BiGGiePauls33
YT/GreatBeardedReef and IG/GreatBeardedReef
Looking for something decent on the inexpensive side of things. Setting up a 40 breeder with 20 long sump until after the holidays when I can really start a build I have in mind.
Which inexpensive return pump?
- Thread starter BiGGiePauls33
- Start date
- Tagged users None
JoshH
Tank Status: Wet...ish, growing things....
Reasonably priced AC, a Mag drive would work well for you. DC, Jebao are good for a budget and reef octopus aren't much more either. Mag Drives are pretty much bullet proof and great for other things like mixing salt for when you upgrade down the road.
kchristensen8064
Well-Known Member
I have the exact same setup, I am currently using a mag 7 and it does a pretty good job.
Ron Reefman
Lets Go Snorkeling!
Reef Squad
Excellence Award
Reef Tank 365
Article Contributor
Tampa Bay Reef Keepers
MAC of SW Florida
Check out the DC pumps at Reef Breeders.
https://www.reefbreeders.com/product-category/return_pumps/
The Coral Box brand. They are inexpensive, they have multiple speeds and a feed mode, and they come with a good warranty which Reef Breeders stands behind. And since they are a sponsor and have a sponsor forum here at R2r, it's so easy to ask questions. BTW, Logan at Reef Breeders does terrific customer service. He has helped me with several things that were not warranty issues, but about getting spare parts. He even helped with parts for a Jebao product they stopped selling many months before because Jebao doesn't offer warranties.
https://www.reefbreeders.com/product-category/return_pumps/
The Coral Box brand. They are inexpensive, they have multiple speeds and a feed mode, and they come with a good warranty which Reef Breeders stands behind. And since they are a sponsor and have a sponsor forum here at R2r, it's so easy to ask questions. BTW, Logan at Reef Breeders does terrific customer service. He has helped me with several things that were not warranty issues, but about getting spare parts. He even helped with parts for a Jebao product they stopped selling many months before because Jebao doesn't offer warranties.
Radman73
Valuable Member
Check out an Eheim 1260. Extremely reliable and quiet. Then, if/when you upgrade, you simply change the removable inlet for a ~$15 part and it becomes a 1262. I've had my 1260/1262 running pretty much non-stop for over 5 years now.
AdamNC
Lawnmower Blenny says nom nom
NS Mike D
In the arena.
When I installed my sump I went with a sicce based on a lot of online reviews. What I also liked was their charts to calculate the size to get.
I have no complaints about any of my various pumps but I am glad I went with the sicce on the sump return. I also though the hardware to connect to the plumbing that came with the sicce was better designed and better quality than my other pumps. I am happy with the actual flow, not too much or too little. I didn't have to adjust it with the ball valve in my return line.
I just did a 40B with a 20L sump using glass holes, and those things are loud. If it wasnt in my fish room I'd try the Eshopps. It's a 1.5 drain rated to 700gph. I had to dial back the pump to 400gph just so it didn't sound like a jet plane. I have some Sicce pumps also, and they are nice.
Hey it's the exact setup I'm going to do! Somatic 60 hows it so far? Are you satisfied? Does it hold enough water for black out? Microbubble? Honest pro and cons pls debating to sell or keep right nowIt’s an Eshopps Eclipse S internal with a 1” drain and a 3/4” soft silicone return.
AdamNC
Lawnmower Blenny says nom nom
For an entry level sump, I like it. The skimmer though may be a bit overkill for a 40br imo. I have issues keeping up No3 and Po4 without dosing for them. My return output nozzle is about 1/4" from the surface and when I shut off my return pump it puts the water about 2-3" from the top of the sump, so plenty of room for back fill. Micro bubbles are only an issue after I shut the skimmer off/on for feeding for about 5 mins or so, then after that they clear up. I would however recommend to get the pump basket accessory to help with any micro bubbles, it acts as a baffle setup for this. As a space saving pump which fits perfectly under a 40br, it's worth it imo.
Here's a current pic, sorry no shiny show off cleanup here lol. The skimmer cup was just cleaned 2 days ago.
Thank you so much for the info! I was going to do it on my 20g tank with exact setup. I guess its overkill lolFor an entry level sump, I like it. The skimmer though may be a bit overkill for a 40br imo. I have issues keeping up No3 and Po4 without dosing for them. My return output nozzle is about 1/4" from the surface and when I shut off my return pump it puts the water about 2-3" from the top of the sump, so plenty of room for back fill. Micro bubbles are only an issue after I shut the skimmer off/on for feeding for about 5 mins or so, then after that they clear up. I would however recommend to get the pump basket accessory to help with any micro bubbles, it acts as a baffle setup for this. As a space saving pump which fits perfectly under a 40br, it's worth it imo.
Here's a current pic, sorry no shiny show off cleanup here lol. The skimmer cup was just cleaned 2 days ago.
Did you drill and plumb yourself? Set up looks amazing!
I have siccie 2.0 laying around is it sufficient for return for 4ft height?
AdamNC
Lawnmower Blenny says nom nom
Yes I did the drilling myself. Nerve racking but just take your time and watch a few videos on it it first. I actually have the Sicce on like 2-3 clicks from the lowest setting so yea 4ft is no problems.
