Replace return pump or run with it?

[ps2cho]

so I got a Sicce 2.0 return pump (550gph) for my 50 cube with approx 4.5-5.0 head height.

I think I messed up though because it replaced a 7-year old Aqueon 2300 (608gph)...but I think this Sicce is not handling the head height as well. My returns are definitely putting out a lot less flow.

If my calcs are right it’s only doing 260gph...which translates to 5x turnover.

Only problem is that my Durso setup has the main siphon valve almost fully closed to even make a siphon.

Should I look into getting a different return with more power? What you guys think?

 

[Crabs McJones]

so I got a Sicce 2.0 return pump (550gph) for my 50 cube with approx 4.5-5.0 head height.

I think I messed up though because it replaced a 7-year old Aqueon 2300 (608gph)...but I think this Sicce is not handling the head height as well. My returns are definitely putting out a lot less flow.

If my calcs are right it’s only doing 260gph...which translates to 5x turnover.

Only problem is that my Durso setup has the main siphon valve almost fully closed to even make a siphon.

Should I look into getting a different return with more power? What you guys think?

That's quite a bit of loss. Did you check the pump to make sure it was all the way open, those pumps are flow adjustable. Make sure it's fully opened with the dial on the front of it. If you're still not getting the flow you want you may need to upgrade to the 3.0 which is adjustable from 250-715 gallons per hour.

 

[ps2cho]

I looked back at the Aqueon 2300 and it’s showing 350gph at 5ft head height so 100gph more...I was hoping this pump would do approx the same (with a lot less noise) but it’s a noticeable amount of flow loss.

I’ll check the adjustability but I’m pretty sure I set it to max to begin with

 

[Chris8232]

On my 60 cube is Sincce 5.0 return.

 

[ps2cho]

Makes me wonder whether I should just go DC now since I’m getting close to the price of a Reef Octopus DC pump?

 

[Chris8232]

I run the varioS 8 on my 180. Love the pause button function on it. Was thinking of getting the varioS 6 for the 60. My skimmer for the 180 uses varioS 6 so if I got one for the 60 I'd have a back up for that skimmer. I've only been running the varioS six months or so. Not much time to prove to me durability. Sicce won't quit. 5.0 for return, 3.0 for chiller and reactor Running over a year never skip a beat.

 

[mcarroll]

Makes me wonder whether I should just go DC now since I’m getting close to the price of a Reef Octopus DC pump?

A) 5x is still quite a bit of flow....more that likely you're fine. Anything unique about your sump setup that required a larger pump?
B) Forget about DC pumps and comparing them on price. It's apples to oranges and you lose out a deal like the one you proposed.

 

[ps2cho]

A) 5x is still quite a bit of flow....more that likely you're fine. Anything unique about your sump setup that required a larger pump?
B) Forget about DC pumps and comparing them on price. It's apples to oranges and you lose out a deal like the one you proposed.

I guess I’m just concerned that my siphon valve is closed so much that almost any snail would block it completely and my backup drain would have to handle everything...whereas if I had a higher flow pump I could open up that valve more and small snails would flow through than get stuck.

Am I overthinking this?

 

[mcarroll]

I guess I’m just concerned that my siphon valve is closed so much that almost any snail would block it completely and my backup drain would have to handle everything...whereas if I had a higher flow pump I could open up that valve more and small snails would flow through than get stuck.

Am I overthinking this?

Yes.

Unless I'm mistaken you spent the extra time an effort for that drain system so you wouldn't have to spend time worrying like this.

I run a simple U-tube-style overflow and I don't worry at all. That's because I set it up myself and tested it myself. Seems like you should be at least as comfortable since you have multiple redundant backup systems. (You did test it, right???)

Someone funny once said something like: Worry is a misuse of your imagination.

 

[cilyjr]

I agree with @mcarroll. Its unlikely to have a problem. There are at least 2 drains I'm guessing (2 Bernie, 3 bean)? A 1 inch durso will handle all the flow should the siphon clog. Also there must be some kind of strainer on the siphon? If not maybe spend the 5 to 10 bucks for that rather than a new pump.

The system will be ok with the slightly slower turn over.

 

[ps2cho]

Makes sense...I’ll finish stocking my tank first and then maybe think about a bigger return pump in a few months.

Now Xmas is over I can get a live aquaria order going hoping 4x peppermint shrimp will eliminate the aiptasia that no amount of joes juice or equivalent ever worked well enough.

 

[mfinn]

IMO 5x is plenty. You have a very good pump now. I'd stay with it.

 

[ChrisOFL]

Makes sense...I’ll finish stocking my tank first and then maybe think about a bigger return pump in a few months.

Now Xmas is over I can get a live aquaria order going hoping 4x peppermint shrimp will eliminate the aiptasia that no amount of joes juice or equivalent ever worked well enough.

Make sure you get the ones from the Caribbean, it's my understanding they are more prone to eating aiptasia, at least mine have done good so far.

 

[ps2cho]

Make sure you get the ones from the Caribbean, it's my understanding they are more prone to eating aiptasia, at least mine have done good so far.

Live aquaria description says these species are the aiptasia eating ones, so fingers crossed. Worst case I’ll trade two of them into the LFS if they won’t eat them.

I figure 4x gives me the best odds if a couple don’t have the appetite.

 

[mcarroll]

They're also really good scavengers, so if they AREN'T eating your polyps, then they ARE eating your detritus and leftover food. See how it goes for a while first, but withholding food from the tank for a small period of time may help.