Need help to pick a return pump

[sc50964]

The choices are Jebao dcs-9000, dct-8000, Fluval SP6, and Aqua Medic dc 9.1. Please let me know your experience in any of them. Thanks!

 

[sc50964]

Anyone?

 

[reefndude]

I use the jaebo 9000. Been reliable for last couple of years. One before that was also a jaebo. Lasted maybe 4 years.
Used a 125, now on a 250

 

[sc50964]

I use the jaebo 9000. Been reliable for last couple of years. One before that was also a jaebo. Lasted maybe 4 years.
Used a 125, now on a 250

Thanks. Have you been doing any regular cleaning or maintenance on them? Did you consider others & if so, why did you choose it over others?

 

[NikoO]

I run the Jebao DCP 5000, pushes a ton of water. While also being silent. Would highly recommend going for a jebao!

 

[reefndude]

I probably should be but I don't

 

[sc50964]

Thanks guys! Sounds like the quality issue in Jebao’s earlier days have improved.

Any users of Fluval and Aqua Medic users out there that can provide some feedback?

 

[ReeferNoob]

I’ve been running a Fluval SP2 for about a year, no complaints! Quietest piece of equipment in my sump.

 

[rockskimmerflow]

The choices are Jebao dcs-9000, dct-8000, Fluval SP6, and Aqua Medic dc 9.1. Please let me know your experience in any of them. Thanks!

SP6 hands down without a doubt.

The other models you listed aren't even in the same ballpark in terms of build quality and expected longevity. If you care for the SP6 you will get at least 4-5 trouble free years out of it, and likely longer. No controller or power brick to go out on you. Simplicity is absolutely a critical factor for a return pump. For in tank powerheads/circulation flow go DC, there's nothing better for controllability, but for a return pump there's no reason to complicate the most important piece of your aquariums life support system

 

[sc50964]

How about noise level? Pls let me know how those Jebao and Fluval do. Thanks

 

[[Cameron]]

I would pick the Fluval as it is built on a proven design. I don't know much about Jebao though. Guessing Fluval pumps aren't made in Italy any longer.

 

[Radman73]

I run a Fluval SP6 on my 220 and have been extremely happy with it. Only on line for a few months though. 3-year warranty. And yes, still made in Italy. Mine is very quiet but I do use silicone tubing on the outlet to be sure. The return is one of the most, if not the most, important pieces of equipment you get for your tank. If a pump's capacity falls into the range you need, then you don't need to control it. Personally, the warranty is what swayed me. Most other brands, including premium brands, do a 1 year warranty at best. I wanted something reliable and long lasting. Fluval seems to fit the bill for a reasonable price.

 

[MaiReef]

Jebao is silent. I am thinking of the Current one next because of the loop system, but otherwise I would get a Jebao.

 

[LesPaulPlayer]

Fluval SP6. Askoll motor block is outstanding. Efficient, quiet, and proven.

 

[sc50964]

I run a Fluval SP6 on my 220 and have been extremely happy with it. Only on line for a few months though. 3-year warranty. And yes, still made in Italy. Mine is very quiet but I do use silicone tubing on the outlet to be sure. The return is one of the most, if not the most, important pieces of equipment you get for your tank. If a pump's capacity falls into the range you need, then you don't need to control it. Personally, the warranty is what swayed me. Most other brands, including premium brands, do a 1 year warranty at best. I wanted something reliable and long lasting. Fluval seems to fit the bill for a reasonable price.

Thanks for the info. It may make more sense to go with Fluval since it only cost about twice as much but the warranty is 3 times better.

What does the warranty cover? And do they have their own place to service these or do they rely on 3rd party or even just LFS who are reseller of their products?

 

[Radman73]

Thanks for the info. It may make more sense to go with Fluval since it only cost about twice as much but the warranty is 3 times better.

What does the warranty cover? And do they have their own place to service these or do they rely on 3rd party or even just LFS who are reseller of their products?

Straight from the warranty certificate:

Fluval Sea Aquarium Pumps are guaranteed against defects in material or workmanship under normal aquarium usage and service for 3 years. We offer a 3 year guarantee on all non replaceable parts which means that the pump will be repaired or replaced at the manufacturer’s discretion, free of charge, when the complete pump is returned with proof of purchase and postage paid. This warranty does not apply to any pump that has been subjected to misuse, negligence or tampering or commercial use. No liability is assumed with respect to loss or damage to livestock or personal property irrespective of the cause thereof.

 

[sc50964]

Straight from the warranty certificate:

Fluval Sea Aquarium Pumps are guaranteed against defects in material or workmanship under normal aquarium usage and service for 3 years. We offer a 3 year guarantee on all non replaceable parts which means that the pump will be repaired or replaced at the manufacturer’s discretion, free of charge, when the complete pump is returned with proof of purchase and postage paid. This warranty does not apply to any pump that has been subjected to misuse, negligence or tampering or commercial use. No liability is assumed with respect to loss or damage to livestock or personal property irrespective of the cause thereof.

Thanks for looking that up!

 

[ksed]

Fluval is very good with warranty if needed.

 

[sc50964]

Fluval is very good with warranty if needed.

Will they not say the warranty is voided because the pump isn’t regularly maintained/ cleaned or is under abnormal usage? Or are they pretty relaxed on that and those verbiage is just for formality?

 

[rockskimmerflow]

Will they not say the warranty is voided because the pump isn’t regularly maintained/ cleaned or is under abnormal usage? Or are they pretty relaxed on that and those verbiage is just for formality?

If you don't clean your pump and you send it in crusted up with calcium deposits no company is going to warranty that because it died from neglect. Also if a snail gets in the volute housing and chews up the impeller that's on you not them. I wouldn't get all wrapped up in worrying about their warranty though because if the SP6 is working properly from when it's first installed it is extremely unlikely to fail except for user error or lack of maintenance. Only time I'd be watchful would be the first week or so. If it runs like a top then you're probably going to be set for a very long time. I service all my SP series pumps annually with a vinegar soak for the impeller and rotor well. Never had one give me trouble so far and I have at least 10 of them running on various tanks out in the field right now. The SP6 is one of the few submersible return pumps I trust other than the old school eheim 1262 universal hobby pump. Other than those for submersible applications I only use iwaki or pan world returns.