Best DC return pump

[choss]

I am in the process of setting up a new system. It will be a 90 gallon tank and a 40 gallon tank plumbed into the same sump. I'm looking for the best low energy, quiet DC pump to power both tanks. I will split the return lines and push about 1/3 to the smaller tank. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[bif24701]

Best DC return pump

That's a very general question and if you want the very best I would go with Abyzz or Red Dragon. Red Dragons are APEX ready. Both will be around $1,000+. Ecotech Vectra is a good pump but not APEX ready out of the box. Personally I have the Reef Octopus Varios-6, is APEX ready, quiet, well built, good warranty and support, or you could go with the Varios-4 if you don't need so much flow. The Varios being APEX Ready is the best value and a great pump.


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[ktownhero]

I didn't buy one yet (have my good ol' Eheim AC pump), but when researching it seemed pretty clear to me that the best overall DC pump in terms of features, reliability and cost are the Reef Octopus Varios series. They are quiet, reliable, controllable, apex-ready and come with all the adapters you'd need, and even a float valve to create an emergency shut off. They seem like a no-brainer to me. In fact, unless you use Reeflink, I don't really see any reason why someone would buy a Vectra for $100 - $200 more. The Waveline pumps aren't as quiet, and the Jebao are questionable in terms of reliability. Of course Abyzz or Red Dragon are the cream of the crop, but are they worth a $1,000 premium? The answer is unequivocally, no.

 

[Elricsfate]

I purchased the Vectra L1. Not so concerned with being Apex ready, since the pump speed is controllable by its' own controller...and return pumps are pretty much set and forget. If you want to turn it off for "feed mode" you can still use the Apex to turn off power to the outlet it is plugged in to.

 

[Pablos RSM 450]

I am in the process of setting up a new system. It will be a 90 gallon tank and a 40 gallon tank plumbed into the same sump. I'm looking for the best low energy, quiet DC pump to power both tanks. I will split the return lines and push about 1/3 to the smaller tank. Thanks in advance for your advice.

I have 2 jecod DCT 6000 and they are pretty quiet. In my experience they have to be cleaned more often than my other AC pumps. I already had one impeller seize up. The ceramic shaft stuck to the ceramic bushing. I recommend a good vinegar soak every 3 months.

 

[choss]

That's a very general question and if you want the very best I would go with Abyzz or Red Dragon. Red Dragons are APEX ready. Both will be around $1,000+. Ecotech Vectra is a good pump but not APEX ready out of the box. Personally I have the Reef Octopus Varios-6, is APEX ready, quiet, well built, good warranty and support, or you could go with the Varios-4 if you don't need so much flow. The Varios being APEX Ready is the best value and a great pump.


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I was thinking about the Vectra M1. People seem happy with it and I can always dial the volume back a bit. I do care about the price as I'm already way over budget but I typically spend the money if its worth it. I hate replacing equipment with the item I should have bought before trying to save a few bucks.

 

[bif24701]

I was thinking about the Vectra M1. People seem happy with it and I can always dial the volume back a bit. I do care about the price as I'm already way over budget but I typically spend the money if its worth it. I hate replacing equipment with the item I should have bought before trying to save a few bucks.

Do you want APEX control?


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[choss]

I didn't buy one yet (have my good ol' Eheim AC pump), but when researching it seemed pretty clear to me that the best overall DC pump in terms of features, reliability and cost are the Reef Octopus Varios series. They are quiet, reliable, controllable, apex-ready and come with all the adapters you'd need, and even a float valve to create an emergency shut off. They seem like a no-brainer to me. In fact, unless you use Reeflink, I don't really see any reason why someone would buy a Vectra for $100 - $200 more. The Waveline pumps aren't as quiet, and the Jebao are questionable in terms of reliability. Of course Abyzz or Red Dragon are the cream of the crop, but are they worth a $1,000 premium? The answer is unequivocally, no.

Ktown,

Thanks for sharing your research. I have always been an eheim guy myself so this is my DC pump. I'll check out the reef octopus for sure. Seems like great advice

 

[choss]

Do you want APEX control?

I haven't decided yet on a controller and want to run the system without one for a while to see if I really need one. I'm sure I will but will need to research the best option


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I purchased the Vectra L1. Not so concerned with being Apex ready, since the pump speed is controllable by its' own controller...and return pumps are pretty much set and forget. If you want to turn it off for "feed mode" you can still use the Apex to turn off power to the outlet it is plugged in to.

A friend runs his Vectra this way. In the past I have had my return pump on a DJ power strip and simply clicked off the power on the pump while feeding. Isn't super fancy but it has worked out just fine.

 

[gus6464]

I went from a DC pump to Fluval SP4. Awesomeness at a low price.

 

[FirstContact]

Running a Waveline DC12000 and very happy with it. They come Apex ready. Mine's older and is not.

 

[MrSandman]

I've been running a waveline 6k for the last 3 years and they are silent. In fact I haven't had a chance to remove mine for maintenance at all and it still runs like it did on day 1. It has been super reliable so far and id definitely recommend it.

 

[bif24701]

I've been running a waveline 6k for the last 3 years and they are silent. In fact I haven't had a chance to remove mine for maintenance at all and it still runs like it did on day 1. It has been super reliable so far and id definitely recommend it.

BRS has stopped stocking them and its is suspected because of some issues with the pumps.


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[Zalick]

+1 on the Vectra. I have the L1 for return. No need to vary the speed with apex. You set the appropriate speed and forget it. I have it plugged in to the energy bar so i can turn it on and off with apex.

I also have the Vectra M1 powering my UV and external skimmer. I have the VarioS 6 with adapter for my skimmer pump.

All three pumps are fantastic and well built. You'd be well served with either the Vectra or the Vario.

And they are SILENT. I have all mine in my living room. No noise.

 

[MrSandman]

BRS has stopped stocking them and its is suspected because of some issues with the pumps.


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Don't tell that to my pump. It does appear that Premium Aquatics is still selling them. I don't think PA would be selling them if they were defective. What's the issue with them anyways?

 

[FirstContact]

Aquarium Specialty sells them too.

 

[jason2459]

There was a shortage of RLSS products all around as Coralvue is picking up the distributorship rights for them. That would be my guess why BRS doesn't have it listed right now. Plus BRS is heavily pushing skimz now.

And there were problems with the first wave of wavelines that came out.

Edit
http://www.coralvue.com/rlss

 

[SaintAndrews]

I've been happy with my sicce pumps. Very quiet and affordable

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[Forsaken77]

I actually use the Deepwater Aquatics BLDC pumps. They are SUPER silent, don't create heat in the water, and have a special heat sink built into the controller. Marine Depot sells them and they're pretty reasonable price wise and have a bunch of different speed models.

However, I'm upgrading to a new 125 soon with dual overflows and plan to run a Vecton 25 watt UV on each return, thus requiring 2 pumps. Current is coming out with their new eFlux DC Loop pumps this month. I've never been a Current USA supporter for any of their products, but these pumps look good. Their Loop products work in sink with each other, the lights, wave pumps, and dc return pumps.

I would be careful with an EcoTech pump because, I forget which model, but a lot of people on BRS are complaining that Ecotechs own adapter doesn't fit properly into the pump output. It's too big. I don't have any first hand knowledge, but the reviews are littered with the problem.

 

[choss]

the verdict is in...

the verdict is in...

So I ended up going with the Reef Octopus Various-6. Seemed like a great alternative to the Vectra pumps and slightly more affordable. It will be a few weeks until I can test it out as I'm still waiting on my Reef Savvy tank. I will post a quick review once I finally have it up and running. Thanks everyone for all your great advice.