Most reliable quality return pump?

[PhreeByrd]

For internal DC pumps I like Reef Octopus Varios for reliability and price.

I've been looking at using the R.O. VarioS for my next return pump, and found it impossible to find any published information on the motor speed specs (i.e., what speeds are each of the 5 'steps'). It appeared that the Varios 4 would be the one I'd want, but I wanted to verify whether I could dial it in to the right flow rate using the speed controls only, without a throttling valve. I finally emailed the company and asked them for this info for the Varios 4. I received a prompt reply with a table showing max flow rate (gph), power consumption (W), and max head (ft) at each of the 5 steps. At 0' of head, the steps calculate to be 100%, 90%, 80%, 75%, and 70% of max flow rate. I haven't yet calculated what those flow rates should be at my head height, but do these numbers seem to be in line with other models of the VarioS pumps?

BTW, the max head varied from 14.7' at 100% flow (Speed 5) to 9.5' at 70% flow (Speed 1), so yeah, these numbers are important. Can't understand why they aren't easier to get ahold of.

 

[2CC's]

Japanese Iwaki - 8 years without a hitch. Its the backbone of my life support system so dependability is important to me.
The OP specified "I'm looking for absolute quality/function/reliability" - in light of that I sometimes wonder if it says something about reefers tolerance for lackluster reliability of equipment that would qualify a less than 2 year old pump as reliable? Just sayin...

 

[rockskimmerflow]

Japanese Iwaki - 8 years without a hitch. Its the backbone of my life support system so dependability is important to me.
The OP specified "I'm looking for absolute quality/function/reliability" - in light of that I sometimes wonder if it says something about reefers tolerance for lackluster reliability of equipment that would qualify a less than 2 year old pump as reliable? Just sayin...

Agreed. You're of the same mind as me. I do cringe a bit when ppl ask about reliable pumps and I see almost every rec is a DC pump with spotty or no history at all. I have to trust the dozens of pumps I install to run client tanks in the field. Currently zero DC pumps in my fleet. Askoll, iwaki, pan world, eheim universal, and mag drive are the only types I have in operation at the moment. And I can't remember the last time I was called out for a return pump issue... touches wood.

 

[ReefWithCare]

Agreed. You're of the same mind as me. I do cringe a bit when ppl ask about reliable pumps and I see almost every rec is a DC pump with spotty or no history at all. I have to trust the dozens of pumps I install to run client tanks in the field. Currently zero DC pumps in my fleet. Askoll, iwaki, pan world, eheim universal, and mag drive are the only types I have in operation at the moment. And I can't remember the last time I was called out for a return pump issue... touches wood.

It’s because everyone wants a tech toy not a boring pump that lasts forever

I agree though. DC are junk with too many adventures of failure. Get a Italian made askoll pump or external pump and don’t ever worry about it. If you want adjustable just get a gate valve ‍

 

[jda]

Laguna for me. Askoll blocks... decade of operation and pretty low wattage for what they do. Fluval are good too, but they do not move as much water as a Laguna.

 

[rockskimmerflow]

Laguna for me. Askoll blocks... decade of operation and pretty low wattage for what they do. Fluval are good too, but they do not move as much water as a Laguna.

The Lagunas are nice pumps but I'm not sure its fair to say they move more water than the fluvals. Its application dependent of course. As far as Laguna goes the 2900 is the only model that bears a noticeable advantage IMO. Anything less than a 200gal tank and I'd rec an SP4 instead of a 2900 because, although it does have a restrictor ring molded into the throat of the outlet pipe, the SP4 will still move plenty of water. The benefits of it being a slightly better cord for SW, higher grade stainless screws and inserts, and upgraded bearings vs the Laguna models. I love the 2900 but beyond that the fluvals are my go-to askoll pump. The SP6 is an absolute monster when plumbed with 1.5 or 2 inch pipe in terms of raw flow below 9ft of head. The 2900 gains the edge past about 10ft of head pressure.

P.S. I do currently run 2 x 2900 lagunas on my 435 gal growout and have zero powerheads in the system for flow. Two pumps running at about 80 watts each is all I have for flow and they are throttled back a bit before they hit the eductors. I'm planning to do some more in depth testing of SP4 volute modifications to see what can be gained by eliminating the molded in restrictor ring in the outlet pipe throat.