Need advice for a return pump

Eizzle · Nov 29, 2011

So I haves 90 gallon tank, aproximately a 27-30 gallon sump. I plan on keeping LPS and softies. I have read that a turn over rate of about 10 times an hour is ideal, but is that much flow really needed? What would you guys suggest? My plumbing height will be about 4 1/2'. Thanks for the help.

-Logzor · Nov 29, 2011

An Ehiem 1260 would be a good match. Actually, I think I still use this pump on my 150g.

So, anything comparable to the power of the 1260 would be fine.

I am very happy with the Ehiem pump, although it hums a bit louder than I like. Another good option is Tunze, they're suppose to have a super-silent return pump.

I would personally avoid any of the cheap-o pumps or mag drive pumps.

I've heard decent things about the water blaster pumps, I run the bubble blaster version on my skimmer with great success.

Remember, the return pump is the heart of your aquarium, buy a high-quality reliable return pump and it should last you a good 5+ years.

I would even be comfortable with buying a old Ehiem, given their reliability. I've never heard a single account of one failing.

Eizzle · Nov 30, 2011

I figured I would have to have a lot more flow than that? Well that will save me some cash, I figured I would need something bigger.

bui · Nov 30, 2011

I would recommend a small return pump and a powerhead. Powerhead give you more flow with less electric cost. Well unless you trying to go with a clean setup where you dont see any powerhead in your tank then I would recommend a reeflo dart for your tank size.

Eizzle · Nov 30, 2011

Double post

Eizzle · Nov 30, 2011

Actually, I was planning on two power heads, probably maxi jet 1200's. Is that going to be to much flow?

boehm742 · Nov 30, 2011

Maybe a mag 7 or 9. Then either a cpl korilas or a couple maxisjets. Thatd be my way of doing it.

Teeb · Nov 30, 2011

Eheim's are great pumps, but don't work well if you plan to run externally. I had to do way too much siliconing on my brand new 1262 to stop leaks and salt creep. I'm a big believer in powerful return pumps, but my filtration is filter socks/skimmer/BP. The quick turnover moves more crap through the sock and the skimmer/BP are only getting a set flow not matter what the flow through the sump is. Powerheads are still necessary though.

Sicce pump are great as well, they'll be pushing my next setup.

FMF0331 · Nov 30, 2011

I'm looking for a pump mysel,f leaning towards the sicce 3.0 pump. Did a search on youtube - and found a big difference in the noise dept, between mag drive pumps and the sicce pump.

LILBUDDHA · Nov 30, 2011

I like Eheim but it's not silent . It does have a hum . The sicce is quiet but not silent . The Eheim has way more flow . I got rid of the Sicce went with Eheim and it is my return pump of choice. Imho 3 2 5 times turn over is enough . Internal flow in the tank is another story . . . I try to give the skimmer as much contact time as possible.

TChristman1 · Nov 30, 2011

I don't feel that the return pump should be looked to for the supply the water flow in the tank. Powerheads (Vortechs are the best in my opinion) should supply the majority of the flow in the tank. I use an energy efficient Water Blaster 5000 for my return on 400+ gallon tank. I want slower flow through my sump so the skimmer and fuge can do there job. Take a look at the Water Blaster pumps. They are very energy efficient, quiet and powerful.

Eizzle · Dec 1, 2011

Ok, thanks for the help guys, I'll look into the different pumps mentioned, I've got some time before I need it so I can do some research. Thanks again!