Best Return Pump

mx36 · Jul 30, 2019

Currently have a 255 gal reef tank, the return pump is a Reeflo Super Dart Gold Hybrid. Lately it seems like the seal is always going out. Works fine for a few months then starts leaking again. Looking at changing it out and going to an internal pump. What would be the best option for this side tank with out breaking the bank? Thanks

Mical · Jul 30, 2019

Check out Danner Mag Drive Pumps - super reliable & quiet.

JLUR_ · Jul 30, 2019

I've used Danner and Sicce and have had no problems with either. I'm currently using a Sicce 3.0 and I can only hear it when the skimmer is off and the stand doors are open.

Sparky88 · Jul 30, 2019

Since is def reliable

Silver14SS · Jul 30, 2019

What GPH are you looking for? I have no personal experience with the Fluval SP6, but I've heard good things about them.

vetteguy53081 · Jul 30, 2019

Supreme and DOLPHIN

mfinn · Jul 30, 2019

I got tired of the low end noise from my reeflo dart on my 240's closed loop. So I went to the Vectra L1.
I found out the 1st gen was trouble so I went to a Red Dragon RD3 150. After a year I went and bought a RD3 80 watt for the return pump.
That was several years ago and I am really glad I did.

vetteguy53081 · Jul 30, 2019

mfinn said:
I got tired of the low end noise from my reeflo dart on my 240's closed loop. So I went to the Vectra L1.
I found out the 1st gen was trouble so I went to a Red Dragon RD3 150. After a year I went and bought a RD3 80 watt for the return pump.
That was several years ago and I am really glad I did.

Funny is I have the Reeflo Hammerhead gold and it is dead quiet

Blue Spot Octopus · Jul 30, 2019

I know of two people who had the Fluval SP6 on a similar size tank and sold them do to the fact it was too much for their tank, so I would say a Fluval SP4.

Paul Sands · Jul 30, 2019

Sicce is quiet, reliable, and long lasting IME.

mfinn · Jul 30, 2019

vetteguy53081 said:
Funny is I have the Reeflo Hammerhead gold and it is dead quiet

Mine wasn't so much noise, it was a low end hum that would resonate to the back of my house.

One thing I have found over the years visiting friends houses with reef tanks, is that we all hear noise or lack of it differently.

FMF0331 · Jul 30, 2019

Ehiem 1262 - 6.5 years and still running strong

vetteguy53081 · Jul 30, 2019

Blue Spot Octopus said:
I know of two people who had the Fluval SP6 on a similar size tank and sold them do to the fact it was too much for their tank, so I would say a Fluval SP4.

Great pump. We are referring to external pumps here which are not submersed and emits various motor noise

shred5 · Jul 30, 2019

I take it you are looking for a external pump not a submersible.

Iwaki are the best.

mfinn · Jul 30, 2019

mx36 said:
Looking at changing it out and going to an internal pump.

Missed this part.
So maybe a Fluval. They are internal or external, and one of the ones I was considering before picking the Reeflo.

shred5 · Jul 30, 2019

mfinn said:
Missed this part.

Me too..

I would look at Sicce or Tunze for internal a/c pumps..

I have bad luck with Mag pumps.

DC I like the RO Varios.. I have had several running for years... Very quiet.

Mjl714 · Jul 30, 2019

Check out the Abyzz line for a tank your size. Sorry, missed the without breaking the bank.

ZaneTer · Jul 30, 2019

I’m know this may get slated but Jebao return pumps are excellent. I bought a DC14000 when they first came out and it’s never even hiccuped.

Their wavemakers can be hit or miss but their returns are rock solid.

rc1626 · Jul 30, 2019

Eheim or Laguna Maxflo pond pumps. Not sure if they have changed but my Laguna pumps use the old Red Dragon askoll pump block. Great performance and reliability. Same can be said for the Eheim as well.