If you had to replace your return pump tomorrow, what would you get?

tony'stank · Nov 4, 2020

Currently use a Vectra M1. I just ordered an Eheim 1262 as a backup. Can’t beat it for reliability and length of service

Don Lidtke · Nov 4, 2020

I run a dual COR-20 setup on my 250 gallon tank with a single spare. I am considering a second spare.

Yes I will continue to run the COR-20’s.

RC Corals · Nov 4, 2020

Yet another Jebao, or a Blue Platinum.

BZOFIQ · Nov 4, 2020

VarioS or Abyzz

BZOFIQ · Nov 4, 2020

Related thread.

QUESTION OF THE DAY - Dual return pumps for redundancy! Good idea or just a waste of money?

It's been said that your return pump is the heart of your system. I believe and agree with that statement! My reef tank can survive quite a while without lights, dosing, skimmers, reactors, etc. but it won't stay alive long without the return pump providing flow and circulation of the water. So...

www.reef2reef.com

kkelly007 · Nov 4, 2020

Piling on to the Vectra M2. It's what I have currently and I like everything about it--including the functionality with the Ecotech battery back-up, which is very inexpensive for what you get. We recently lost power from Zeta at 3:00 a.m. and the battery kicked on and kept solid flow in the tank until I woke up and realized everything was out and connected my entire system to my Honda 2200i generator.

SPS2020 · Nov 4, 2020

Looks like I'm the only one thus far to use a Hydor Seltz D 3200 (100 gallon tank + sump & refugium). I run it 3\5 full throttle through a manifold with JBJ chiller and Aqua Ultraviolet 57 watt UV. Quiet, cheap and hopefully reliable for years. Would replace it with the same.

Miller535 · Nov 4, 2020

I am surprised to see Sicce on here at all. I have two of the AC pumps that i used to use for reactors. And they are absolute garbage that I stopped using. Maybe the DC ones that are more expensive are better. But those AC pumps turned me off of Sicce.

nereefpat · Nov 4, 2020

Miller535 said:
I am surprised to see Sicce on here at all. I have two of the AC pumps that i used to use for reactors. And they are absolute garbage that I stopped using. Maybe the DC ones that are more expensive are better. But those AC pumps turned me off of Sicce.

What models, and what is the problem?

S2G · Nov 4, 2020

I dont know if my input is valuable since your a lot more high tech than I. Personally I really like the fluval sp series.

Miller535 · Nov 4, 2020

nereefpat said:
What models, and what is the problem?

I believe they were both syncra silent 1.5's. Often when I would turn them off (and I mean OFTEN) to change out the media in the reactor, when I would go to turn them back on they would not turn on. I would have to pull the impeller out and put it back in. Like they bound up. And it was NOT because they were dirty. I run filter socks 24/7, and clean my pumps OFTEN. I would pull them out and they would be spotless. Just got tired of dealing with them and now they sit in a junk pile. And a Jaebo pump feeds both reactors.

ineption · Nov 4, 2020

Got dual jebao dcs 10000 setup if one fails I will just go buy another for the price and performance nothing can thouch it. If money was no object then abyss just because they are the best

Billdogg · Nov 4, 2020

I'd swap it out for the other eheim 1262 that I have. But that really isn't an issue - the newer of the two is now 30 or so years old, the other is at least 40. A yearly cleaning, and the very rare impeller replacement and they work just as well as they did way back when.

A sea K · Nov 4, 2020

schuby said:
I don't know if you're considering re-doing your return plumbing, but I'd recommend adding a flow-meter and at least one union so that you can remove the return pump for cleaning/swapping/repairing. Having a flow-meter helps you know when the pump needs cleaning and that your flow is as-expected.

Do you have a source for a reliable salt safe flow meter? I am definitely interested

dwest · Nov 4, 2020

Eheim 1262 or mag drive 12 or 18 depending on the tank size. I’m surprised there’s not much love on this thread for these pumps

slojim · Nov 4, 2020

surprised to hear the sicce problems - I have one sicce return and one sicce powerhead and they are trouble-free, quiet, and efficient. I also have a rossmont mover waiting on me to finish some plumbing so I can't say how it is, but it was a recent purchase and the folks at rossmont were pretty communicative regarding my specific questions.
honestly in all my years and tanks, I can't remember an actual return pump problem. They are important, but sometimes I think we sweat these more than necessary.

Sisterlimonpot · Nov 4, 2020

I'd upgrade from Vectra L1 to the Vectra L2

Mical · Nov 4, 2020

Skynyrd Fish said:
Mag 12. Mine has been going nonstop for 17 years. I have cleaned it twice. And just for giggles replaced the impeller five years ago, as a precaution.

Another vote for Mag pumps - Mag 12 on my 65 g and Mag 18 on my 120 g and they're workhorses.