Best AC return pump for a bedroom tank?

Elbereth · Mar 27, 2022

Hi folks!

In your opinion, what are some of the quietest (and hopefully reliable) AC return pumps? I know DC pumps are quieter but I've heard that they don't last as long except for Abyzz and Red Dragon, which I can't afford right now.

Thanks in advance!

Trickman2 · Mar 27, 2022

Elbereth said:
Hi folks!

In your opinion, what are some of the quietest (and hopefully reliable) AC return pumps? I know DC pumps are quieter but I've heard that they don't last as long except for Abyzz and Red Dragon, which I can't afford right now.

Thanks in advance!

We need more information...How big of a tank? How much water you looking to move? What is your budget? Internal? External? Pressure pump? How much head pressure? I need more information to give you a good recommendation.

Trickman2 · Mar 27, 2022

Silent and a long lasting pump....You are going to run into issues with amount of water flow. Your AC pump isn't going to push a lot of flow and be silent.

1262 Universal Pump (900 GPH) - Eheim

Elbereth · Mar 27, 2022

Trickman2 said:
We need more information...How big of a tank? How much water you looking to move? What is your budget? Internal? External? Pressure pump? How much head pressure? I need more information to give you a good recommendation.

I was thinking in terms of general recommendations regardless of aquarium size - I originally intended to upgrade to a 50g with a 20g sump but I may end up getting something a bit smaller. 5x flow. But yes, I should've mentioned internal. As for budget, something under $200 ideally but I'd rather pay a bit extra for something more long-lasting.

Elbereth · Mar 27, 2022

Trickman2 said:
Silent and a long lasting pump....You are going to run into issues with amount of water flow. Your AC pump isn't going to push a lot of flow and be silent.

1262 Universal Pump (900 GPH) - Eheim

Yes I know AC pumps aren't usually known for being quiet but I'm concerned about the longevity of the DC ones. I might go that route if I find no other options but wanted to explore AC pumps first.

Lbrdsoxfan · Mar 27, 2022

The overall reliability of DC pumps imho is about there with your consumer grade name brand ac pumps.

If I'm going AC pump I'm a sicce fan.

Phlynamjax · Mar 27, 2022

Eheim and fluval sp series

t5Nitro · Mar 27, 2022

Varios pump going on 3 years without maintenance for me. Id also look into the jebao dcp pumps. Seems like they're also getting several years at least. Can't beat that for the price.

If you do want a true AC pump that's a pure workhorse and mostly indestructible I feel like its the old danner magdrive pumps.

polyppal · Mar 27, 2022

Elbereth said:
Hi folks!

In your opinion, what are some of the quietest (and hopefully reliable) AC return pumps? I know DC pumps are quieter but I've heard that they don't last as long except for Abyzz and Red Dragon, which I can't afford right now.

Thanks in advance!

sicce syncra silent is only AC pumps I use. They aren't super quiet at first, but after a month or two break-in they are super quiet.

Beau_B · Mar 27, 2022

I’m a DC fan, haven’t had one fail yet. The Varios are very nice, or by 2x Jebao and keep the second ready to go (though that day could be years away).

Breadman03 · Mar 27, 2022

I've got 3x Sicce ADV 10.0's and all are great. One is for my return, another for my skimmer, and the third is a spare used for mixing salt. I'd look into an appropriately sized Sicce before making a final decision.

BanjoBandito · Mar 27, 2022

Sicce AC pumps are about as good as it gets, with that said my simplicity 1000 (which is a DC) only hums on start up and is otherwise silent. You can add a “silencer mat” underneath to try and further dampen any sound/vibrations.

Projects with Sam · Mar 27, 2022

Get a DC pump. ive Had cheap jerboa pumps last over 5 years before I sold it with non-stop operation.

uhgster1 · Mar 27, 2022

Sicce, I replaced my stock pump on my 13.5 gallon Fluval and it is virtually silent

Duncan62 · Mar 27, 2022

Elbereth said:
Hi folks!

In your opinion, what are some of the quietest (and hopefully reliable) AC return pumps? I know DC pumps are quieter but I've heard that they don't last as long except for Abyzz and Red Dragon, which I can't afford right now.

Thanks in advance!

I have 4 orlushy 24 volt DC pumps. Oldest has been running for almost 5 years 24 hrs a day. They are completely silent. I'd look at them. Also very affordable and come with a controller. Good luck with your new tank.

Elbereth · Mar 27, 2022

Lbrdsoxfan said:
The overall reliability of DC pumps imho is about there with your consumer grade name brand ac pumps.

If I'm going AC pump I'm a sicce fan.

What DC pumps would you consider on par? And is there a particular line of Sicce you'd recommend?

Lbrdsoxfan · Mar 27, 2022

Elbereth said:
What DC pumps would you consider on par? And is there a particular line of Sicce you'd recommend?

I'm a cheap bastid, so I use jebao dcs & dct pumps. No failures in over 5 years on two 100+ gallon systems.

If its a AC sicce pump I'm big on the syncra series.

Elbereth · Mar 27, 2022

Lbrdsoxfan said:
I'm a cheap bastid, so I use jebao dcs & dct pumps. No failures in over 5 years on two 100+ gallon systems.

If its a AC sicce pump I'm big on the syncra series.

That's pretty impressive. You probably maintain them regularly? Because I've read a lot about DC pumps failing after just a year.

Elbereth · Mar 27, 2022

Thanks everyone! Looks like Sicce got the majority vote for the ACs so I'll definitely look into those.

I've considered Jebao as well. Good to hear some of you have had them running for years but I've heard that others have not been as lucky. Sounds like they're hit or miss. Or is that mostly for earlier generations?