Thanks. Any thoughts on brands etc? Seems like a lot of options. I’ll be a bit before I get something. Probably replace the current head, and hope to get another six months or year out of it.
Well it's going to be the most expensive but if you want a pump you'll, literally, never have to maintenance, then Watson-Marlow is the brand. I've used this brand for almost 20 years now and on several different models and I've never had a single failure mechanically. That's a 100% honest claim.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one, but the older ones have turn dials so you can't dial in an exact flow rate.
The digital ones are real nice and most newer ones have reversible flow.
There are different models but for our tanks the pump you're probably looking for is a 300 series.
Single or multi-channel countertop pumps with manual, remote, analogue, RS232 control and accurate dispensing. 300 series tube pumps.
www.wmftg.com
Size 16 or 25 tubing will run in these nicely (25 tubing is smaller than 16) in which these are roughly the sizes of the aquarium tubing we purchase for air pumps/stones/powerheads, etc..
Remember when using a peristaltic pump you have to learn the settings. If the setting on the pump is set to size 25 tubing, but you install size 16 tubing, the flow rate is going to be less than what you set the pump at. Conversely, it would be more of you switch those and you can overdose.
I highly recommend following a SOP while using these because it's very easy to deviate accidentally.