 40B sump, 40B fudge. I figure at a 3rd the cost I can replace if it fails. Plus my old pump eheim 1262 is now used for water changes and can easily be put back inline if I ever have an issue.
 
Royal Exclusiv Red Dragon built like a tank and quiet.


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This.....they make great stuff.
However "best" is subjective to many. I have no experience with the red dragon return pump, just the one on my Bubble King skimmer :D

Corey
 
Best quality would be the pumps mentioned above. Best price is Jabeo. I just went with a DSC1200 to run my 240, 40B sump, 40B fudge. I figure at a 3rd the cost I can replace if it fails. Plus my old pump eheim 1262 is now used for water changes and can easily be put back inline if I ever have an issue.

I run an RLSS Waveline DC12000 and am very happy with it. Besides my DT it runs my refugium and ozone reactor off a manifold. It's not even running at half power. I run GFO off a separate pump but should probably put it on the manifold. I like running my recirculating skimmer off a separate pump so it never stops skimming even when I shut off the return. My previous pump was an Eheim 1262, and I use that for water changes too.

There are so many reasonably priced quality DC Pumps out there now that I can't imagine spending an exhorbitant amount for a Royal Exclusive or an Abyzz pump.
 
If a quiet pump is required you couldn't go wrong with a Vectra M1.

+1. I switched to a Vectra L1 for return as my tank is in the middle of my living room/kitchen. Its completely silent. I can't hear it running.

I switched to a DC return, DC to feed the external skimmer and DC for the skimmer. Totally silent.
 
Thanks for all the replies, I am looking for the most reliable and quietest pump, in this case the costs is off the table. My tank sets in my den next to my TV. I just want to see it not hear it. I have heard good things about the Vectra M1, Red dragon owners, are red dragon pumps quiet?
 
Best and most quiet ...I can think of 2. Royal Exclusive and Abyzz. Both would be at the top. Like most things at the top there is a big price to pay but you could probably rest assured you would be well taken care of. Personally I have not used the Abyzz but have seen videos of them and they are very impressive looking. Personally I use Reef Octopus DC pumps. I run two as returns on two different tanks. Very quiet and have yet to run into an issue. I'm not running a lot of head pressure but there is a little.
 
Thanks for all the replies, I am looking for the most reliable and quietest pump, in this case the costs is off the table. My tank sets in my den next to my TV. I just want to see it not hear it. I have heard good things about the Vectra M1, Red dragon owners, are red dragon pumps quiet?

I made the switch for the exact same reason. My 300g +100g sump tank is 5ft away from where I watch TV and the low hum was driving my gf and I nuts. Cost was not an issue for us either as we wanted dead silent. Here is what I have running now.

Vectra M1 feeds the external SRO-5000ext skimmer. Swapped out the bubble blaster HY-5000s for the Varios 6s for the skimmer pump. Return is now the Vectra L1.

Sure, its overkill since I don't use the controllers for anything as the pumps are constant. But its DEAD silent. The only noise coming from the tank now are the bubbles mixing in the skimmer (minimal as its in the stand) and the very very faint hum of the gyre xf150.


The Vectra's and the Varios 6s emit no detectable decibels measured with a decibel meter. I couldn't be more happy with how silent everything is.
 
Thanks for all the replies, I am looking for the most reliable and quietest pump, in this case the costs is off the table. My tank sets in my den next to my TV. I just want to see it not hear it. I have heard good things about the Vectra M1, Red dragon owners, are red dragon pumps quiet?

My RD3-230 is practically silent at any speed. It is in my basement and if it is the only thing on, I have to be right next to it to hear anything.

For example, my wife typing about 8 feet away from me reads a peak of 66 dB. The RD3 reads 58 dB from 3 feet away.

Based off of this chart, I believe that my app (dB 10th for iPhone) reads a little bit high.
 
Best and most quiet ...I can think of 2. Royal Exclusive and Abyzz. Both would be at the top. Like most things at the top there is a big price to pay but you could probably rest assured you would be well taken care of. Personally I have not used the Abyzz but have seen videos of them and they are very impressive looking. Personally I use Reef Octopus DC pumps. I run two as returns on two different tanks. Very quiet and have yet to run into an issue. I'm not running a lot of head pressure but there is a little.

If cost isn't a variable Royal Exclusive and Abyzz are definitely the best toys. Of the two, if money was no object, I'd have to go with Abyzz. Their pumps and controllers are insane. For me I'd rather spend the money on an airline ticket and go visit Hawaii!!!
 
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