Return pump decisions

Shooter6 · Feb 28, 2019

Hi i need some input. I recently acquired a 300 gal custom system. Its a 300 gal low iron rimless from miracles in glass. It came with an iwaki return pump. I have a couple of jeabo dcp 20000 pumps that i currently use on my 180 gal. I swap them out as i need to to keep them clean.
Since i have both of these im debating using the iwaki ac pump or using the dcp since it runs silent and uses very little power. What would you do and why?

Potatohead · Feb 28, 2019

I would use the Iwaki because you can plug it in and not touch it again for five years, maybe more.

jda · Feb 28, 2019

How much head are we talking about? Like stand to tank, or basement to tank?

ca1ore · Feb 28, 2019

That's the key: how much back pressure. DC pumps quickly lose their energy advantage as the back pressure climbs.

Shooter6 · Feb 28, 2019

jda said:
How much head are we talking about? Like stand to tank, or basement to tank?

Stand 3 ft tank 2ft total of 5ft. Head pressure isnt a concern on this build. My issue is staying with dc pump or going back to ac. I have both. The dc is silent, not sure about the iwaki though. I believe both are rated at 20000 liters per hr.

joec · Feb 28, 2019

As long as you have both, you might as well go with the most quiet one first IMO

jda · Feb 28, 2019

Iwaki will not be silent, but I have never found them to be loud either. It will be more wattage. The tradeoff is that you will not have to worry about it not running.

I would not choose either of these pumps for a 5 foot head return pump, but given the choices, I would use the Iwaki because there is not much more important than a reliable return pump.

Shooter6 · Feb 28, 2019

I currently run my 180 display with the dcp20000 and am impressed with it. On the new build i plan to have a closed loop system running along side the refugeum/skimmer return pump so if the return did go down only thing that wouldnt be still in the loop is the heater. Being in central tx that is not such a major concern though. I was actually considering running both of the dcp pumps i have just incase one were to go down the secondary would keep water circulating through the sump to the display.