Eheim 1262 is about as good as it gets for a return pump. I use them EVERYWHERE!

I have experience with the mag9.5 and mag12 and both produce lots of heat and they are nowhere near silent. In a 55g brute, mixing salt, the mag12 will heat the water.

Jebao pumps for me :D pretty quiet, low power take, and controllabillity

Same. In fact, running a 12 in my 180, my heaters never came on. Worked out well, but they are big bulky beasts with some noise.

Eheim 1262 going on its 12th year. Hmmm didn't know you had to clean them.

Eheim pumps run everything (skimmer, ca reactor) on my system for years with no issues so far. Downside is wattage consumed - upside is dead quite, run cool, reliable, great customer service and very durable.

I use an eheim on my smaller tank and a Quietone on my 180. Both are dead quiet, have low heat and low power draw (the quietone is anyways). Highly Recommended. I agree on the Fluval, ended up returning it because I couldn't get it quiet. Not a fan of mags either.

Everytime I'm over you've got your junk exposed so it seems a bit noisy to me. I'm sure with your stand doors closed it's a lot quieter.

Like the others I love the eheim. My mag 12 was pretty quiet, 18 a bit noisier and the 24 makes a serious racket now.

Gonna go with the Jebao DCT12000 for my new build. Reviews seem to be good for its price/performance.

Can't beat Jebao for the price.

With that said, if you need warranty, be prepared to wait.

OMG, remind me never to visit Kien when he has his "junk exposed". :crazyeye::crazyeye::crazyeye::nono::jaw:

having experience with both Royal Exclusiv and Deltec with warranty I can only chuckle at this even tho you're right. I think the only time we hobbyists ever get decent warranty service is with more common, mid-priced goods.