Return pump for my new setup

[rtparty]

I have been researching them for weeks and can not figure out which way to go here...

My new tank is a 50g cube and ~18g sump. The tank has just one return and I'm probably shooting for 400gph at the return. That is 8x turnover...

I'm also thinking about building a manifold to run at least 1 reactor off of. I shouldn't need more than 150gph here. My head height should be roughly 3.5 feet for the return. The manifold could have a 90 degree elbow but I'm not totally sure just yet.

My number one priorities are silence and reliability. Followed closely by power usage although heat isn't a major concern since where my tank is going is always 68 or below. I don't have a massive budget nor do I think these pumps should be as expensive as they are but I am willing to pay to play if I must. It just delays my tank even longer.

Here are some candidates so far. Not in order:

Eheim 3000 or 5000
Reef Octopus VarioS 2 (maybe the 4)
Aqua Medic DC pump. Can't remember name
Quiet One of some kind (didn't love my old QO pump. Pretty noisy actually)
Sicce Syncra 4.0
Jebao of some kind (I'd buy 2 so I have a backup when one fails)
Current USA's new DC pump

Now here's a kicker, it needs to run well with 1/2" tubing/pipe. Not my first choice but I'm stuck with the plumbing available for this tank.

Thanks all!

 

[luvreefs23]

The reef octopus varios model would be my choice. Ive used their dc pumps and they are very quiet, powerful and i noticed no heat added to the aquarium

 

[Ron Reefman]

I'd buy the smallest Jebao DCT pump. I think it's the 6000? I've been using 3 of the original DC12000 pumps on my tanks since just after they came out. Like you, I bought a spare... and it's still sitting on my shelf unused. And one of mine was used as an external pump (Jebao does NOT recommend this) but mine has run for a few years and is still quiet and very cool running.

 

[d2mini]

I'm really liking the Ecotech pumps... maybe an M1?
As far as the tubing, you can run larger, just convert down right at the connection to your tank.

 

[rtparty]

The reef octopus varios model would be my choice. Ive used their dc pumps and they are very quiet, powerful and i noticed no heat added to the aquarium

This has been my first choice. Especially with the float switch included

I'd buy the smallest Jebao DCT pump. I think it's the 6000? I've been using 3 of the original DC12000 pumps on my tanks since just after they came out. Like you, I bought a spare... and it's still sitting on my shelf unused. And one of mine was used as an external pump (Jebao does NOT recommend this) but mine has run for a few years and is still quiet and very cool running.

I may go this route but it will be last resort for me. Jebao/Odyssea and others aren't my favorite to support.

I'm really liking the Ecotech pumps... maybe an M1?
As far as the tubing, you can run larger, just convert down right at the connection to your tank.

The Ecotech pumps look super nice but I feel they have the Ecotech markup that I usually can't justify. Especially at $350. There was a brand new one on Nano Reef for $250 but I missed it

 

[PBAF]

Jebao has a new series of DC pumps out. Called the DCP model. They make a 5000, 6500, 8000, and 10000 model.

Do you know what your head loss will be, and do you plan to run reactors and/or chiller?

I'm shopping for pumps myself to setup my new tank.

 

[Ou8me2]

Jecod\Jebao DCT pumps are much older and they have a DCT 4000. I use one my 75 Gallon tank and I have roughly 35gallon sump and I'm only on setting 6 and it's plenty of flow.

DCS was after the DCT and now the newest is DCP model. The DCP 6500 is comparable to the DCT 6000 model but has Adjustable Flow Between 848GPH to 1717GPH.

JEBAO DCP-6500
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JECOD-JEBAO...460394?hash=item3ac7ef6dea:g:1UEAAOSwARZXiPM3

DCT-4000
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-J...908340?hash=item2a70c9ee34:g:W8UAAOSwYIxX2JIK

I went with the DCT4000 cause the DCP wasn't out at the time and well I only paid 65.00 for the DCT4000

 

[scooter31707]

I am a big fan of the Simplicity pumps. The are affordable and very reliable and quiet.

 

[zooman72]

While I would be tempted by one of the DC pumps for their easy adjustability and efficiency (plus they are newer technology!), I am not sure it would be my first choice - how many adjustments are really needed?

I am currently running a Sicce Syncra 2.0 (568 gph) on my SCA 50g cube, and I have its intake opening restricted "2-clicks" currently. It has more than enough flow for the standard Durso set-up, and it is running silently. Is it going to be more reliable? - I don't know (probably?). Is it as efficient as a similarly-sized DC pump? - no. Was it much less costly than a similarly-sized DC pump? - yes.

After being burned multiple times (may have lost count, 8+?) by various Chinese-sourced pumps, I am naturally hesitant to go that route any time in the near future.

 

[gus6464]

Fluval SP4