Pump Recomendations

[Toxik]

I've been trying to set up a 90 gal tank for the last 2 years or so and at the point of needing to buy an internal return pump. The reason for an internal pump is that I want the aquarium to be as quiet as possible. I won't be using the snapper that I bought because it is too loud for my liking. Does anyone have a sugestion for brand and size? I was leaning towards an Eheim or Quiet One.
Thanks
Dave

[Aquattro]

I used a MAG 12 for years, I was very happy with it. In fact, its now stirring my make up water in a 20g pail right behind me, I can hardly tell it's running.

[Oxymoron]

I have a 90 gal too bud and will be upgrading to the eheim 1260
http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/em-pun2400/Eheim+Universal+1260+Water+Pump.html
I have a display in the living room and need it as quiet as possible and have picked this one after doing alot of research and asking various opinions. It is apparently very reliable and extremely quiet. What more do ya need:)
Hope this helps.

[stick]

I have a Quiet one pump, and dont find it all that quiet. Also bought tarpon that was loud to me, but tons of flow.

[Myka]

I have a Poseidon PS3 on my 90, and it is nearly silent.

[msobon]

If you want dead silent Poisedon is the way to go, though they they do run hot, so if you have temp issues the pump is not for you. If flow is the problem (Poseidon 1255 GPH max) you can go internal Mag, or if budget permits Red dragon pump.

[Toxik]

Great feedback guys, thanks. I'm saving up enough money to buy a return pump, skimmer and calcium reactor all at the same time, so when the time comes I might need some input for skimmer and reactor as well.
Dave
Oh ya, is there a distributor for the red dragon and poseidon pumps in the lower mainland?

[PoonTang]

I am running a quietone 5000 in my 90G. Great pump, cant hear it over the noise from the durso and skimmer.

[Myka]

J&L has the Poseidons, not sure who else. Mine is one of, if not thee quietest pumps I have ever been around. Pricey though.

Consider buying a dosing pump instead of a calcium reactor. Seems to be the latest trend. Takes up less space, and less pieces to break or break down. You can save yourself a few bucks and buy a dual doser instead of a triple and manually dose magnesium. I find I rarely have to dose magnesium in my tank (provided I do regular water changes), so I find it a bit pointless in my case. Not sure how much other people need to dose magnesium.

[Toxik]

Thanks Myka, looks like the Poseidons are external pumps though. I was kind of set on an internal pump.

[Pescador]

Have a look at Ocean Runner pumps, I had a few over the years that were reliable and pretty quiet.

[Werbo]

Eheim ... can't beat them.

[Lance]

Eheim ... can't beat them.


Yup. Quiet, and dependable. I really like my 1262 on my 90g.

[e46er]

im not a fan of my quiet one 4000 high head in fact im on the 2nd one in 8 months or so

[RuGlu6]

Eheim ... can't beat them.
x2

[Myka]

Just wondering...why do you want an internal pump?

[Toxik]

If an external pump leaks it's going to go all over the floor. If the internal pump leaks it's all contained in the sump.
The other reason for wanting an internal pump is space in the cabinet. I will be able to fit a caclium reactor inside as well. On my current 29 gal tank, all the equipment is showing and I'm tired of that look. On the 90 gal I want all the lower equipment hidden.

[Myka]

I hear ya. When my 90 gets fully stocked I will probably look into a doser though, not a calcium reactor. Never been a fan of the clutter of a calcium reactor. What size sump you using on your 90? I haven't really decided yet, but hoping to do a 30" to save some space.

[BlueAbyss]

If you find your pump is too loud (or consuming a lot of power), put some back pressure on it... install a valve on the return right after the pump, and reduce the flow a little. Pumps tend to run both quieter and consume less power when run with back pressure, but it may depend on the design of the pump. Just a thought.

[Toxik]

BlueAbyss, I had already tried that. I played around with the 1 1/2" valve and there was no difference in sound from the pump. I think the problem must have been a low quality motor. From what I understand the higher end pumps run pretty quiet (for a higher price though).

[BlueAbyss]

Hmm, I could see that. I'm buying a Quiet One 4000, hopefully it's not too loud.

[Toxik]

Myka, I built an acrylic sump 36x16x16 with a refugium last year. I'm not sure how many gallons it holds as there are different compartments each with different volumes of water but I'm thinking it is somewhere around 30 gallons.
Here is a picture I took today.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=4399&stc=1&d=1242263969
The water inside is fresh water. I wanted to hear how loud the pump was. With the door to the storage room in the basement closed, I can hear the pump running at the top of the stairs.

[Myka]

That's exactly what I want, except 30" long instead! Want to send it to me instead of using it??? :D Thanks for posting!