best return pump for the money?

[vetteguy53081]

Sicce

 

[Water Dog]

I may be in the minority here but I have no idea why someone would buy a Jebao pump when you can buy a Sicce or Eheim or Tunze that will last ten years or more for similar money.

I absolutely agree with you, but the OP specified a sub $200 DC controllable pump.

 

[cflores]

the Varios, are proven, but over the budget you stated. Check out the FLuval SP pumps, per dollar value/reliability, they are difficult to beat

 

[Mike N]

Been using multiple Jebao DCP's for about two years now with zero issues. Saves me lots of money for expensive lights

 

[Jdurm55]

Below is a short video for you to check out regarding return pumps. BRStv did a "best of" series and below is the one they did for return pumps. Obviously these are opinions but also note they can provide best as what also "sold" more. Another view never the less.

I use Neptune Cor's for my returns and skimmers. I've used them since launch and have had great success with them. The main reason why is because I already have the Apex ecosystem and it made sense. I started with a Jeboa DCT 15000 for return pump when I started my 210 upgrade. It. moved a lot of water. However, it didn't make it past the leak check. Handle looking thing broke off when picking it up. Then the output neck started to separate just below the threads. Upon inspection I saw that the pump body is just too thing. I mean hostess cupcake holder thing.

Tossed it and when with the Cor's. In any case maybe the video will help plus what others suggest. Best of luck.

I actually watched this last night right before I went to bed! great video!

 

[Mirkus]

I bought 2 jebao pumps when I setup my Red Sea reefer in 2015. The pump has held up better than my tank. I haven’t even taken the backup out of the box, but I need a new stand for my tank.

 

[Jdurm55]

Second this, have a Varios 8 that’s been a work horse for the past couple years. Stripped to clean once and has ran silent

im really thinking of getting the varios after looking into them. I just cant decide if i want to spend the extra money on it now or go with a jeboa then upgrade in about 6 months and use the jebao as a back up. trying to save just a little of money for the time being as i just bought my light that was a little over 500. still need to get some more live rock for the tank also

 

[AJsReef]

im really thinking of getting the varios after looking into them. I just cant decide if i want to spend the extra money on it now or go with a jeboa then upgrade in about 6 months and use the jebao as a back up. trying to save just a little of money for the time being as i just bought my light that was a little over 500. still need to get some more live rock for the tank also

Jebao will get you through for now. I used one initially and now keep it as a back up. Too loud for my liking.

 

[jeffchapok]

I got one of these and it is dead silent. Without looking at the controller, I can't tell if it's running or not.

 

[Jdurm55]

I got one of these and it is dead silent. Without looking at the controller, I can't tell if it's running or not.

I saw this on amazon last night while searching. almost asked if anyone had used it. seen a lot of people say its pretty silent and has a lot options to adjust the flow

 

[mikeintoronto]

Go for the Simplicity. It’s the same pump as the Jebao but the company is in the US so if you have an issue, you’re talking to an American for support. If you choose Jebao, use an authorized dealer in the US. I use both brands and although the Jebaos haven’t given be trouble in the last year, I’ve had to contact simplicity and it was easy breezy. They’re sending a new impeller for free!

 

[Mical]

I have this on my 120 and it's incredibly powerful -> https://www.marinedepot.com/danner-supreme-aqua-mag-12-water-pump

 

[DancingShark]

Judging by the first post. Here wants a controller. Half of the recommend pumps have no controller. Correct me if my assumption if wrong op.

 

[Jdurm55]

Judging by the first post. Here wants a controller. Half of the recommend pumps have no controller. Correct me if my assumption if wrong op.

you are true I want a controller to fine tune it. I don't mind people posting what they use though

 

[jeffchapok]

I saw this on amazon last night while searching. almost asked if anyone had used it. seen a lot of people say its pretty silent and has a lot options to adjust the flow

I run mine at 10% (the lowest setting) and still have to restrict it with a ball valve. But I have a homemade PVC overflow that isn't particularly fast.

 

[AlexKintner]

Anyone mention Hydor yet? I think the entire Seltz D lineup is < $200.

Guy at my LFS swears by them.

 

[Matt Carden]

I bought a Jaebo DCP 8000 a year and a half ago for $65. I haven't had any problems with it except that when I tried to install the 1/2" locline nozzles, the flow went to almost zero. I removed the 1/2" adapter and switched to a 1x³/4 adapter with 45°s directing the flow and I got good flow.

Fast forward 1 year and I broke my tank while moving so I decided to rebuild/redesign everything. This included the idea of using 2 return pumps. So i started shopping for new Jaebo pumps. The new line of pumps are now out the DCQ line. To my amazement the price had gone up considerably. What was a $65 pump 18 months ago now cost $100. So I checked the prices of the old DCP pumps. Same story $100.

I decided to try out an AC pump Sicce Syncra 9.0 for 2 ¹/2 time the cost of the Jaebo at $250. I'm still in the middle of my rebuild but I did temporarily set up the Sicce and the flow is at least 5 times that of my Jaebo that would have cost me $100.

I have no idea what warranty comes with the Jaebo but my Sicce has a 5 year warranty.

 

[Jdurm55]

I run mine at 10% (the lowest setting) and still have to restrict it with a ball valve. But I have a homemade PVC overflow that isn't particularly fast.

how big of a tank do you run it on?

 

[Amado]

My vote is the jebao dct line
You can’t beat the price and power of these pumps.
The dct 4000 is the best bang for buck at $65 and it pushes 9ft @ 1,000 ghp using 30w
If you have two returns you can buy two of these pumps and run them at the same time.

 

[DancingShark]

you are true I want a controller to fine tune it. I don't mind people posting what they use though

This is the quite one I still have. No controller. Loud.

These are the jebao. Quite. 110 bucks. 3645 gph.

I also bought one called uniclife dep-4000. I got it because I was the same as jebao pretty much.I think I payed like 60 bucks for it shipped. I moved 1kgph.

It's running at 57 percent.