Need a return pump recommendation.

[Loggerhead]

I am upgrading tanks from a 90 gallon reef to a 150 gallon tall reef. New tank is 48” wide, same as the 90 gallon. Flow inside of the tank will be controlled via an MP40 and a Icecap gyre 3k so the return pump will be for sump turnover and not be relied upon for circulation in the display itself.

The return pump will have approximately a 3’ horizontal run and a 6’ vertical run with three 90 degree elbows. The pump will supply the water to a manifold I designed for this build and run an older model reef octopus BRH-MF-100 biopellet reactor, an aquatraviolet 25watt UV sterilizer and a BRS reactor running carbon. Manifold

The biopellet reactor is currently run by a sicce syncra 3.0 dialed about half back so roughly 350 gph. The carbon is currently run off of a mj1200 which is rated at 285 gph and the UV is inline with my return pump so about 500 gph. Drain line is a 1” Durso so it can handle up to 600 gph. I will not have the UV inline anymore so current gph draw is 1735 without taking into account head loss so the pump will likely need to be rated higher. I also need a submersible pump as I don't want to drill into my sump and cause another possible leak point due to where the tank is located. I’m considering the Vectra or Varios lines but am open to suggestions. My current tank has a mag7 running it and I am not opposed to an AC pump, but want something more silent if possible.

 

[PYRU]

Personally I like my fluval sp. I've had jebao dc but this fluval is suppose to be bulletprood

 

[Loggerhead]

How is the noise level on the fluval? I looked at one online but it was too big for the return chamber on the sump I had. I replaced the sump with a trigger systems with a bigger return area so it will fit.

Also adding that the reactors/UV are controlled individually with ball valves and there is a gate valve to control flow into the display.

 

[PYRU]

How is the noise level on the fluval? I looked at one online but it was too big for the return chamber on the sump I had. I replaced the sump with a trigger systems with a bigger return area so it will fit.

Also adding that the reactors/UV are controlled individually with ball valves and there is a gate valve to control flow into the display.

It's super quiet. Energy consumption isn't bad either. It was recommended to me on here and I'm very pleased. Price is extremely reasonable for what you get. I like my quiet one pump as well. It's been a very dependable workhorse a little bit of an energy eater but not bad especially considering how old it is.

I've used jebao dc's for awhile as well without any issues except head height pumping from the garage to main floor.

 

[Loggerhead]

I can get a simplicity local, which is a rebranded Jebao, but I think I want to stay away from them. Since I am running everything off of one pump I’m looking for a longer track record of reliability. I am considering grabbing the simplicity 2100 as a back up due to it only being $135 and it would be an emergency pump. My main concern besides reliability is noise. The tank is in the family room and the skimmer is actually louder than I want it to be. It has an internal pump and won’t be run off the return though.

 

[PYRU]

I put the fluval on a filter pad jic. Its very quiet though. I don't mind water sounds but mechanical noise gets on my nerves. I have a loud powerhead in a mixing bin that's about to be put out to pasture. I wouldn't hesitate to put the jebao, quiet one, or fluval in my bedroom while I sleep. Jebao has a slight hum but not bad.

Maybe some people will chime in on the vectra and varios

@Loggerhead how is the icecap 3k doing?

 

[mtraylor]

I recently switched to the vetra line and really like it. I would get a vectra l2

 

[Vahanyos]

I highly recommend the eFlux return pumps by Current. I didn't have the best experience when trying to use their LOOP system with the lights, however, if you are just using the return pump it has it's own separate controller and works like a charm. It's super quiet and packs a big punch. I use the 1050gph one on my 42g and it's dialed all the way up. I believe their middle pump can handle what you need if not the middle one than their stronger one will definitely handle it. I use a Durso overflow too.

For what it's worth, I used their return pump for almost 2 years without cleaning it and it still ran really well. Best part of it all, it's sooooo quiet you can't even hear it on.

 

[Vahanyos]

Oh, and I still haven't cleaned it and don't plan to lol. Very good quality, feels nice and sturdy.

 

[Loggerhead]

Haven’t hooked up the icecap yet. Still gathering everything for the upgrade. I currently run an MP40 and an MP10 on the 90 gallon. The 10 won’t work with the thicker glass though.

 

[Snoopy 67]

My Fluval was silent too.

 

[Potatohead]

Straight up AC pump IMO, probably something rated about 1000 gph. Sicce, Eheim, Tunze or Fluval SP series. Most reliable options.

 

[EricGRIT09]

My Waveline DC6000 just starting acting up on me last week (when at 100% it would randomly reduce to 80% and kick into feed mode) so I'm assuming driver failure - something I didn't want to worry about with future DC pumps for something so critical as the return. So I did some research and decided on a Fluval SP4 (this is on a 180, you could use an SP2) and I've been very happy with it for the week I've had it. Very quiet and powerful; the only time I hear it is if the pump/plumbing is pushing against my sump or something so if you keep it isolated it is extremely quiet for an AC pump (I can't hear it over my Aquamaxx CO-3 skimmer, for example).

The peace of mind I have with an AC pump is what really sold me, though.