Which return pump and powerbeads should I get for my new tank?

Econ · 10/27/2014, 10:35 AM

Hi folks,

I just took delivery of a new 150gal tank, with its corresponding sump. I know need to purchase (among other things) a return pump and powerheads for the tank. The tank is 60x24x24. I will add a chiller to the tank, a GFO reactor and a water reservoir for auto top-offs.

For powerbeads I'm leaning towards 2 Vortec MP-40's. The thing is that I had no clue as to which return pump should I get. I want something reliable that will make little/zero noise and that will consume as very little electricity as possible. My budget is around 400-500 dollars.

I appreciate in advance any advice you can provide me on this.

Thanks!

Da Maui life · 10/27/2014, 10:49 AM

insufficient information....Think friction loss and static head.

The GPH 'size' of the pump you need depends on the flow rate you want and the actual plumbing you build.

tkeracer619 · 10/27/2014, 09:14 PM

Will the sump be under the tank? The Mp40's are awesome pumps.

Look at the ehiem 1262 for a return. Very reliable.

You want somewhere between 5-10x display volume turned over each hour.

Congrats on the new tank!

andyman · 10/27/2014, 09:56 PM

Iwaki pumps all the way for return. I personally don't like the impeller design of the mp40 (unless they changed it). Either a bunch of mp10 or mp60.

pmrossetti · 10/28/2014, 01:52 AM

Eheim 1262

liven learn · 10/28/2014, 04:33 PM

Sicce return pump

rsaha · 10/29/2014, 03:41 AM

My eheim has been running for over 5 years no issue.

tkeracer619 · 10/29/2014, 03:00 PM

rsaha, I had a 1262 that was unidentifiable. The labeling (painted on) had all worn off, the power cord was dry rotted and falling apart. I believe it was close to 14 years old and still worked when I tossed it. I replaced it with another 1262, no question.

rsaha · 10/29/2014, 04:27 PM

Guess i have another 9 years of trouble free use ahead of me. Good to know:-)

10/27/2014, 10:35 AM	#1
Econ Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 72	Which return pump and powerbeads should I get for my new tank? Hi folks, I just took delivery of a new 150gal tank, with its corresponding sump. I know need to purchase (among other things) a return pump and powerheads for the tank. The tank is 60x24x24. I will add a chiller to the tank, a GFO reactor and a water reservoir for auto top-offs. For powerbeads I'm leaning towards 2 Vortec MP-40's. The thing is that I had no clue as to which return pump should I get. I want something reliable that will make little/zero noise and that will consume as very little electricity as possible. My budget is around 400-500 dollars. I appreciate in advance any advice you can provide me on this. Thanks!

10/27/2014, 10:49 AM	#2
Da Maui life Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 521	insufficient information....Think friction loss and static head. The GPH 'size' of the pump you need depends on the flow rate you want and the actual plumbing you build. __________________ Current Tank Info: 50 G Tall

10/27/2014, 09:14 PM	#3
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Will the sump be under the tank? The Mp40's are awesome pumps. Look at the ehiem 1262 for a return. Very reliable. You want somewhere between 5-10x display volume turned over each hour. Congrats on the new tank! __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

10/29/2014, 03:41 AM	#7
rsaha Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 587	My eheim has been running for over 5 years no issue. __________________ Current Tank: 120G SPS dominated mixed reef, BK Mini 180, 2x250W Phoenix 14K MH/2xT5, 2 x 6105 and 1 6055, Apex, GHL Profilux standalone doser calcium/alk/mag

10/29/2014, 03:00 PM	#8
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	rsaha, I had a 1262 that was unidentifiable. The labeling (painted on) had all worn off, the power cord was dry rotted and falling apart. I believe it was close to 14 years old and still worked when I tossed it. I replaced it with another 1262, no question. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

10/27/2014, 09:56 PM	#4
andyman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,133	Iwaki pumps all the way for return. I personally don't like the impeller design of the mp40 (unless they changed it). Either a bunch of mp10 or mp60.

10/28/2014, 01:52 AM	#5
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	Eheim 1262

10/28/2014, 04:33 PM	#6
liven learn Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 135	Sicce return pump

10/29/2014, 04:27 PM	#9
rsaha Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 587	Guess i have another 9 years of trouble free use ahead of me. Good to know:-) __________________ Current Tank: 120G SPS dominated mixed reef, BK Mini 180, 2x250W Phoenix 14K MH/2xT5, 2 x 6105 and 1 6055, Apex, GHL Profilux standalone doser calcium/alk/mag