Thinking about replacing Mag 9.5 return pump

[ReefRockerLive]

After having dealt with the noticeable humming from my Mag 9.5 for the last 2 years, I feel that it is now time to find a better pump. I have been looking at the following pumps:

Eheim 1260 - 634gph at 65 watts ($139.99)

Tunze Silence 1073.04 - 792gph at 42 watts ($143.10)

Mini Red Dragon 2.5m3 - 660gph at 38 watts ($389.00)

I have been leaning more towards the Tunze for the lowest watt usage within reasonable pricing, but have not heard much feedback on them. Does anyone have something good or bad to say about these pumps?

I have heard many positive responses for the Ehiems, but the extra watt usage is swaying me away from them.

Lastly, the RE RedDragon pump, is the silence and efficiency enough to justify the more than double price tag? If I get enough people saying good things about them, I'll jump on the RD pump, but if I don't need it then I'll save my money and get one of the other pumps.

What should I buy for a return pump? Help me decide.

RRL

 

[darthwall]

this is for your 75 gal tank? what do you have in it? SPS, zoas, softies?

 

[ReefRockerLive]

yes, it for the 75 and it's an Acro dominant tank.

 

[INSPECTOR]

You might want to look into the Velocity pumps. I don't have one but I have done a little reserch and herd they are supposed to be very quiet and reliable.

 

[ReefRockerLive]

Those pumps are high in watts usage and external which I don't have any space for.

 

[ReefRockerLive]

Does anyone else have anything to add?

 

[scaryperson27]

I have a velocity t4 pump. It is reaaaalllllyyyy quiet! I bought it when it was already a year an a half old. I couldn't even tell it was used. I was looking for a scratch, wear around the magnet, something but it looked brand new.

If you want to deal with a great manufacturer, go with Tunze. I should went with them but unfortunantly I bought a Ecotech vortech pump.

I have a tunze in the LFS that I work at that had been running for like 3+ years without even being looked at...

 

[Doahh]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14625607#post14625607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
I have a velocity t4 pump. It is reaaaalllllyyyy quiet! I bought it when it was already a year an a half old. I couldn't even tell it was used. I was looking for a scratch, wear around the magnet, something but it looked brand new.

If you want to deal with a great manufacturer, go with Tunze. I should went with them but unfortunantly I bought a Ecotech vortech pump.

I have a tunze in the LFS that I work at that had been running for like 3+ years without even being looked at...

Wow no need to bring Ecotech into this...
Go for the Red Dragon if you can afford it but the tunze is seccond best

 

[Kenmx10]

Eheim is silent and will last a long, long, long time.

 

[GSMguy]

ATB flowststar 1500 similar to the red dragon but half the cost.

 

[ReefRockerLive]

I just looked at the ATB flowstar 1500 and I'm really liking how much water it pushes for the amount of watts used. Do you think it would be a bit too much though for a 75g tank? The pump would have push about 4 feet before it reaches the display tank water.

 

[mcarroll]

I've been pleased with the performance of my Eheim 1250, but I'm using it on a skimmer. At least in terms of quality, I really don't think you can go wrong given Eheim's reputation.

I'd be surprised if your experience with the Tunze were much different, though.

Cannot comment on your last option.

 

[scaryperson27]

I checked out the ATB flowststar 1500 and they look really nice

 

[mcarroll]

Regarding the Mag 9 (in case everything hasn't already been tried) have you tried putting a mouse pad under the pump to see if that helps with the vibration/noise?

Good luck.

-Matt

 

[ReefRockerLive]

Hi, I've tried that and the noise continues to make a loud humming noise. Besides, the pump is getting old so it is due for a change.

 

[Alaskan Reefer]

Not sure how you can go wrong with any of those choices...

 

[mcarroll]

Sorry, not trying to hijack or beat a dead horse, but a pump like that (any decent brand) would be likely to run for 10+ years with no strange noises unless there's actual visible damage somewhere in the impeller housing, or with the impeller itself.

Is it possible you're getting a harmonic vibration from the pump in hard-PVC plumbing and maybe that's vibrating against (e.g.) your aquarium cabinet? I guess it's possible that even vinyl tubing could generate this effect as well given the right circumstance.

-Matt

 

[MerDoX]

I think it's a hit or miss with Mag drives. Mine has a low hum and my friend's mag is silent. The noise is from the drive itself and not from any plumbings or cabinet.

 

[mchud]

I have been using the same Tunze pump and have been real happy with it. Real silent moves a good amount of water. Cant go wrong with it.

 

[THE ROOK]

Quiet One 3000 - It's a heck of a lot cheaper & has a pretty good reputation. You could buy three of them for the cost of one Tunze.

I'm going to try one next, as my Rio 2500 has a slight hum.