Help me choose a return pump (68 gallon DT)

lyscer · May 29, 2015

Just as the title states, I am looking to upgrade the return pump on my cadlights 68 gallon tank. The pump that came with it is rated at 300 gph and I have seen the same algae strip floating in the display for 3 days so I know I need a little more flow. I have also seen a buildup of skim on the sump surface so I want to push water through there a tad quicker. I was looking at the DCT-4000 or the Eheim 1260.

I was going to pull the trigger on the DCT-4000 but read that many people dislike the DC series. Would you guys recommend either of these pumps or a different one?

Thanks!

reef208 · May 29, 2015

Personally, I see DC pumps as a fad more than anything else at the moment, which isn't enough to make me want to run out an buy one. They are the LED lights of the pump world and I'll just stick with my MH and T5s. I'd stick to the tried and true. You can't go wrong with the Eheim universal hobby pumps. They have been around for many years and are well known to be quiet and reliable.

diablomaster9045 · May 29, 2015

I would shoot for something in the 600-700 GPH range. Eheims are good pumps. If you are short on cash Ecoplus pumps are reliable but they are pond pumps so not designed for saltwater. But I have one on each of my 5 tanks for the past 6 years and none have failed.

And if you want more flow, I would pick up some Vortecs (Would look better on a cadlights tank) or Jebaos for the tank.