Best Internal sump pump for 120g

[AlexHamilton]

I am look for a 120g internal sump pump for my 120g reef tank build.
I'm on a tight budget and have been looking online but there are so many mixed reviews.
Does anyone have any experience with some good low cost sump pumps?

[thegrun]

Eheim 1262 but they are on the expensive side. They last forever, low energy useage and run quiet. You usually get what you pay for in this hobby, skimping on a return pump might not be the best place to save money.

[AlexHamilton]

This is one that I have my eye on already. My budget is around 250 for a return pump. So this one fits that perfectly. Just the pump isn't quite as strong as I want. I am looking for something around 1000-1500 GPH.

[Drae]

Originally Posted by AlexHamilton

This is one that I have my eye on already. My budget is around 250 for a return pump. So this one fits that perfectly. Just the pump isn't quite as strong as I want. I am looking for something around 1000-1500 GPH.

Unless your running a chiller and reactors, you won't need anywhere near 1000-1500 gph. 400-650 or so would be perfect. A 1262 would be ideal.

[ClownsRCoo]

Get a mag 12. I just out one on my system for a return pump and to circulate an external refugium and it's a beast.

[tmantaylor18]

Jebao DC pump

[SeedlessOne]

Originally Posted by tmantaylor18

Jebao DC pump

X2

Coming from an owner of a 1262 and DC12000. The Jebao DC12000 rocks and is super quiet.

[DavidinGA]

Eheim

[AlexHamilton]

Hmm looks like I will have to do some research on the ones you all recommend and see which one I like best.

Thanks!

[GroktheCube]

I switched from a 1262 to a Jebao DC pump. It easily powers all of my reactors and pushes more water back to the tank at only 50% power, and uses about 20% of the electricity to do it.

[jener8tionx]

+1 for jebao. I suggest the 12000.

[TimLikesFish]

Eheim 1262

[DavidinGA]

How long are those jebao pumps gonna run til they die tho? A year? Two years?

I have three jebao wp40/wp60 pumps and two have died in a little over a year now... You want that kind of equipment running your primary system pump?

[Funkateer_1]

Waveline dc 6000. Jebaos are junk ime

[Drae]

Originally Posted by Funkateer_1

Waveline dc 6000. Jebaos are junk ime

Same pump. Made in the same Chinese factory.

[Drae]

Originally Posted by DavidinGA

How long are those jebao pumps gonna run til they die tho? A year? Two years?

I have three jebao wp40/wp60 pumps and two have died in a little over a year now... You want that kind of equipment running your primary system pump?

^^^ this!

[GroktheCube]

Originally Posted by Funkateer_1

Waveline dc 6000. Jebaos are junk ime

All of the DC return pumps (no matter what sticker they have on the outside) are made in the same factory. The jebao is no worse than a waveline or reef octopus.

[mark54321]

I run Max-Flo Laguna 1500 for past two years, had Eheim 1262 before. Laguna is stronger and dead silent, which is very important to me. In little over two years so far , never had any problems. Highly recommend it. I know many others run this pump as well.

[AlexHamilton]

I'm just trying to find a strong reliable pump for a decent price. I've had my 120g for several years now but since I'm moving I've decided to start over and do it right.
I'm going to check out all the pumps recommend.
I let everyone know what pump in go with.

I am going to be posting about my build here soon. I'm building a new stand and everything. I'm literally starting all over. So stay tuned. I do very much appreciate everyone's input and would love some through my build.

Thanks everyone!
-Alex

[SeedlessOne]

Originally Posted by Funkateer_1

Waveline dc 6000. Jebaos are junk ime

SMH. Its the same pump...

[slief]

Originally Posted by DavidinGA

How long are those jebao pumps gonna run til they die tho? A year? Two years?

I have three jebao wp40/wp60 pumps and two have died in a little over a year now... You want that kind of equipment running your primary system pump?

Exactly!!! You couldn't pay me to put one of those on any of my tanks in a critical function such as a return pump.

