Need an all-purpose pump

[jmatt]

I am preparing to start cycling my Caribsea Liferock, sand and ceramic bio-media in a Brut can and need a small pump to move the water. I dropped in my new Helio 700w heaters last night and they kept throwing a "water flow" alarm (which is good!).

So I'm trying to find something that can be used in other roles going forward. I suppose a pump with a variable speed could provide the most flexibility.

But I also still need a return pump for the sump, too, so if I found a unit with speed variability but was also robust enough for sump duties, that could work too.

I know the COR pumps in conjunction with Apex are variable, but seeing as I have literally nothing set up at this point, Apex feels like a leap.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I like the small Quite One pumps, cheaper and most reliable than the old Cobalt type pumps, they work great.

 

[oldmonk]

Have a look at Maxspect turbine duo pumps. Can be set in multiple ways. But only submerged.

Thanks

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

What do you plan to use it for? I have a bunch of the cheapo ac powered pumps around to move water for pumping out tanks and etc.

Also the cheap 400-800 gph powerheads do good to move water around in the brute for cycling.

I wouldn't invest a ton for just those things, but that's me.

 

[jmatt]

What do you plan to use it for? ...

I wouldn't invest a ton for just those things, but that's me.

Well, that's exactly it... other than the return pump I still need, I'm not sure what other roles this Brut pump might be used for.... but I am trying to anticipate.

I suppose I can just get an inexpensive Sicce or Jebao and not overthink it (like I do with everything).

 

[jmatt]

Say, while I have your attention, should I try to cycle the sand along with the rock?

I'm probably just going with Caribsea arag-alive, but I'm not sure if there's any benefit to it sitting in the bottom of the Brut along with the rock. Of course I would need to make sure the pump isn't blowing it around willy-nilly.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

If your using the aragalive, I wouldn't bother. Leave it in the bags until your ready.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Well, that's exactly it... other than the return pump I still need, I'm not sure what other roles this Brut pump might be used for.... but I am trying to anticipate.

I suppose I can just get an inexpensive Sicce or Jebao and not overthink it (like I do with everything).

Id just toss in a powerhead and go with that.