Return Pump Recommendation for 60 Cube?

[Speedy77]

Hey guys!

I'm working on rebuilding a tank, and am looking to finally decide what the plumbing is going to look like when it's all redone. I'll be redrilling the tank from a 1" durso drain and 1/2" return to a 1" herbie with a 1.25" emergency and a 1/2" return (there's literally no space for anything else in the overflow). The pump that came with the tank is a Mag 9.5, and the screws are rusting like crazy. I could keep the old pump, but it runs a little loud, seems a little overkill flow-wise, and is well... old. I was looking at other pumps and was considering a Sicce 3.5. Do you guys have any return pump suggestions with my current setup? I'm also running an old style SWC 160 skimmer with an Atman ph2500 in it in case the turnover will drastically affect skimmer performance. If you guys have any suggestions, please let me know! I have yet to drill the tank or order a pump, so now is the perfect time for any advice

 

[almiller9]

Do you have a budget or size restrictions for the pump? The DC pumps Reef Octopus makes are really nice. I am currently using one of the Fluval pumps, which I feel are kind of underrated. Its super quiet and small for the power. Eventually I want to go to a larger DC pump to run reactors off from tho. But $$$ is always key.

 

[jda]

Where do you live? If is not Arizona or Florida, then get a Fluval and have it help heat the water too. They are far more reliable than a DC pump.

Keep the Mag for a back or to change water with - they are VERY useful pumps and also last for a long time.

 

[Speedy77]

I'd like to spend around $100 if possible. I'll check out the Fluvals! Should I look at the SP2?

 

[Yellow_donkey]

Without question Jabeo DC pumps, 6000 model or so, they have new models for this year, so the 6500.

Well under $100 as well. I use all Jabeo, wavemakers, return pump and doser x8 pumps. They last, quite and cost 1/3 to a 1/4 of anything else.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-New-Jebao-DCP-6500-Marine-Controllable-Water-Return-Pump-/122251501894?hash=item1c76c1e146:g:rKsAAOSwa~BYQMRO

Any questions about them let me know, I have had all for over a year, couple minor issues if you want to discuss, nothing function wise at all. Otherwise it's the route to go, without question. If you have no budget, then, of course, go with the top end brands, won't get anything better than a name and it might look a little fancier, but for function, go with Jabeo.

 

[Speedy77]

Awesome, thanks for the recommendation. I like the price for sure! Anybody else have experience with Jebao DC pumps?

 

[jewlz]

I'm jumping in here too.. Looking to replace a Mag 3 with a Jebao / Jecod DCS 3000. There's nothing wrong with my mag, except that it's noisier than my dishwasher.

Anybody know how quiet the chinese pumps are?

 

[jda]

The Jebao pumps are knockoffs of stolen patents and Intellectual Property. If you care about the US place in this world and this bothers you, then look elsewhere. If not, then plan a new pump every few years - most don't get more than two years out of them... so do, but some get only a few months.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

After 2 DC failures I am taking my own advice & going Fluval.

 

[Jonviviano]

Stay away from the Jebao for a return pump. The return pump is the most crucial piece of equipment in your reef. Failure is not an option. I have owned many pumps and i have to say the Fluval SP2 is by far my favorite. It is the quietest pump i have owned. It is fairly large for its GPH. I use the SP2 on my 72 bow front. After feeding my refugium, reactors and split between 2 returns i feel like it still has good flow. Perfect option for your cube.

 

[Devaji108]

I replaced my return pump on my 90 cube. I wanted to go reef octopuss but it was out of my budget . was thinking jeabo DC line up was on the fence for a while and needed to replace asap.
I choose the ehiem compact 3000 its small quite and have a nice warranty and is some what controllable via a built in flow restricter.

worth looking into IMHO

 

[n2585722]

I use a Sicce 3.0 on my 42 gallon hex tank. Been running for about 2 years now. No issues.

 

[Potatohead]

I have a Tunze 1073.02 on my 66g. Love it.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

I have a Jabao DC 5000 (I believe) on my 60 cube. More than enough pump, very quiet, had for 10 months now and has worked fine. Hopefully keeps going.