Return Pump for 75 Gallon Display

[TankCandy]

Good morning R2R,

I currently have a Rio 2100 that is rated at 410 GPH that travels 45 inches to the display tank. The pump is about 5 years old and is becoming noisy. Was looking at Hydor - Seltz D750 DC Controllable Pump and the Sicce pumps but see not so good reviews. I have a 75 Gallon display and 20 gallon sump. Also have a limit of $160 I see pumps can get into the thousands. Also width needs to be under 3.5 inches.

What is everyone else using for their sub 100 gallon systems?

 

[BullyBee]

I’m using an ecotech but it’s way out of the price range.

if you can save up for a good controllable sicce or get a varios from reef Octo. It’s just worth it.

 

[rwreef]

I use a Eheim compact +pump 5000 on my 75g with 40g sump

 

[01xp]

I use a current usa 1900 it's 165 on amazonCurrent USA eFlux DC Flow Pump with Flow Control | 1050 GPH, 1900 GPH & 3170 GPH Flow Ranges Available | Ultra Quiet, Submersible or External Installation | Safe for Saltwater & Freshwater Systems

 

[TankCandy]

I’m using an ecotech but it’s way out of the price range.

if you can save up for a good controllable sicce or get a varios from reef Octo. It’s just worth it.

But what makes it worth it? Wifi controller?

 

[R.Weller]

If you have the room in your return chamber, I would split the cost & use dual DC returns. All pumps fail eventually, & redundancy is important. With DC pumps, set them both at 40%. When one fails, you can dial the other up to 90% until a replacement arrives. We’re using Jebao DCP-8000’s for our 300gal display & it works. The pumps are very quiet & w/n your price point.

 

[TankCandy]

I use a current usa 1900 it's 165 on amazonCurrent USA eFlux DC Flow Pump with Flow Control | 1050 GPH, 1900 GPH & 3170 GPH Flow Ranges Available | Ultra Quiet, Submersible or External Installation | Safe for Saltwater & Freshwater Systems

I like the Current USA eFLUX 1050 and the 1900 series.. Seem to have solid reviews.

If you have the room in your return chamber, I would split the cost & use dual DC returns. All pumps fail eventually, & redundancy is important. With DC pumps, set them both at 40%. When one fails, you can dial the other up to 90% until a replacement arrives. We’re using Jebao DCP-8000’s for our 300gal display & it works. The pumps are very quiet & w/n your price point.

Now you have me thinking... I agree things will eventually fail.

 

[nereefpat]

I use a Eheim compact +pump 5000 on my 75g with 40g sump

That's what I would choose. Or the 3000 would be under budget and still be enough flow for a 75 gallon display.

I would not cheap out on a return pump, and I wouldn't go DC, although many people do. The absolute most reliable is an external AC pump, like an Iwaki or Blue line. If I used a submersible, it would be an Eheim.

 

[01xp]

I like the Current USA eFLUX 1050 and the 1900 series.. Seem to have solid reviews.




Now you have me thinking... I agree things will eventually fail.

It also fits your budget

 

[BullyBee]

But what makes it worth it? Wifi controller?

For starters you aren't running the pump at full steam 24/7. You get more out of the pump via the controller. You can add battery back ups to them as well. They require way less power from the wall then say the Fluval SP series. If you move to a 90g or even 110gallon, you don't need to go out and buy a new pump, assuming you went with ecotech or sicce.

But go with what you feel is right. If you really don't wanna spend more than 160, don't. Trust your gut.

 

[BullyBee]

That hydor setz looks like a nice pump

 

[TankCandy]

So now I am torn between 2 models. Current USA eFlux 1050 or a Reef Octopus VarioS-2 792. The reviews scare me on the controllable Hydor pumps. I appreciate all the help!!

 

[rwreef]

So now I am torn between 2 models. Current USA eFlux 1050 or a Reef Octopus VarioS-2 792. The reviews scare me on the controllable Hydor pumps. I appreciate all the help!!

I've always liked the quality of reef octopus.

 

[BullyBee]

I’d go with the varios because the IceCap battery back up definitely works with it.

 

[t5Nitro]

Varios4 on my 75 has been a great pump. Would definitely recommend.

 

[TankCandy]

Do you think i have enough space to squeeze in a Varios4? Varios4 has a width of 3.8". Need to avoid touching the glass so there is no vibration.

 

[t5Nitro]

That's pretty tight space, but I don't think mine personally has any shake to it. I do have it sitting on a silicone pad though. In fact my intake guard is touching an acrylic panel in my sump but doesn't make any noticeable noise. The skimmer and drain are what I notice.

 

[Pistondog]

I like the Current USA eFLUX 1050 and the 1900 series.. Seem to have solid reviews.




Now you have me thinking... I agree things will eventually fail.

Things will fail, that's why you have a spare.
I run that eflux 1050 gph on my 75g, adjustable and quiet. 2.5 years and going.
Small sump, no room for 2 pumps.

 

[Pistondog]

I've always liked the quality of reef octopus.

I had a varios controller failure after 3 weeks, every once in a while it wouldn't power back on. Replaced it, now fine reef octo replaced the defective one, so spare.
Its on my skimmer, love it.

 

[TankCandy]

I had a varios controller failure after 3 weeks, every once in a while it wouldn't power back on. Replaced it, now fine reef octo replaced the defective one, so spare.
Its on my skimmer, love it.

If/when a controller dies, do pumps usually continue to run at the last know setting? Did your pump stop working?