RETURN PUMP CHOICE
 

I'm just starting to put together the equipment for my new 300gal rr with 100gal sump. I'm just wondering... External or internal? Which way to go? What brand? What is the quietest most energy effecient return pump?

90% of people go internal. For under 1000gph and under $200 go with an Eheim 1262

Over $200 their is a used Red Dragon in the buy and sell right now for $300 which is the Royles Royce of return pumps :)

For 1500 gph I like the Vertex V6 for $419 at JL

I got my Sicce Syncra 3.0 for $80 on amazon. Can't beat that.

Selected Vertex products are on sale this month at J&L, maybe the V6 will be added to the list.

I use a Mag18 for my 180g with 100g sump. Works flawlessly and is quite. Oh yeah I am internal.

I have an Eheim 1262 as werbo recommended and its a great pump. I can barely hear it and my tank is a foot away from where I sit to watch tv

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I've gone through a number of Mag pumps for a whole slew of applications as they are cheap and get the job done... but they are noisy SOBs! As they get older they start to rattle more and no matter how much you try to dampen them there is a constant hum from the tank.

I just put a new Sicce PSK1000 on my skimmer and I keep having to check to see if the thing is still on because it's so quiet. I think my pump allegiance is beginning to change...

From the Sicce on my skimmer I am impressed thus far with Sicce. On some equipment for work (which is in my office next to my bedroom) I have an Eheim 1262 - in general it is pretty quiet but it does have a fairly noticeable hum to it. Granted it's not inside of a tank stand but I can hear the hum from the pump in my bedroom.

I feel so old school. I use a Reeflo Dart for my return and I've got a Hammerhead still in its box ready for my next upgrade. I hate the look of powerheads so I get my flow from the return or closed loop and I prefer external because I have heat issues during the summer. The only issue I have with them is that eventually the drive shaft seals will go so I need to have some spares in a drawer ready for when that happens. It really depends on how much flow you're looking for I guess. If you want under 1000gph anything by Reeflo is likely too big.

Abyzz for the win! Silent, smart, cool under pressure ;) I run mine internally.

I'm running an external Reeflo Barracuda on mine. It's definitely got a bit of a hum but it's in my basement so it's forgivable on that that count. I do have a Jabeo DC6000 on my calcium reactor and like Scubesteve, I've got to get my ear right on it to see if it's still running. Where's your pump going to be in relation to the tank? Is noise an issue over pump capacity? What's the priorities of the pump your looking for?