Best Return Pump for 180g system?

[Lynnmw1208]

I use a mag 12 on my 125 gallon and have it dialed back about 1/3

 

[frankpayne32]

If you're sump is not far from your display then I would go with as low a wattage pump as possible. I ran a Mag 7 on my 125 for awhile until I plumbed in more tanks to my system and went with a larger pump. You don't need much flow at all to filter a tank. Most of your flow should come from powerheads or a closed loop not the main pump. This will also save you on initial pump cost, electricity cost, and heat added to the tank. Eheim's seem to get the best reviews. I would recommend an Eheim 1260 or 1262.

 

[aleonn]

Water Blaster HY-7000. Low wattage, low heat transfer, and about 1800 gph of flow.

 

[AkaSlyGuy]

Eheim 1262 on my 180.

 

[davocean]

W/ the gear I have in my tank, and that Eheim 1262, my tank almost has issues staying UP to 78 degrees, I will probably even add another heater come fall as mine has dropped to 76 at times.
Going by the usual 3-5x turnover, 900gph is plenty of flow, unless as Gary mentioned your sump is not below tank/far from display, or you plan to T off other equipment.