Water Change / Back up Return Pump Recommendations

[esther]

I've been trying to find (unsuccessfully) a pump that we can use for water changes as well as a backup return pump for our tank on Amazon. Trying to get one that's inexpensive as well as sooner rather than later. Can you guys help recommend any that worked for you? Biggest issue I'm finding is that pumps on Amazon that aren't name brand are showing up with metal screws and are a potential rust problem.

Looking for recommendations on stuff you guys are actually using. Thanks in advance!

 

[cmoore806]

I use a sicce 1.0 for water changes. Not sure what your return pump needs are, but as for moving water this works fine for water changes. In my case it is also the same size as my return pump.

 

[esther]

I use a sicce 1.0 for water changes. Not sure what your return pump needs are, but as for moving water this works fine for water changes. In my case it is also the same size as my return pump.

Thanks for the rec. We currently move about 2k GPH, so I'm thinking as a backup, I can get away with 1k GPH. We have a 220g system. I'll take a look at the bigger Sicce, but I'm looking for something sub $100 (if it's possible).

 

[mike550]

@esther I have a Lifegard Aquatics Quiet One pump that I use for water changes and as a backup for my return. Another interesting pump the Sicce Ultra Zero that I'm looking at for water changes. The Ultra Zero reminds me more of a traditional backup pump that can draw water down to 2mm. Good luck on your search!

 

[cmoore806]

Thanks for the rec. We currently move about 2k GPH, so I'm thinking as a backup, I can get away with 1k GPH. We have a 220g system. I'll take a look at the bigger Sicce, but I'm looking for something sub $100 (if it's possible).

I ended up replacing my return pump prematurely while everything working fine and just keeping the old return pump to use for the water changes...it gave me an excuse to upgrade

 

[vangvace]

I replaced my return pump and keep the original as a spare as well.

For mater mixing and whatnot I use magdrive 5 or 7 pumps. The pond model's difference is a longer power cord.