Return Pump Advice

[Kobashi]

As I do some much needed maintenance on the tank, I was thinking about what would happen if my return pump went out (knock on wood). I'm thinking that, in the next few months to look for a great deal on something to replace (and use my current as an on-hand backup) with a little more flow.

I have a 72g (with about 20g in the sump) reef. No reactors (maybe a UV that I've been meaning to set up?). Overall there's about a 4' rise. - So, I'm thinking a 900gph pump.

Can anyone advise me on which brand and model I should be looking for? Which I should stay away from?

(In this order, I would prefer- Value, Quiet, Heat, Longevity/Reliability, Energy Consumption)

 

[m-six hundred]

Reef Octopus DC 3500, they also make a 5500 model. Check them out. Absolutely silent and the power supply site out side of the pump like a vortech power supply so there is no heat transfer into the tank.

 

[Kataro]

Highly recommend a Sicce.

Used a 4.5 on my big tank for 2 years I think, no issue...

Currently using a 2.0 in my coldwater tank, very quite even though it's touching the overflow. Energy consumption is very minimal and of course very little heat.

 

[AntiSatan]

Just ordered a Sicce Syncra Silent 3.0 Multifunction Aquarium Pump (714 GPH) for my 80 should get around 500 gph out of it with head which is what I'm looking for.

 

[zibba]

Highly recommend a Sicce.

Used a 4.5 on my big tank for 2 years I think, no issue...

Agree -- I'm running Kataro's old pump. After a little service (Sicce is super easy to work with), the pump has continued to run like a champ.

I think the new DC pumps that m-6 recommended look really nice though. I'd give those some serious consideration.

 

[coralreefjunkie]

Tunze 1073.05

Tunze 1073.05

I personally like the Tunze 1073.05 best (http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Si...uarium_Powerheads-Tunze-TZ1741-FIPHAD-vi.html). It gives good enough pressure and it has adjustable flow. This is most useful during feeding, as can can reduce it to 4GPH!!! I don't have to turn my return pump off and on during feeding, which is a plus.

Also, low energy consumption, runs extremely quiet (I can't even hear it all), does not add heat to the system, and shuts off automatically if clogged!!!

 

[m-six hundred]

They are cheaper then the Sicce pumps too.

 

[bgifford]

^ I second that! I love my DC3500. I love the ability to increase/decrease my flow rate through the provided controller. I use the feed button during my water changes. It gives me just enough time to drain water and clean the glass before it turns back on. I can turn down the flow rate to match my saltwater reservoir pump to refill the sump (if that makes sense).

The pump is silent and I almost considered buying the larger pump simply because I could run it lower than max speed and draw less current.

 

[bugs713]

I use and like the Eheim 1260 and 1262 pumps. They have proven to be very reliable and low maintenance for me. Quiet, low heat, great flow and head pressures.

 

[m-six hundred]

Did I mention the DC pump only uses 30 watts at full speed. I only use mine at half speed so you can not get better wattage consumption with basically zero heat.

 

[Kobashi]

Wow. Thank you for all the advice. I'm thinking I like the Eheims. And by the lack of responses of support, I'm taking the Mags are old news? Thank you all for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[tatuaje08]

IME mags are workhorses, but they run hot and use a higher amounnlt of wattage compared to almost all other pumps.

 

[AntiSatan]

Yep I was looking at mag also but learned the same thing

 

[zrogst]

Mags are noisey. I just purchased a DC3500 so I'm happy to see the glowing reviews of it on this thread. For most applications, I prefer to use a Sicce.