Return pump advice.

[JessenD]

Hey R2R I need some of your help and opinion. I’m looking to upgrade my return pump the one I have is an older Rio+ from my old system . I’m not looking for anything insane, I’ve been looking at the jeabo 3000 pump I know the rule of thumb is 2x to 4x tank recycle rate. What’s your opinion.

my system is a RS 250 (54gal) main
17 gal sump

 

[GoVols]

I'd pay more and buy the Reef Octopus VaroS-2

Check out the reviews

VarioS-2 Controllable DC Pump (792 GPH)

Reef Octopus VarioS DC pumps give you enhanced performance and precise control of flow through your aquarium's reactors, sump, or closed-loop system. With complete control through the VarioS Controller, you can control the flow of the pump, enter feed modes (15 or 60 minutes), add a safety float...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Marine Depot has 8 in stock

CW-100 External Algae Scrubber (OPEN BOX)

Solve your nutrient & algae issues with an Algae Turf Scrubber from Clear Water Scrubbers. Algae scrubbers can save you money and time with the minimal maintenance and energy usage. Dimensions - 13 3/4" L x 9" W x 9 1/4" H Easy to harvest Safe design Simple to plumb Quality acrylic...

www.marinedepot.com

My good friend ran one on his Reefer 250 and he loved that return pump.

Just tossing it on the table.

 

[Fishurama]

I always recommend these. Aquastation silent swirl. They have some good reviews on R2R and a ton of great reviews on Amazon. They are literally quite and make no noise. Extremely powerful, allow for 16.5 feet of head pressure, so if you have a lot of piping, no worries, the only con seems to be with these is the controller seems to die before the pump. Mines been going over 2 years now. I use the 12000L(3100+gph) and it's only a little over 100 bucks... That pump is way to big for you, they do have smaller sizes, but IMO it's always good to oversize so the pump works less hard and if you ever upgrade you already have a return pump.

aquastation silent swirl

 

[Mhart032]

Its worth it to get a good solid pump, its the lifeblood of the tank. For my Reefer 450XL i went with a Abyzz, but I don't suggest that, just using it as an example of how important the return is for me to spend that kind of money on it. I also look to the future when it comes to equipment, upgrades are inevitable in this hobby, as well as using the return for more flow in the display. I like to think of the returns as a powerhead solution as well, less powerheads to buy so there is a savings that can be put towards the return its self. so i always go way bigger. The Varios is a great option and very much a better pump than the Jeabo series. I am liking the new sicce SDC pumps. they move a ton of water and have a very attractive pricetag of just a couple bucks more for double the flow if necessary.

that's just the way i look at it.

 

[PatW]

As for your pump size, I have a powerful return pump and I had it stepped down to about a 4 times flow. But one day, I decided to open it up to full bore which is about 12 times. I like the over the top level better. With my filter socks, I can fool around and stir thins up in the tank and everything is filtered out fast. I think my current loving SPS like the extra flow dimension, the return is at an angle to my powerheads. It is just a thought.

Like some others, I would recommend getting a quality pump for your return. The jeboa pumps have a reputation of conking out after awhile. For powerheads, that is not so bad because you probably have more than one. But the return pump is a pretty critical component.

Also, it is a good idea to have a good utility pump That can serve as a stand in return pump if something goes wrong.

 

[dadnjesse]

You can't beat the reliability of a Eheim pump.

 

[ReefLab]

Just throwing it out there that I have a reef octopus varios 8 and 6 for my 425xl and I love it. Absolutely silent and easy to clean.

varios 4 would likely suffice for your tank, overpowered in case you want to run a manifold in the future

 

[JessenD]

Thanks for the info everyone. I tend to agree on the “do it but right the first time” opinion!but in some cases there a great option at a decent price.it sounds like the reef octopus might be that’s option.