Return Pump Recommendation

[Chicagoreef2016]

This will be for a 125ish gallon tank. I have a Jebao return on my current tank that has been great for almost 2 years, but have two of their powerheads fail in less than a year so not going with that brand for a bigger tank.

I have heard Varios, Eheim are good. Any others?

 

[tom obrecht]

I’ve currently run a Varios and has been good for me. Have also run Fluvals and Eheims as well as some extralegal brands. I like the varios, dc powered, very quiet and adjustable without a ball valve.

 

[billdogg]

I have used eheim return pumps in many of my tanks over the years. Well, I should clarify that - I have used the same eheim 1262 in nearly all my tanks for the last 30 years, and I bought it used. When I needed another internal return pump for my current 120DT, I didn't even have to think about it - I got another 1262. The original now 30+ year old 1262 is on my frag tank churning away.

They may not be as fancy - they're not controllable or DC powered, but they will outlast anything else on the market IME.

 

[mfinn]

If you are looking at a controllable DC pump, I like Vectra M1's and RO VarioS-6.
For a AC pump Eheim, Fluval, and Tunze.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

Thanks for all of the feedback. So if I understand correctly, if I want a controllable pump in that lets me hit feed mode or manually control the output/speed, then DC may be the way to go. AC pumps run forever, but you need a ball/gate valve to adjust overall output/flow volume right? And I could use my Apex to program feed mode aka turn it off for a set amount of time. DC may be quieter depending on who you ask....

Appreciate it!

 

[Pablos RSM 450]

This will be for a 125ish gallon tank. I have a Jebao return on my current tank that has been great for almost 2 years, but have two of their powerheads fail in less than a year so not going with that brand for a bigger tank.

I have heard Varios, Eheim are good. Any others?

Jecod/Jebao DCP 10,000 has worked awesome for me. DC has less power draw but is somewhat new. If you dont mind a bit of noise go with eheim or mag drive as mentioned by others. I have tried all of the pumps mentioned and have found mag drive and eheim to be solid. DC pumps can sieze due to the ceramic impeller so maintenance is a must.

 

[tonyreef]

I love my M1 been running for 8 months, silent & powerful. Controllable is great I use it when I do a WC to match the new SW pump into the sump. I've use the feed mode from time to time.

 

[RonV]

If your looking for a controllable DC pump the Vectra M1 pump is a great pump. I have been using one in my 120 gal. tank for 2 years without and problems.

 

[Frogmanx82]

Also consider the Tunze 1073.05 which is the only DC in the 1073 lineup. Probably 400 gph at 4 ft head so could be small for a 120 but really I like having less flow through the sump as the filter socks last much longer and everything runs quieter. Should still be plenty of flow.

 

[Ruu]

Also consider the Tunze 1073.05 which is the only DC in the 1073 lineup. Probably 400 gph at 4 ft head so could be small for a 120 but really I like having less flow through the sump as the filter socks last much longer and everything runs quieter. Should still be plenty of flow.

I have 2 return pumps on my 125, and I am using an older waveline dialed way down and the Tunze above. I agree with less flow through the sump. When my waveline finally dies, I will probably replace it with a second Tunze.

Dave

 

[Indymann99]

+1 for a a Vectra M1. Been running one on my 120g for 2.5yrs.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/152505950@N07/40583492642/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_1227"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4762/40583492642_b37440d884.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1227"></a>******** async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[sik_z33]

Another vote for Eheim. I have run an Eheim 1250 on my 75 gallon tank for the past 5 years, this year I set up a 180 reef tank and the 1262 was a no brainier. I run mine internal and heat is a non issue and its silent.

 

[tkeracer619]

I had an eheim 1262 that got thrown away due to the power cord insulation dry rotting off. It must have been 20 years old.

I use a lot of eheims but am also starting to use ecotech vectra pumps for a variable flow pump.

 

[M I K E]

Eheim 1262 all the way! Been running mine for 5 years now internal to sump on a 90gal, never a problem. In fact, it ran dry for a few hours when my overflow got blocked without any dmg. These things are near bullet proof. Can easily find them new for under 200 on amazon.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

Eheim 1262 all the way! Been running mine for 5 years now internal to sump on a 90gal, never a problem. In fact, it ran dry for a few hours when my overflow got blocked without any dmg. These things are near bullet proof. Can easily find them new for under 200 on amazon.

Tough decision here looks like. I like the controllability of the DC pumps, and the EHEIM seems bulletproof, especially when combined with a gate valve to change the flow. The 1262 is $185 on BRS, which is $65 cheaper than the closest Varios.....hmm.

Thanks for all of the feedback!