Help / Advice Return Pump

[meeandcharlie]

I could use some advice on a return pump. I'm kinda lost on what I might need. I have a 90 gal with a corner overflow (Herbie set up), eshopps sump holding about 15 gal and a separate refugium linked in holding about 5 gal, it is teed off the return. The current pump is a Rio 1700 that came with the setup (set up 1/17). There is about 5' head, so I assume, per data the flow is about 300 gph which seems to work well. Flow to the fuge is pretty slow right now (I would like more but think it would hinder return flow). Pump is working well but I don't know how old it is or when it will give out. I want to get a new one soon in case this one gives out. I don't have a gate valve to the return that can control the flow. I can only divert some flow to the fuge where there is a control valve. I think I explained that ok for a plumbing dummy, please let me know! Cost is not a huge issue but I'm not looking for name brand for the name, just something that is quiet, in sump that puts out low heat, I can control the flow from the pump-if they make one, and won't burn out in a couple years. Thanks!!

 

[JUNBUG361]

Ecotech Vectra m1 pump- jebao pumps- Syncra silent pumps- marine d.c pumps- eheim pumps

 

[A sea K]

I am using a sicce syncra 3 on my 80 gal and it works well for me. I divert some flow through a reactor and still have plenty left for the return however my head pressure is slightly less but I would still expect it to be similar to your set up. FWIW, refugium should typically be a low flow flow environment so I would not be concerned with trying to add any more flow there.

 

[Stolireef]

I am using a sicce syncra 3 on my 80 gal and it works well for me. I divert some flow through a reactor and still have plenty left for the return however my head pressure is slightly less but I would still expect it to be similar to your set up. FWIW, refugium should typically be a low flow flow environment so I would not be concerned with trying to add any more flow there.

Is your pump dry or wet plumbed (meaning, is it in the sump or outside the sump). Either way the Syncra is a good pump. Keep in mind (and I can't repeat this often enough), unless your using a closed loop, you don't really want to use your return pump for flow in the tank. In fact, you want the return to run fairly slowly to keep water in the sump long enough to both settle out detritus and to go through your skimmer. Similarly, you want slow flow through a fuge. If you're using chaeto, you want just enough flow to move it around a little (some like it to tumble). Contact time is key.

 

[hkgar]

What is closed loop. Flow through the sump can be lower than flow through the DT. If I pump 870 gph out of the sump, 870 has to flow back in.

 

[A sea K]

Is your pump dry or wet plumbed (meaning, is it in the sump or outside the sump).

If your asking me then my pump is located in the sump.

What is closed loop.

A closed loop is a somewhat outdated practice using a large pump just for the sole purpose of in-tank circulation.

 

[davehead86]

You want dead quiet without lots of heat. Ecotech Vectra M1.
You want good deal, good pump, no frills. Sicce Pumps.

 

[TheFishGuy31]

I ran a SICCE for several years before there was enough build up on the magnet and it started to hum.

I replaced it with a Varios-8 DC pump, which has been dead silent. Eheim pumps have also been relatively quiet in my experience.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Stolireef]

If your asking me then my pump is located in the sump.


A closed loop is a somewhat outdated practice using a large pump just for the sole purpose of in-tank circulation.

Actually, I should have been more clear. I was asking the OP.

 

[Stolireef]

What is closed loop. Flow through the sump can be lower than flow through the DT. If I pump 870 gph out of the sump, 870 has to flow back in.

What I meant was that the primary water movement in your display should not be provided by your return pump. You actually want to move water slowly through your sump and fuge so you don't really need a super powerful return. On my 110, I have a Sicce 4 that is way overkill. I dial it back using a ball valve by at least 50%.

 

[meeandcharlie]

Thanks for the help! It is submerged in sump. I think I'm gonna go with the Sicce 3.0. My chamber for return is quit small in this sump, ~4-1/5" in width, that right there limits me some. With the refugium the inlet pipe sits just at water level across from the outlet, so I don't think there is any movement on the bottom. I probably should get someone to extend the inlet more to the bottom, then even with slow in and out it wouldn't get stagnant. I don't use the return for flow, just a little movement on top. I have 3 powerheads (~4800 gph) for in tank movement. Thanks again all, this is so helpful! And lots more tips provided too!

 

[scooter31707]

I love my Simplicity return pump. It's very quiet, powerful, and did not break the bank. I also like the fact that you can adjust it to your needs.

 

[hossa81]

currently running a jebao, thing is dead silent powerful and has a nice easy controller. Not to mention they are cheap

 

[hkgar]

There have been concerns about the durability of jebao, but they may have been improved?