Return Pump Question

PaulKreider · Jan 5, 2015

Trying to figure out what sized return pump I'm going to need for my new 120gallon tank. It will be a bean animal overflow with a 1inch main syphon.
The overhead height will be about 5 feet.

Not sure what GPH I should look for in a return pump, if anyone has any recommendations let me know. I was thinking a mag12 would be enough but I'm unsure.

reefndude · Jan 5, 2015

I would think mag 12 would plenty.

I use a dc pump (jaebo dc9000) on a 125.
Great thing about dc pump is you can adjust flow.
I run mine at 50%

redfishbluefish · Jan 5, 2015

The MAG pumps are workhorses....but also energy hogs and put considerable heat into your tank. With DC pump technology, I'd have to agree with a Jaebo or similar DC pump. The MAG 12 draws 110 watts while the DC9000 (2378 gph) full on draws 70.....so cranked back to 50%, around 35-40 watts. Note the DC 6000, rated at 1585 gph, draws 40 watts

PaulKreider · Jan 5, 2015

I didn't even consider those but I think that's going to be the better option by far!

PaulKreider · Jan 5, 2015

What would be the better size, the 6000 or 9000?

reefndude · Jan 5, 2015

6000 should get jobb done

JMSKI333 · Jan 5, 2015

+1 on DC pump

redfishbluefish · Jan 6, 2015

For the couple extra bucks, I'd go with the 9000 and dial it back. I don't like running DC pumps at close to 100%, so get the 9000 and dial it back. And who knows, you might want to add a manifold and now you'll have more than enough flow.

PaulKreider · Jan 8, 2015

Does anyone run a 9000? Trying to figure out what size the return pipe should be, it doesn't really specify on amazon or ebay.

hart24601 · Jan 8, 2015

I put a Sicce 3.0 pump on my new 120. I don't really desire the DC pumps yet, I don't need the extra fuss on a return pump like another controller to mount and I want a super reliable pump being the return. 700gph, around 500gph, maybe a bit more with head loss, right where I want it for a 120 with maybe 140g total system volume. I like a flow around 3-5x through the sump, give the gfo and skimmer plenty of time to process the water.

PaulKreider · Jan 8, 2015

Well my drain is going to be running about 1200-1400 gph down into the sump and then I plan on running my reactors via a tee off of the return pump, so I think the 9000 will be the right option. The biggest bonus I saw with the DC pumps is the ability to control my waterflow along with nearly half the power consumption of an AC pump.

Honestly for $30 more I'm picking DC.

hart24601 · Jan 8, 2015

A perfectly valid choice and I hope it works well for you for years! When there is a bit longer record of their longevity I will start to consider them. It just makes me feel better that the well respected brands of AC pumps have a track record of lasting decades!

Thunderfan · Jan 8, 2015

PaulKreider said:
Well my drain is going to be running about 1200-1400 gph down into the sump and then I plan on running my reactors via a tee off of the return pump, so I think the 9000 will be the right option. The biggest bonus I saw with the DC pumps is the ability to control my waterflow along with nearly half the power consumption of an AC pump.

Honestly for $30 more I'm picking DC.

You probably will want to go with the 12000. I have a 6000 and it is silent but, it is about half of their advertised gph. I wish I would have got the 9000 for my 75. 6000 is fine right now but, if I decide to add things to it I don't think it will be. The great thing about these is you can buy one bigger than you need right now and use to controller to adjust the speed. Mine came with 3 different size barb connectors I think the others do too.

Thunderfan · Jan 8, 2015

azjohnny · Jan 9, 2015

hart24601 said:
I put a Sicce 3.0 pump on my new 120. I don't really desire the DC pumps yet, I don't need the extra fuss on a return pump like another controller to mount and I want a super reliable pump being the return. 700gph, around 500gph, maybe a bit more with head loss, right where I want it for a 120 with maybe 140g total system volume. I like a flow around 3-5x through the sump, give the gfo and skimmer plenty of time to process the water.

Completely agree, I wouldn't trust any of the Chinese DC pumps. If I ever would go with a DC pump it would be Abyzz or Royal Exclusive both around $800. If you do have a Chinese DC pump make sure you have a back up, IMO the return pump is the most important piece of equipment you can have especially if you have $1000s invested in corals and fish