Return pump suggestions.

[electrotech]

Getting ready to order a return pump for my 120 and I am torn between which pump to choose.

Originally I planned on using a Jebao DC-6000 pump but I'm reading a lot of reviews on them failing within months, but also some say theirs work for years. I really like the idea of controllable flow and the low power consumption of the DC pumps but I can't afford a Royal Exclusiv Red Dragon at almost $600.

My tank is on a custom stand built into the wall in my basement so it's about 5 feet from the pump to the top of the tank, I plan on putting a T in the return line to feed a separate 50g refugium. Also plan to Y the output at the tank for dual returns into the tank. My overflow is rated at 1500gph.

I've read the Diablo, Jebao, and Speedline are all first generation Waveline pumps, thus susceptible to the same failures.

The Waveline Gen2 DC-6000 is my number 1 choice for a DC pump, it's rated at 1585gph and 48Watts max. The only place I can find is Ebay at $209 cheapest.





Other choices (needs to be quiet and reliable):

Eheim 1262 at 900gph and 80Watts for $189.99 --> less flow might need a separate pump for the refugium = more money and power draw.

Sicce Syncra Silent 5.0 at 1321gph and 105Watts for $203.99 --> more power draw 2x the DC6000

Hagen Fluval Sea SP4 at 1822gph and 88W for $199.99 --> double the flow of the 1262 almost same power draw (don't know about sound levels)

Jebao DC-6000 at 1585gph at 40Watts for $105 -- > less reliable but I could buy 2 for the price of the others mentioned


Any recommendations, thoughts, suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

 

[billdogg]

I use a eheim 1262 for my 120, and although its only about 4' up, I still have plenty leftover to feed both reactors as well. The bonus is that the eheim has a proven track record - I have another on my 150 that is easily 30+ years old and going strong.

 

[ca1ore]

Originally I planned on using a Jebao DC-6000 pump but I'm reading a lot of reviews on them failing within months, but also some say theirs work for years.

Have the Jebao pumps even been out 'for years'? I don't think so. You get what you pay for, largely. I think if I were looking for a submersible pump I'd go with the Jebao (I wouldn't use it externally, and I'd keep a spare on hand).

 

[sowildpaul]

Have the Jebao pumps even been out 'for years'? I don't think so. You get what you pay for, largely. I think if I were looking for a submersible pump I'd go with the Jebao (I wouldn't use it externally, and I'd keep a spare on hand).

Why not?