Looking for suggestions for submersible return pump

[Tuffloud1]

Looking for suggestions on submersible return pumps and what size pipe.

Display is 262 gallons

Modular Marine Overflow with 3 - 1.5" drains (1 emergency).

90 gallon sump

I want to run 2 return pumps so I'm looking for suggestions on which submersible ones you recommend as well as what size return bulkheads I should have my sump drilled for.


Thanks

 

[EmdeReef]

How much are you looking to spend? There are probably too many pumps to list but some quality stuff to look at:

- red dragon & abyzz (most expensive but also Last a long time)

- Varios
- Sicce

- maxspect makes a 2 in 1 return pump

If you want cheaper stuff look at Jebao; their larger models especially have a good track record. You can probably order several for the cost of 1 of certain brands in case it breaks down.

 

[Tuffloud1]

How much are you looking to spend? There are probably too many pumps to list but some quality stuff to look at:

- red dragon & abyzz (most expensive but also Last a long time)

- Varios
- Sicce

- maxspect makes a 2 in 1 return pump

If you want cheaper stuff look at Jebao; their larger models especially have a good track record. You can probably order several for the cost of 1 of certain brands in case it breaks down.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm trying to figure out what size pipe I should use if I'm running 2 return pumps.

I am going to having Synergy Reef build me a 60 inch sump and need to tell them what size holes to drill above the return section.

 

[Beardo]

Do you plan to tie the 2 pumps into a common header or will they run completely independent?
A reliable, relatively inexpensive sumbersible pump is the Fluval SP series. I switched for a Vectra to a Fluval SP 6 due to issues with the Vectra and couldn't be happier. My tank is 270g and I use a 2 inch return. With dual pumps the Fluval SP 4s would be a good choice with a valve on the discharge to throttle as necessary. I personally would run a 1 1/2" return off each and if you are combining into a common header then make the common header 2".

 

[Tuffloud1]

Do you plan to tie the 2 pumps into a common header or will they run completely independent?
A reliable, relatively inexpensive sumbersible pump is the Fluval SP series. I switched for a Vectra to a Fluval SP 6 due to issues with the Vectra and couldn't be happier. My tank is 270g and I use a 2 inch return. With dual pumps the Fluval SP 4s would be a good choice with a valve on the discharge to throttle as necessary. I personally would run a 1 1/2" return off each and if you are combining into a common header then make the common header 2".

Thanks for the response.

Do you have any pictures of the common header setup? I'm trying to picture how I would do this.

 

[S2G]

I just bought a skimz leopard for like 3/4 off from brs. I have a quiet one and several fluval sp's. The skimz is a beast but my sp's have been running strong for yrs.

 

[reefproaquatics]

ecotech vectra L2

 

[Tuffloud1]

Honestly, I’ve been running a Jecod DCT-8000 on my 90 gallon for over 5 years with 0 issues.

Wondering if maybe just do 2 of these for my new 262 gallon tank. For the price, seems way cheaper.

 

[Beardo]

Thanks for the response.

Do you have any pictures of the common header setup? I'm trying to picture how I would do this.

I do not, I run a single pump but is easy enough to do. Just take the (2) 1 1/2" discharges and combine with a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 2" wye coupling then you would have a 2" header to your return(s).

 

[SneakyTortuga]

Honestly, I’ve been running a Jecod DCT-8000 on my 90 gallon for over 5 years with 0 issues.

Wondering if maybe just do 2 of these. For the price, seems way cheaper.

I’ve been running a dcha for 2.5 years without a song issue. At $60-80 how do can you beat it?

 

[Tuffloud1]

I do not, I run a single pump but is easy enough to do. Just take the (2) 1 1/2" discharges and combine with a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 2" wye coupling then you would have a 2" header to your return(s).

The issue with combining is that if 1 pump fails, the pump still operating will pump back into the return section of the sump through the failed pump.

I think I like the idea of keeping the plumbing for each return pump separate.

I don’t plan on making a “manifold”for the return line anyway because I don’t like the idea of running reactors off return pumps. It makes the water level in the return section too unstable when reactors get clogged, slow down, etc.

 

[Beardo]

The issue with combining is that if 1 pump fails, the pump still operating will pump back into the return section of the sump through the failed pump.

I think I like the idea of keeping the plumbing for each return pump separate.

I don’t plan on making a “manifold”for the return line anyway because I don’t like the idea of running reactors off return pumps. It makes the water level in the return section too unstable when reactors get clogged, slow down, etc.

You are correct, you would need check valves at the discharge of each pump to prevent that and that adds cost and complexity. I only have a single return so a different configuration.

I used to run a manifold off the dischrage of my return for reactors and such but ended up scrapping it as I did away with reactors. Never experienced the issue with the unstable water level though.

Sounds like a nice build.

 

[mfinn]

I usually just research pump brands and pick one that is dependable, instead of thinking no matter what you get is going to fail.
Of the reliable brands, look at Fluval, Eheim, Sicce, and Vectra.
Hard to find fault with any of these.

 

[mfinn]

Oh and I forgot, VarioS pumps are pretty awesome too.