Any experience with ReefBreeders Nautilus Return Pumps?

Sparkss · Aug 24, 2022

I searched around any only found threads about their lights. Looking for feedback on the Nautilus Return Pumps from ReefBreeders. The 2 year warranty seems impressive, but am just curious how they have held up. Thanks!

SPR1968 · Aug 27, 2022

I can’t answer with the question but I can bump the thread to see if we can get you some help

fullmonti · Oct 11, 2022

Anyone used one of these? They look like they would be just what I'm looking for but can't find one review on them.

minus9 · Oct 11, 2022

I bought the Coral Box DC pump from them and by the looks of the controller, it's the same pump but with an upgraded/different housing. The controller is exactly the same as my CB pump. I'm using it on my nano and so far I really like the pump. No issues and I like that it comes with auto shutoff float valve and 0-10v control built in. I'll be using a Hydros controller on this tank, so I'll let you know how it works when I get it set up.
They include a few fittings which allow you to change tubing size or use PVC. So far, I like the pump and have had zero issues. For the money, they are hard to beat.

reeferJMX · Nov 4, 2022

Also looking for a review. I am looking to purchase a Nautilus DC1600 from BRS to replace a Hydor Seltz D. Thanks.

Sparkss · Nov 17, 2022

With the potential BF sales coming up I really want to nail down a pump to be on the hunt for

. Hoping to get some more feedback about these pumps! Thanks in advance

ninjamyst · Nov 17, 2022

reeferJMX said:
Also looking for a review. I am looking to purchase a Nautilus DC1600 from BRS to replace a Hydor Seltz D. Thanks.

What's wrong with your seltz d?

Sparkss · Nov 18, 2022

minus9 said:
I bought the Coral Box DC pump from them and by the looks of the controller, it's the same pump but with an upgraded/different housing. The controller is exactly the same as my CB pump. I'm using it on my nano and so far I really like the pump. No issues and I like that it comes with auto shutoff float valve and 0-10v control built in. I'll be using a Hydros controller on this tank, so I'll let you know how it works when I get it set up.
They include a few fittings which allow you to change tubing size or use PVC. So far, I like the pump and have had zero issues. For the money, they are hard to beat.

How is the noise level on it? I was going to buy a Sicce SDC pump, but many of the reviews mention the noise level (in a negative way). I was told by an LFS owner that he has been liking the new Jebao MDP pumps and has been running one on one of his DTs. But it would be hard to gauge noise level inside an LFS

.

minus9 · Nov 18, 2022

Sparkss said:
How is the noise level on it? I was going to buy a Sicce SDC pump, but many of the reviews mention the noise level (in a negative way). I was told by an LFS owner that he has been liking the new Jebao MDP pumps and has been running one on one of his DTs. But it would be hard to gauge noise level inside an LFS .

I don't hear the pump at all. I only hear the water falling from one chamber to the next in my sump. When I unplug the pump, there's no humming that disappears, just the water noise. I'm running the pump just over half power, so 60%.
I'm also a big fan of slightly oversizing return pumps and lowering their power to maximize water movement and power efficiency.

SPS2020 · Nov 18, 2022

With the exception of color, the body looks very similar to the Hydor Seltz D and the pricing is (was) similar as well. There are a couple of reviews on BRS now, but they are so new that there's no long-term info yet.

Colodano · Mar 11, 2023

Going to bump this up for anyone looking at these pumps, I have the 1100 running a 72 bowfront at about 60% , and a 3200 on a Reefer 625 G2 at full pop.
They are both absolutely silent, the only way I know they are on is the lights on the controller and water is flowing.
My only negative comment so far is that the power supply connection to the controller doesn't lock in well, I have accidently knocked them loose a few times while mounting stuff or messing with cables, which yet again I only notice when the water starts draining back to the sump.

BeanAnimal · Apr 8, 2023

Colodano said:
Going to bump this up for anyone looking at these pumps, I have the 1100 running a 72 bowfront at about 60% , and a 3200 on a Reefer 625 G2 at full pop.
They are both absolutely silent, the only way I know they are on is the lights on the controller and water is flowing.
My only negative comment so far is that the power supply connection to the controller doesn't lock in well, I have accidently knocked them loose a few times while mounting stuff or messing with cables, which yet again I only notice when the water starts draining back to the sump.

Did you hard plumb these or use soft tubing?

I am told that they are not tapered thread, so it is best to use the adapter and gasket to flex tube.

I will be running two 3200 externally, but don't want to deal with vinyl tubing.

Colodano · Apr 9, 2023

BeanAnimal said:
Did you hard plumb these or use soft tubing?

I am told that they are not tapered thread, so it is best to use the adapter and gasket to flex tube.

I will be running two 3200 externally, but don't want to deal with vinyl tubing.

They are internal in return sections with silicone tubing to hard pipe. They do come with a selection of fittings, and a couple of gaskets, but I am unfortunately not sure on thread type.

BeanAnimal · Apr 9, 2023

Colodano said:
They are internal in return sections with silicone tubing to hard pipe. They do come with a selection of fittings, and a couple of gaskets, but I am unfortunately not sure on thread type.

Thread is NPS so NTP but not tapered. I Don’t want to deal with leaks. A bit concerned about the volute seal and strength as well. Thoughts on external? Would you trust it.

Derrick0580 · Apr 9, 2023

Why do these look identical right down to the controller buttons, to the jebao dc pumps?

Colodano · Apr 9, 2023

I noticed that as well, probably the same stuff, just different branding, and color maybe?

Not sure on the external, don't see any reasons to doubt it being good, but in respect to any potential leakage, I may err on the side of caution and spend more for something proven in use the way you intend to use it.

BeanAnimal · Apr 9, 2023

Derrick0580 said:
Why do these look identical right down to the controller buttons, to the jebao dc pumps?

They are not Jebao - different OEM and Motor design.

paintman · Apr 9, 2023

Last time I bought sommething from Reefbreeders (lights), they spent more time on a UPS truck going back and forth for repair then they did over my tank. Reefbreeders=junk

BeanAnimal · Apr 9, 2023

They are not jebao, but no different than any other import China pump, including the lower end Royal E pumps.

The difference between these and getting them from china direct is the 2 year warranty. They also have a 0-10v input for control, whereas the jebao's do not.

Reef Breeders · Aug 19, 2023

paintman said:
Last time I bought sommething from Reefbreeders (lights), they spent more time on a UPS truck going back and forth for repair then they did over my tank. Reefbreeders=junk

We're sorry to hear about your experience with your Photon V1s. To add some context, the quoted reply is referring to V1 lights purchased in 2014. While we did conduct repairs a few times, most repairs were about 12 months apart, so this is an exaggeration. Many of our V1 customers have lights up and running 10 years onwards with no repairs, so this is certainly not typical. The vast majority of driver issues tend to stem from lack of maintenance- ie salt and dust buildup.

In addition, the V2 platform released in 2016 doesn't share a single part with that model.