Help me choose my return pump

[Wheeldog]

Hello everyone, first time posting on this forum but it seems to be a really great site. I am in the process of finally getting back into setting up a reef tank after quite a while out of the game. I have quite a bit of experience with most of the equipment but my knowledge base is a little on the older side (I worked for Premium Aquatics back in college and used to have a killer 180g reef but this was in the time of DSB, 400w Halides and I got out when this new T5 lighting thing was starting to appear on the market). I just got a ~100g system that is 48x24x20 that will be running a 40mm (~1.25" stupid metric) herbie style overflow into a decent sized sump(45g) that is in the 36" tall stand. The return lines are ran through 2 20mm (~1/2") bulkheads in the display. These 2 lines join into a 25mm (~3/4") tee that will then go to the return pump. I will convert my return line to 3/4" standard PVC to make my life easier for plumbing. I am planning on running a manifold off the pump too but not sure what it will feed. I really want to go with a DC pump this time after doing some research but have no experience with them, when I last was really serious in the hobby I ran big Iwakis and used Mag pumps for other stuff. I am mainly looking into the Vectra, VarioS and possibly the COR-15/20. I hope to maybe add in an Apex controller in the future which I know is a negative towards the vectra but that's not set in stone and I don't have one right now. I would really appriciate any input and help with choosing what would best fit my needs (as well as if there are any negatives surrounding these any of these choices).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ron Reefman]

The new DC multi speed return pumps are all pretty good quality and very quiet. I have 2 different brands I use and they both run quiet. Look at Reef Breeders (a sponsor here so they have a forum). They sell Coral Box and Jebao return pumps. Both are backed by good warranties.

Return Pumps - ReefBreeders.com

ReefBreeders.com has the highest quality DC powered controllable return pumps for your aquarium.

www.reefbreeders.com

 

[mfinn]

One of your choices was the Vectra. I would suggest that you look at the S2 or M2, with my pick the M2.

 

[Wheeldog]

Thanks for the input guys, the more and more research I do, I keep coming back to a Vectra M2 vs a Varios 6. Would one of these work better for my situation, they seem very similar when it comes to options. I just want to make sure I get a pump that will work well with what my setup is and is reliable. I appreciate the input about the Jeabo and coral box but after looking more and more into them, their track record scares me a bit (I had bad experience in the past with some cheaper pumps and it's why I ended up with Iwaki before). Any input on these 2 pumps or experience with either/both that can help me make my mind up and pull the trigger on one vs the other would be great.

Thanks so much!

 

[mfinn]

Having used both the octo and the vectra in the past, my latest build was with the M2.

 

[Nick30G]

I love my Varios. Im very impressed with its build quality and reliability! Its super quiet, very low power draw, and is obviously controllable. I don't have any experience with the vectras but I do remember reading alot of threads on here about one of their lines of pumps constantly having over-heating issues but take that with a grain of salt as thats just a observation I made. Do your own research and determine what you like the best. I would stay away from any chinese pumps, after all this is one of the most critical life support systems in your tank and you need it be be rock-solid reliable.

 

[shrimped]

Varios for internal and Abyzz for external

 

[mfinn]

I love my Varios. Im very impressed with its build quality and reliability! Its super quiet, very low power draw, and is obviously controllable. I don't have any experience with the vectras but I do remember reading alot of threads on here about one of their lines of pumps constantly having over-heating issues but take that with a grain of salt as thats just a observation I made. Do your own research and determine what you like the best. I would stay away from any chinese pumps, after all this is one of the most critical life support systems in your tank and you need it be be rock-solid reliable.

The L1's did have issues with heating and locking up. I had a couple and finally when the second one went out, I went to RD3's
The M1's were always pretty solid.

 

[Billldg]

I guess I will be the odd ball, LOL!!! I recently installed a COR 20 to replace my Sicce 5.0 and I love it, It is very quite, and I love to be able to look at its performance on my Apex. I don't have any experience with Ecotech pumps, but I do believe they are solid as well as I will probably have to get a L2 for my next build and I have been researching them.

 

[Dragon52]

I have an M1 on my 185gl for a cpl yrs with no issues & could have gone with the S1 actually.

 

[Cwentz758]

I’m running the S2 on my return bump with 3/4” plumbing. Super quite I cannot hear it at all, and I’m running it on its lowest setting (mainly because my inlet flow is poor) but I have plenty of power for future changes. Also with the Vectra they have the battery backup you can add to your system. I don’t think there was a battery backup for the VarioS available which is why I went Vectra.

 

[lavoisier]

Welcome to R2R. I'm still using my Reeflo Hammerhead so don't have any advice to give. If my Hammerheads ever stop working I would certaintly follow your line of reasoning.

 

[splitting_lanes]

I have a varios 2 as my return pump and its great. Im also using an mp10 so im familiar with ecotech controllability.

I think you’ll like either.

 

[jda]

If you sump is under your stand then nearly any pump can handle this. if you go DC and do not get a Abuzz or Red Dragon, then have a spare on hand... they are all low/medium logevity and 2-3 years might be top end for most (although some do last longer). It is good to have an exact spare laying around so that you can just do a plumbing swap - if you wait to get a pump, then they all have changed and you sometimes have to buy new unions and stuff.