Is a DC pump really needed for a return??

[DivingTheWorld]

I went through a couple Reef Octopus DC pumps on my return (each only lasted about 2 years). Then I switched to an AC pump and it’s been smooth sailing since. There is 0 difference in sound level. It’s possible it uses some more energy, but it’s not much of a difference if it does. IMO I see no reason to use DC on a return.

 

[outhouse]

When you buy expensive DC pumps it's your own fault for high cost. Their reliability no better than Jebao and they actually have decent reliability. Benifit is controllability with CHEAPER AC consumption

 

[Sshannon]

DC pumps will run longer on battery backups than AC pumps.

 

[Chrisv.]

DC pumps will run longer on battery backups than AC pumps.

This is very true. Actually I think it may be the only real advantage, given that the difference in power consumption is only a small fraction of the power consumed by the tank.

 

[m.kristoff]

I decided to go with the AC pump. based on comments and research, running valves is probably not the best thing plus with AC , less to go wrong. My local store has seen several controller issues.

I ended up getting a HY10000. Pump is quite and should last for years

 

[C_AWOL]

DC pumps aren't neccesary by any means but mainly should be considered if noise or heat generation is an issue. Secondary to that would be if theres ever a need for adjustment like using it on a smaller tank until upgrading or overestimating an overflows capacity to handle the gph.
Added benefit in the vectras case is theres an easy method to add a back up battery vs most other options for non diy handy people too

 

[Lasse]

For me - it is a question of safety. A DC pump use 12 - 36 V DC - not a problem for me if a cord broke. It will not kill me. An AC pump 110 - 240 V AC - direct deadly in salt water if a cord broke.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Jubei2006]

For me - it is a question of safety. A DC pump use 12 - 36 V DC - not a problem for me if a cord broke. It will not kill me. An AC pump 110 - 240 V AC - direct deadly in salt water if a cord broke.

Sincerely Lasse

Just playing devils advocate but how many amps you suppose could be released from a DC pump failure? As little as 0.1A can kill a person. And if you have a live wire in a tank of saltwater on GFCI like we are supposed to have, it should trip the circuit in theory.

 

[Spieg]

An external pump pretty much eliminates risk of shock, and lets be honest... 110V is unlikely to kill anyone especially on a GFCI circuit.

 

[Wyvern]

Just playing devils advocate but how many amps you suppose could be released from a DC pump failure? As little as 0.1A can kill a person. And if you have a live wire in a tank of saltwater on GFCI like we are supposed to have, it should trip the circuit in theory.

Not enough voltage to deliver the amps to electrocute you.

In saltwater, 36 volts you are definitely going to feel.

I can attest 110V AC in saltwater is an uncomfortable experience.

Most DC pumps have controllers that look for short circuits, open circuits or erroneous readings and shut down.

I have an AC skimmer for simplicity, A DC return, UV circulation pump and a spare on hand I use as a lift pump for water changes.

I don't trust cheap AC pumps, but at least a cheap DC pump won't kill you.

 

[Lasse]

Just playing devils advocate but how many amps you suppose could be released from a DC pump failure? As little as 0.1A can kill a person. And if you have a live wire in a tank of saltwater on GFCI like we are supposed to have, it should trip the circuit in theory.

There is one thing with AC that you do not have in DC. You can be stuck - not to be able to get free from the source. AC block your muscles. Believe me - I know.

" it should trip the circuit in theory" - in theory - yes.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Breadman03]

I don't think you can say whether an AC or DC pump is better in general. I can see the benefit of ramping up and down for feed modes if you like that, but I chose a Sicce ADV 10.0 for my return, along with a second for my skimmer pump, due to initial cost low energy consumption, and a solid warranty. 90 watts, 23 feet of head, and 2700 GPH max flow are pretty appealing for me for a 270 gallon display with basement sump that's maybe 8 feet below the display water level. I almost can't tell if they're running, but my skimmer air intake gives it away. I'd put on a silencer, but I'll be hooking up my external airline again after swapping tanks.

 

[Quietman]

I don't think you can say whether an AC or DC pump is better in general. I can see the benefit of ramping up and down for feed modes if you like that, but I chose a Sicce ADV 10.0 for my return, along with a second for my skimmer pump, due to initial cost low energy consumption, and a solid warranty. 90 watts, 23 feet of head, and 2700 GPH max flow are pretty appealing for me for a 270 gallon display with basement sump that's maybe 8 feet below the display water level. I almost can't tell if they're running, but my skimmer air intake gives it away. I'd put on a silencer, but I'll be hooking up my external airline again after swapping tanks.

I was strongly considering this pump or the ADV 9.0 in my next build. But it will be an in cabinet pump so then started leaning back towards the SDC 9.0 to eliminate that 60 cycle hum.

What would you think of putting that ADV 10.0 in a cabinet in your den. Assume good sound isolation - pad under, silicon tube between pump/piping and a well built cabinet?

 

[Wyvern]

I was strongly considering this pump or the ADV 9.0 in my next build. But it will be an in cabinet pump so then started leaning back towards the SDC 9.0 to eliminate that 60 cycle hum.

What would you think of putting that ADV 10.0 in a cabinet in your den. Assume good sound isolation - pad under, silicon tube between pump/piping and a well built cabinet?

Depends on your ability to hear. 60Hz is audible to pretty much everyone but to me it eventually becomes white noise.

DC pumps are high frequency and while quieter, the sound is distinct and not always consistent, so may actually be perceived as more annoying than a 60Hz hum.

For me I always hear both, even highly isolated, but I find AC blends in with ambient sounds better.

 

[Breadman03]

I was strongly considering this pump or the ADV 9.0 in my next build. But it will be an in cabinet pump so then started leaning back towards the SDC 9.0 to eliminate that 60 cycle hum.

What would you think of putting that ADV 10.0 in a cabinet in your den. Assume good sound isolation - pad under, silicon tube between pump/piping and a well built cabinet?

Yep, without a doubt.