Best return pump brand?

Lowsingle · Dec 30, 2012

Hello all, I am looking for a new return pump and was wondering if anyone had a recommendation.....I've used both mags and eheims in the past.....the most important factor for me is reliable start up from power cycling....I am flexible on cost and efficiency.....

thanks for the help,
Darren

CMP · Dec 30, 2012

I would say Eheim Compact or if you can swing it Red Dragon.

1Der9_3hy · Dec 30, 2012

How many GPH and how far are you moving the water? I loved my velocity Poseidon PS4, but it was running a 50 breeder...

Super quiet, very reliable and tons of head pressure.

mcarroll · Dec 30, 2012

I've got a Mag, two Quiet Ones and an Eheim 1250. I'm pretty happy with all of them so I really can't imagine justifying more than Eheim-kind of dollars.

If you're tank is heat-strapped (less and less common as folks migrate to LED lighting), then I'd say go with a Quiet One as they are among the most efficient pumps and are very reasonably priced - you could even afford a backup. Mag's are more power hungery, but I also think they put out more torque as a result so mit be less stall prone than many pumps..they also have over-heat protection. I would feel safe assuming the Eheim Compact line maintains the Eheim quality standard, so as long as your budget supports it, one of them or one of the classic Hobby Pump line meets your flow need, or if silence is of the utmost importance (all three are very quiet IME) go that route.

Lowsingle · Dec 30, 2012

I don't need a ton of head....something like 4 to 5 feet of head pressure at 1500 gph (I have added a bit of margin here).......I forgot about sound level.....yes quieter is better. I have found that my Mags (I used a mag 18 when I ran my sump from my basement to my living room main tank) had problems with startup.....that is the primary problem here in California, the power cycles probably once every couple of days here....it's like living in a 3rd world country

thanks all for the thoughts......keep it coming!
Darren