DBR_Reef
Active Member
I have been trying to put together a way of sorting through all the available aquarium return pumps out there. Picking a return pump has always been a bit of a hassle, especially for those new to the hobby, as there are nearly 200 options available. I have made a spreadsheet that contains all pump data, were you can input basic info about your plumbing and tank and receive pump recommendations. The goal of this spreadsheet is to whittle down possible pumps to a manageable few. This is starting as a spreadsheet but may eventually morph into an online app. I did not include pumps under 200 gph or 6 ft of head, as these pumps are often used in reactors or skimmers, and not often as returns (there are also a million of the things). If you feel that any pumps that are still manufactured were left out, please let me know.
But what I need is data, and that is where you (the community) come in. I need data on pump longevity and noise levels- and this is data I can’t just look up. But if we ask enough hobbyist, we should get a good general idea of where different pumps are. Pump longevity is the number of years of service you would expect to get out of the pump from new, on average, with regular maintenance. Noise level is based on the following scale, with all other equipment turned off:
1 Silent: cannot be heard, period (I do not expect any current pump to fall into this category)
2 Very quiet: audible with ear next to pump
3 Audible: audible within a few feet
4 Noisy: audible in the same room
5 Loud: audible in the same house
All you need to do is list pumps YOU have experience with, longevity in years, and the noise level.
For example:
"Danner Mag 9.5", 8, 3
And Thank You!
But what I need is data, and that is where you (the community) come in. I need data on pump longevity and noise levels- and this is data I can’t just look up. But if we ask enough hobbyist, we should get a good general idea of where different pumps are. Pump longevity is the number of years of service you would expect to get out of the pump from new, on average, with regular maintenance. Noise level is based on the following scale, with all other equipment turned off:
1 Silent: cannot be heard, period (I do not expect any current pump to fall into this category)
2 Very quiet: audible with ear next to pump
3 Audible: audible within a few feet
4 Noisy: audible in the same room
5 Loud: audible in the same house
All you need to do is list pumps YOU have experience with, longevity in years, and the noise level.
For example:
"Danner Mag 9.5", 8, 3
And Thank You!
