Return pump brand insight for new 220

[Myka]

Since you didn't post a budget, I'll go all in and say the Abyzz will be top choice with a 10 year warranty. I'm assuming you do not want to spend over $2000 on a return pump though, so I digress...

For DC, I vote for the Ecotech Vectra. Provided you're not wanting to run a UV sterilizer on your return line, or a manifold, or any type of reactor. The Vectra doesn't handle pressure well, so it's best used in straight-run situations. These are handy if you want wireless control and connectivity with Ecotech or Neptune products. This pump will be over $600. Reliable? Not sure, they haven't been out for long.

For AC pump, I also vote for Sicce for the size range required. They are adjustable in the sense that there is a built-in valve on the intake basket to control flow. The pump itself is not controllable. These pumps are silent and reliable.

Assuming your sump will hold around 30 gallons of water which will offset the displacement of the rock in the tank, assuming you're going to have about 5 feet of head pressure, assuming it will be a dedicated return line (no manifolds, reactors, etc), then I would suggest the Sicce Synchra 5.0. The 5.0 will barely have you covered though, you'll probably be looking at about 4x turnover through the sump with that pump wide open. That would be my preference - I don't like choking pumps back. The next step up is the 10.0 and that's going to give you close to 10x flow through the sump wide open which is much more than I would want so it would need to be choked back, plus the 10.0 has a bit of a hum - it's a pretty big pump. There's a 50% price jump between the two as well if that's a consideration. This pump will be under $300.

[whatcaneyedo]

Originally Posted by FishyFishy!

I get that you may love them. I do to. However if you actually look at the list of wants he posted, the reeflo's would literally only fill one of those needs. Reliability. Sorry, but they are not quiet, efficient or have variable settings.

- extremely quiet
- reliable
- effiecent
- variable settings would be nice

Agree to disagree. Opinions are like A-holes; everyone's got one. On my +300gal system the Reeflos are quieter than the skimmer, cooling fan and exhaust fan so the amount of sound they produce is negligible.

Reeflo Dart 3600gph Maximum Wattage: 105w/0.8 amps
Jebao DCS 12000 MAX 3000 gallons per hour at 80W?

Do tell me more about how super efficient these DC pumps are! LMFAO

These DC pumps have only been popular in the aquarium industry for a few short years. One of my reeflos has been running for over a decade. I bought it used, for $100. I won't put my trust and the lives of my captives in a tech that hasn't stood the test of time.

Shaft driven external equals no heat transfer.

[blacknife]

I just had my waveline 6000 conk out recently. The pump may still be good but the power supply or controller is pooched. Bought when they were new.. 5 years are so.. prety sure these turned into the jaboo pumps. But the replacement price? Nice and cheap. Probably gonna buy a second for backup though.

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[Dez]

Black knife, I run waveline pumps and I was able to order other power supplies when mine pooched off of a Chinese electronic site. It was something like $15 free shipping. I just wired it up and she was good to go again. I just ordered a power supply that matched the specs. Dx.com is the site. You can order a $0.99 item on there and it’s still free shipping. I always have a backup pump, so I installed a my backup pump and waited for my new power supply to come in and tested it and now I still have a backup.

[Galizio]

Not familiar with external pumps , but definitely avoid dc pump... you going to replace in a couple of years


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[Myka]

Originally Posted by SharkBait48

Looking for return pump for my new 220 gallon!

One more thing to note...

What type of drain are you going to be using? Any of the siphon-style drains that utilize a gate valve (Herbie, Bean Animal, etc) perform better with an AC pump rather than DC since the output on DC has a tendency to vary slightly during the day which messes up the adjustment of the water level. You will get a consistent output from an AC pump. Some people don't seem to experience this issue - I've seen it myself, a lot. I no longer use DC pumps for returns on siphon-style drains.

[SharkBait48]

Guys thanks for the ton of responses

This forum is awesome.

It almost looks like AC pumps are outdated and most companies are not putting money into them anymore.

DC could be a risk but I think I may be leaning towards that side of the fence.

Jabeo, ecotech, reef octopus, and the new core look pretty great.

[smokinreefer]

I wouldn't say AC is outdated;
More like tested old technology.

While the tech may not change, it still has its place.
For example I need an AC return pump because DC cannot handle the pressure of my system.

And that's a blanket statement, there might be a DC option for me but if I recall correctly, that option would also cost thousands more.

[dino]

once again I had a dc pump die in my freshwater . granted its a cheapy but I have had a marineland AC in my salt for 5 years no issues at all. hell I barely clean it

[mark]

Had a Dart as a CL pump so directly below tank. Quiet but far from silent, still okay for the living room with the TV on.

I still have a brand new, unused Blueline T4 kicking around for sale. Never ran it but everything I read on it said really quiet.