Mag24 Vs Syncra 10

looser

New member
Just thought I would let everyone know what my experience is with Mag24 vs Syncra 10 pumps. I was using a Mag24 as both a skimmer input and sump return pump. I have a big skimmer so I mounted it high enough that it gravity feeds back into my display tank from the sump. Anyway, I've had to replace the mag24s a couple of times in the past 10 years or so, and the one I was using recently died, so I plugged in my back up mag24, no big deal, just needed to buy a new primary pump, but while I was at this time I figured I'd see what else was available.

While searching around I saw a youtube video of the Syncra pumps by Sicce. They were much, much quieter than the mag pumps, and used much less electricity. 245 watts for the Mag 24, vs 145 for the Syncra 10. So I shopped around for a Syncra 10 and found a place to get one for almost the same price as a Mag24.

Given the Syncra is a high flow pump, my biggest concern was if the Syncra 10 would be able to handle the back pressure of the skimmer given it is mounted pretty high up, and still have a decent flow. (input to the skimmer is 6.5 feet above the sump floor, 6 foot horizontal run, 1" ID plastic tubing, 1" input to the skimmer, no 45 or 90 degree fittings in between).

Before I swapped the pumps out I noted the height of the water in the skimmer. After swapping them the Syncra pumped almost as much as the Mag24, the water was a couple of inches lower in the skimmer but nothing a 1/4 turn of the skimmer output ball valve couldn't fix.

So to make a long story longer. The syncra had a little less flow then the Mag 24 under these circumstances, but for much less noise, and a 70% reduction in electricity usage, I'll keep it. btw.. the Syncra has a 5 year warranty if you purchase from one of their authorized dealers and register it online.. which is what I'm about to do now.
 
No, I was just looking at new return pump options lately too. I've been running mag18s for ~10yrs.
 
I've been running mag18s for ~10yrs.

And they're 10 year old technology. They've worked well for many and still do but they're far from current design and the lack of efficiency shows.

I'm running a Sicce Synchra 4 and it's a great pump. Replaced an Eheim that was still running strong but it was louder and used more power so it's on the backup shelf in the garage.
 
Thank you for the post. The Sicce sounds like a good pump. I will look into this for a new LifeReef skimmer I have coming that I was going to power with a Mag 24.

One correction, however, is there is a 41% reduction in watts used by the Sicce vs the Mag 24, unless my math is suffering.
 
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