Suggestions for new return/manifold pump?

[lactose]

I have had a blueline 1100 (equivalent to GenX PCX-40 but less wattage) under my tanks for 2 years now and it is rock solid. However I am changing out my skimmer and want to consolidate down to a single pump to power the returns on my tanks and to my fuge as well as to three other misc filter destinations (like my skimmer and BRS Carbon/GFO.) Right now I have seperate pumps and it is a waste.

The system has two 150G tanks (with in tank circulation from vortechs) and a ~40G fuge about 30" off the floor. The pump would sit directly under the tanks in the fishroom and right next to the common sump so head height, high turnover rate, size, and noise are not real issues for me. (although quiet is always good)

The intake cannot be more than 1.5" (what I have from sump to pump) and the output should stay 1.5" to fit with my existing plumbing. I have a plan to build a manifold that will drive the filter items.

I was looking at a large PanWorld Pump but the wattage drives up really fast:
http://www.bluelineaquatics.com/products/water_pump/hd.html

I was also looking at reeflo (the new snapper 1800) but there isn't much info on it.
http://www.reeflopumps.com/flowbiasedpumps.html
http://www.reefbuilders.com/2009/10/05/snapper-18-from-reeflo-is-a-powerful-and-efficient-wate-pump

Any thoughts on if there is a great pump for this situation?

Thanks in advance

 

[ostrow]

I don't know if a snapper would do it for you.

If you aren't pumping upstairs, maybe a Barracuda. But you will get pressure back from the chiller, and really each valve on the manifold. To give you an idea, I had a Hammerhead pumping upstairs and running a gfo, purigen, carbon, uv, fuge and frag, and upstairs. It was maxed out by the upstairs. If I had the display downstairs, the Barracuda would have been fine.

 

[Jeff]

How many outputs on the manifolds and how quiet does this need to be?

 

[lactose]

How many outputs on the manifolds and how quiet does this need to be?

Besides the two tanks, the fuge, and the skimmer there are three outputs on the manifold.

As far as quiet, it doesn't have to be 'silent'. I have a dedicated fish room in the basement and the tanks are inwall facing out of that fish room and into the 'viewing' room so to speak. So not noticable through an insulated drywall wall would be my technical answer.

 

[Helter Skilter]

I've never heard anyone complain about Reeflo pumps. I own a Hammerhead Gold and a Barracuda. They are both great pumps. That being said, I'd buy the Hammerhead. I'd rather have the power to spare than cut it close.

FYI, if you go with the Gold line of Reeflo pumps, they will be more energy efficient, but they will cost a bit more. Well worth it IMO.

 

[Rizup]

I vote for Reeflo too. I'm running a Snapper on my 90 gallon, so I would also vote for a bigger pump.

 

[lactose]

Thanks for the advice. I will look further into the Barracuda/Hammerhead. I agree on having more power that I valve down instead of not enough but I want to balance that with the higher electrical usage of the Hammerhead v. the Barracuda. Although I did notice the Gold edition does say it uses less so that may be a good choice (despite the increase in $$)

So many variables, thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Jeff]

I'm running a Hammerhead on my 3 return closed loop and really like it. It's very quiet and has been going strong for 3 years now.

 

[lactose]

I am going to move on a Barracuda. Now I the fun begins - plumbing! I don't know why but I love gluing all the pipes up together... Like big legos that water flows through...

Thank you all.

 

[Rizup]

I am going to move on a Barracuda. Now I the fun begins - plumbing! I don't know why but I love gluing all the pipes up together... Like big legos that water flows through...

Thank you all.

Good choice! I am sure you won't regret it.

 

[Brian1980]

I am going to move on a Barracuda. Now I the fun begins - plumbing! I don't know why but I love gluing all the pipes up together... Like big legos that water flows through...

Thank you all.

I dont . lol go over so you dont find out that you need a bigger pump.