help me decide on a return pump for a 210

[tcfab]

I am trying to find a good return pump for my 210, I wanted to go with a Reeflo dart but im just seeing what other options I have. I am going to be using either 2 Vortec mp40s or a closed loop for circulation. I am trying to make my tank as energy effecient as possible.

 

[woodwrangler]

Are you looking for return to tank only, or will you be splitting it to feed a chiller or other equipment?

I've been reading some great things about the ATB pumps; ATB site

Even the flowstar 1500 would probably put you in the recommended 3-5x sump turnover rate after head pressure and depending on your setup.

 

[reefknight]

I just bought a Flowstar 1500 for my new 185, too bad I dont have it in operation yet. It would be my choice though.

 

[tcfab]

Yeah it will be just for the return, circ. will be vortechs. I have heard you want 10 x sump turnover is this not true? It is going to be a mixed reef mostly sps

 

[taylor t]

I'm using an eheim 1260 on my 210, just because that's what I had laying around. It draws 65 watts. Going from several tanks, I've decided to make mine as energy efficient as I can. I've also got an mp40 that's mostly unplugged. At 33 watts, it can sit. I use it to "dust". For flow, I'm using a korallia magnum 7. Draws 12 watts and has great flow. I wanted a submerged return to use the pump to heat my water, instead of using a heater. JMO, no need to send more through the sump than the skimmer can handle. If I planned to jam 3000 GPH though my sump, then, I'd need to upgrade my skimmer pump to process that much...I've got the pumps to do it, but for me, the ehiem 1260 works fine. Mine also feeds my refugium at the same time. More flow won't hurt, but isn't required. Mine is mixed lps, sps, anemones, and fish (16 of them). YMMV

 

[Chibils]

I recently upgraded my return on my 90 from a Mag 9.5 to a Mag 12. It made a world of difference. Less detrius collects in my sump, I saved myself from adding another powerhead, and my corals actually responded to the higher turnover rate though most of them are soft/lps (now around 45x dt or 35x total volume).