I run a Mag 950 never had any issues with it in 18 months runs quiet and while it does run a little hot I take that as a bonus saves my heaters from over working themselves

Thanks for bringing this up, at least I have better use of this hummmm maker. Why didn't I thought about that? Dang! :lol:

I run a Jebao DCT 12000 at 100% on my 300 gal. Its been running since November with no issues. Super quiet and 85 watts at 100%. You could probably get away with running 60-70% and save some power too.

why didn't I think of this???

Hey Skimmin, for my 165g (+55g sump) build, do you think I will need the DCT12000, or is that overkill? Maybe I can get away with one model down?

i have 2 running and with the door on my stand i cant hear them over my light fans so it doesnt really bother me.
I have 1 that has the seal leaking but its 5 years old and seals are wear and tear items so its not an issue in the big picture. I also have the entire bottom of my stand lined with like 1/8 inch thick rubber and an alarm that lets me know when there is water in it. ($10 at any heating or plumbing company.) I hear you on the flooring tho I just laid all new flooring last year and would not want to do it again anytime soon.
I went through 3 different mag pumps and a couple impeller shafts in 2 years so i decided Id try the external pump route, and run reactors off the return pump and Id need some serious convincing to go back to submersible pumps.

Venotec Abyzz a200. Dead silent.

A bit out of my budget... Looks perty tho

Brian, IMO overkill is good. Always better to have too much than too little. Plus you can always dial it down and/or tee off for reactors, chiller, etc.