Originally Posted by Funkateer_1

Waveline dc 6000. Jebaos are junk ime

So are the Wavelines. The Waveline's have had NOTHING but issues. Rust issues, power supply (dead) issues. Not just Wavelines or Diablo's but also the Reef Octopus DC pumps, Jeboa's etc. All of them. There are several forum members that replaced more than one Waveline over the course of less than a year. One fails, the replacement fails. Just read the thread in the Premium Aquatics section. Sure there is a new gen Waveline out and it hasn't been out long enough prove it's worth. Those power supply/controller runs so hot, they had to build giant heat sink into it. Funny but my controllable Red Dragon RD3 pump doesn't even get warm to the touch.

Fact is that all of these DC pumps have a history of failing at a very high rate. To me return pump failure where the pump just stops working is not acceptable. There is good reason why in 25 + straight years, I've never hard a return pump failure. It's one are that I don't cut corners and I only use proven components. If you buy one of these cheap Chinese DC electronic pumps with their crappy power supplies, it's going to fail on you.. It's not if but how soon. Not a leaky seal kind of failure but instantly dead pump. If you're lucky you will be there.. If not, your tank will likely be wiped out or if the power supply has a catastrophic failure your house could be burned down.

Yea, I'll bet on history and history has proven all of these DC pumps to be garbage. Like I said, a return pump just stopping dead at the frequency that these pumps do.... Unacceptable. I would pass.

OP,
The one thing you really need to consider is if you are going to run a reactor or any other external devices. I'd think you could run a reactor and still get away with the Eheim. The Eheim 1262 was my first thought. The second one was the Laguna 1500. Both great pumps. The Laguna will provide more power and is slightly quieter. Both are damn quiet. The Laguna is more powerful and the Eheim is more reliable. I've had 1262's go 5 or more years on a calcium reactor without being touched. They are bullet proof but the Laguna is also a VERY good pump. That said, I personally like a lot of turn over in my tanks and usually run 7-10x turnover. As such, I'd lean towards the Laguna Max Flo 1500 for that reason alone. They can be had for about $150 too.

[billdogg]

I use a eheim 1262 on my 120. It runs 2 reactors as well, with no problems at all. If it is anything like the 1260 I have on my other tank, it should last longer than me. The 1260 I got used from the LFS I worked at when they upgraded their goldfish feeder tank. I got that tank too, btw, an Oceanic 120. Both have been in continuous use since I got them, and for at least 10 years before that. I have replaced the impeller on the 1260 once, and clean it maybe once a year if I remember to.


Oh - and I got the used 1260 sometime around 1988, so it is, conservatively, 35 years old now, and just as good now as it was brand new. If the 1262 lasts as long, I will be at least 88 years old before it will need replacing.

[rounder45]

Originally Posted by AlexHamilton

I am look for a 120g internal sump pump for my 120g reef tank build.
I'm on a tight budget and have been looking online but there are so many mixed reviews.
Does anyone have any experience with some good low cost sump pumps?

when all is said and done, ya need roughly 240 to 360 gph through the sump(2-3x system water volume)... a sicce syncra 3.0 should be good depending on plumbng for about 110 bucks. the least expensive pump is Eheim.... nothing can compare in longevity, quiet and consistency... it cost less cause they will last 20+ years. the eheim 1260 will move enough water for your 120. If you add remote sump or frag tank, the 1262 is a better choice.

[dh350twin]

I have a total of 300 gallons. I run a mag 9 and it is way to much pump for a return pump. Just put a mag 7 on and stil had to restrict it. I have always run mag pumps for years and knock on wood never had any issues. Goodluck

[rounder45]

Originally Posted by dh350twin

I have a total of 300 gallons. I run a mag 9 and it is way to much pump for a return pump. Just put a mag 7 on and stil had to restrict it. I have always run mag pumps for years and knock on wood never had any issues. Goodluck

yeah.. the mag pumps are good mojo...