Circulation pumps for 75g tank

[Jade5051]

I haven't been active in the reefing hobby for a long time. I'm a noob when it comes to circulation pumps. I was reading that 750 gph with a circulation pump isn't all that strong, that seems like a lot of flow for a 75g tank. I have a budget and would like to do this for around $40-60, no more than $100, cheaper is always better. But most importantly this thing needs to be silent like SILENT!

1- Could anyone link me to a good thread, article or video on everything I need to know about circulation pumps?

2- Can anyone recommend me a target gph and perhaps a brand from personal experience?

3- Is it better to have two rather than one?

4- Do I need or should I have a wave controller or is this more of a want?

 

[A sea K]

#2 Choose a pump that will deliver between 3 and 5 times your DT volume per hour. Eheim(personally) and Sicce(by reputation) Quiet and reliable.

#3 I keep a spare pump in the cabinet in the unlikely event my pump fails. No need whatsoever to run two pumps on such a small system.

#4 You will need a second source of In-Tank circulation (powerheads, closed loop, etc) and it is best to run those on some form of wavemaker though not absolutely needed. Not a good idea to run your main return pump on a wavemaking device, they are not designed for that type of use.

 

[Rybren]

Are you asking about a return pump or powerhead?

I'm using an Ocean Runner 2500 as my return pump.

For in-tank circulation, I'm running 2 x Hydro Evolution 1500 and 1 x MJ-900 with the Sure Flow Mod.

If you can only afford a single PH and $100 is your max budget, then I'd be tempted to try a Jebao RW-15

 

[A sea K]

Are you asking about a return pump or powerhead?

Good question,
After re-reading the OP I think he might be asking about powerheads?
If so then disregard my above post.

 

[Jade5051]

Ok ya I'm asking about wavemakers not return pumps. I found a couple koralia 3 (850 gph) for a really cheap price. Is that going to be enough?

 

[Jade5051]

Are you asking about a return pump or powerhead?

I'm using an Ocean Runner 2500 as my return pump.

For in-tank circulation, I'm running 2 x Hydro Evolution 1500 and 1 x MJ-900 with the Sure Flow Mod.

If you can only afford a single PH and $100 is your max budget, then I'd be tempted to try a Jebao RW-15

One RW15 is enough for a 75g?

I also found a MP10 at a reasonable price is 1 MP10 going to be enough?

 

[Rybren]

A lot depends on your scape and amount of corals. When I first started this tank, I had minimal rock and not much in the way of corals. My two Hydor 1500s were enough.

As the years passed, I added more rock and coral to the tank and the corals and I needed more flow to eliminate dead spots and ensure that the entire tank got good flow. so I added the MJ with the sure flow mod.

Three K3s might work for now. The RW-15 might also work - it has the advantage of pushing a lot of water and it is adjustable (I haven't tried one). I also haven't tried the MP-10, but from looking at the specs, I'd guess that it wouldn't be enough.

In the beginning - tank cycling with the MJ900 for flow...

5 years later...