Return pump failure

MrDJeep123 · Aug 23, 2015

I went to clean out my filter sock. Plugged the pump back in and it's a no go. I haven't disassembled it to see if the impeller may have broke, but I may just replace it. I've been thinking of upgrading the pump anyways.
It's a Mag 3, if I recall. So with that, what is a comparable pump ~$100?

twilliard · Aug 23, 2015

If I were you I would open her up and clean it out.
What I have noticed on mags is calcium buildup.
Or a jebao dc pump

dunc101 · Aug 23, 2015

I have had my mag 5 do that a couple of times. I usually soak in vinegar overnight and it seems to work fine the next day after putting it back together. Also, I have an eheim 1262 which has never had that problem for reference and it's been running around 4 and a half years now and I very very rarely clean it (maybe 3 times during that time period) lol. If you upgraded and wanted to do an internal pump that's what I would recommend. It does cost a good bit more than the mags though.

MrDJeep123 · Aug 23, 2015

twilliard said:
If I were you I would open her up and clean it out.
What I have noticed on mags is calcium buildup.
Or a jebao dc pump

I actually just opened it up. I wasn't going to do so, but the notion struck me. There is no build up of anything. I vinegar soaked it last weekend when I installed new sump. For whatever reason, the impeller appeared to come off the guide holes. It works now, but the impeller is off balance if you will. Tried twice to adjust, no luck. I'm sure a new impeller will do the trick. But I'm looking for a quieter pump if possible.

MrDJeep123 · Aug 24, 2015

Bump for pump suggestions.

hybridazn · Aug 24, 2015

So far I really like my jabeo dct-12000. Its very quiet and very efficient. They might be worth taking a look at for you.

jt17 · Aug 24, 2015

I've been running a Jaboe DC1200 for about a year and at first it was very quiet. Now it has become very loud. To the point of it being annoying if the cabinet is open. I think it's on the verge of failure. I chose this pump because it has so much power and I needed to raise my water 13' to go the chiller in the garage. 1-2 years of service is about average for Jaboe.
IMO, it's hard to beat eheim return pumps. Reliable and super quiet. A little more money than the mag but you get what you pay for.

TheEngineer · Aug 24, 2015

I really like the QuietOne pumps. I had nothing but trouble with my mag drive pumps. With a small pump like that, there isn't as much efficiency to gain as if you had a 7 or above.

Harold Green · Aug 24, 2015

I can't recommend a quality pump but I can say that to protect my investment in corals I always keep a backup pump on the shelf for emergencies.

MrDJeep123 · Aug 24, 2015

Harold Green said:
I can't recommend a quality pump but I can say that to protect my investment in corals I always keep a backup pump on the shelf for emergencies.

Certainly something I'm going to do now. I bought a Sycce Syncra last night prior to reading these suggestions. I'm looking at getting an inexpensive backup pump now. Thanks guys very much!

abecker · Aug 24, 2015

I have the Jebao DC-12000 and love it. They also have a 6000 and 9000. They are inexpensive but it has been working well. I like that it comes with a controller so you can dial in the speed of the pump to match your tank. I got mine from aquacave.com and they start out at just under $100.

aslmx · Aug 24, 2015

I'd go back with a mag or eheim. I run jebao power heads but wouldn't trust jebao for a return pump.

Miketc17 · Aug 24, 2015

I know you're looking for a pump in the $100 price range, but I would HIHGLY recommend looking into an ahem. I have the 1262 and it's absolutely silent. I had a mag 9 that I had to get rid off after a few days since the tank is in my room.

Reefrookie220 · Aug 24, 2015

Jaebao all the way, can't beat the price and performance.

Kaba · Aug 24, 2015

I got a waveline DC pump last year and it's been working like a champ. No sound. It stopped once (a few weeks ago) but that was my fault. My doser dumps out right on top of the pump, so there was some nasty buildup inside. 10 minute soak in vinegar, followed by running in a vinegar solution for 30 minutes, and it's back to work.