Thinking about replacing Mag 9.5 return pump

ReefRockerLive · 03/14/2009, 12:56 AM

After having dealt with the noticeable humming from my Mag 9.5 for the last 2 years, I feel that it is now time to find a better pump. I have been looking at the following pumps:

Eheim 1260 - 634gph at 65 watts ($139.99)

Tunze Silence 1073.04 - 792gph at 42 watts ($143.10)

Mini Red Dragon 2.5m3 - 660gph at 38 watts ($389.00)

I have been leaning more towards the Tunze for the lowest watt usage within reasonable pricing, but have not heard much feedback on them. Does anyone have something good or bad to say about these pumps?

I have heard many positive responses for the Ehiems, but the extra watt usage is swaying me away from them.

Lastly, the RE RedDragon pump, is the silence and efficiency enough to justify the more than double price tag? If I get enough people saying good things about them, I'll jump on the RD pump, but if I don't need it then I'll save my money and get one of the other pumps.

What should I buy for a return pump? Help me decide.

RRL

darthwall · 03/14/2009, 01:14 AM

this is for your 75 gal tank? what do you have in it? SPS, zoas, softies?

ReefRockerLive · 03/14/2009, 08:19 AM

yes, it for the 75 and it's an Acro dominant tank.

INSPECTOR · 03/14/2009, 08:45 AM

You might want to look into the Velocity pumps. I don't have one but I have done a little reserch and herd they are supposed to be very quiet and reliable.

ReefRockerLive · 03/14/2009, 09:50 AM

Those pumps are high in watts usage and external which I don't have any space for.

ReefRockerLive · 03/16/2009, 07:19 PM

Does anyone else have anything to add?

scaryperson27 · 03/16/2009, 08:18 PM

I have a velocity t4 pump. It is reaaaalllllyyyy quiet! I bought it when it was already a year an a half old. I couldn't even tell it was used. I was looking for a scratch, wear around the magnet, something but it looked brand new.

If you want to deal with a great manufacturer, go with Tunze. I should went with them but unfortunantly I bought a Ecotech vortech pump.

I have a tunze in the LFS that I work at that had been running for like 3+ years without even being looked at...

Doahh · 03/16/2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by scaryperson27
I have a velocity t4 pump. It is reaaaalllllyyyy quiet! I bought it when it was already a year an a half old. I couldn't even tell it was used. I was looking for a scratch, wear around the magnet, something but it looked brand new.

If you want to deal with a great manufacturer, go with Tunze. I should went with them but unfortunantly I bought a Ecotech vortech pump.

I have a tunze in the LFS that I work at that had been running for like 3+ years without even being looked at...

Wow no need to bring Ecotech into this...
Go for the Red Dragon if you can afford it but the tunze is seccond best

Kenmx10 · 03/16/2009, 10:34 PM

Eheim is silent and will last a long, long, long time.

GSMguy · 03/16/2009, 10:52 PM

ATB flowststar 1500 similar to the red dragon but half the cost.

ReefRockerLive · 03/16/2009, 11:18 PM

I just looked at the ATB flowstar 1500 and I'm really liking how much water it pushes for the amount of watts used. Do you think it would be a bit too much though for a 75g tank? The pump would have push about 4 feet before it reaches the display tank water.

mcarroll · 03/16/2009, 11:47 PM

I've been pleased with the performance of my Eheim 1250, but I'm using it on a skimmer. At least in terms of quality, I really don't think you can go wrong given Eheim's reputation.

I'd be surprised if your experience with the Tunze were much different, though.

Cannot comment on your last option.

scaryperson27 · 03/17/2009, 06:42 PM

I checked out the ATB flowststar 1500 and they look really nice

mcarroll · 03/17/2009, 09:25 PM

Regarding the Mag 9 (in case everything hasn't already been tried) have you tried putting a mouse pad under the pump to see if that helps with the vibration/noise?

Good luck.

-Matt

ReefRockerLive · 03/17/2009, 10:36 PM

Hi, I've tried that and the noise continues to make a loud humming noise. Besides, the pump is getting old so it is due for a change.

Alaskan Reefer · 03/18/2009, 01:02 AM

Not sure how you can go wrong with any of those choices...

mcarroll · 03/18/2009, 09:11 AM

Sorry, not trying to hijack or beat a dead horse, but a pump like that (any decent brand) would be likely to run for 10+ years with no strange noises unless there's actual visible damage somewhere in the impeller housing, or with the impeller itself.

Is it possible you're getting a harmonic vibration from the pump in hard-PVC plumbing and maybe that's vibrating against (e.g.) your aquarium cabinet? I guess it's possible that even vinyl tubing could generate this effect as well given the right circumstance.

-Matt

MerDoX · 03/18/2009, 10:14 AM

I think it's a hit or miss with Mag drives. Mine has a low hum and my friend's mag is silent. The noise is from the drive itself and not from any plumbings or cabinet.

mchud · 03/18/2009, 05:36 PM

I have been using the same Tunze pump and have been real happy with it. Real silent moves a good amount of water. Cant go wrong with it.

THE ROOK · 03/18/2009, 06:50 PM

Quiet One 3000 - It's a heck of a lot cheaper & has a pretty good reputation. You could buy three of them for the cost of one Tunze.

I'm going to try one next, as my Rio 2500 has a slight hum.

03/14/2009, 12:56 AM	#1
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	Thinking about replacing Mag 9.5 return pump After having dealt with the noticeable humming from my Mag 9.5 for the last 2 years, I feel that it is now time to find a better pump. I have been looking at the following pumps: Eheim 1260 - 634gph at 65 watts ($139.99) Tunze Silence 1073.04 - 792gph at 42 watts ($143.10) Mini Red Dragon 2.5m3 - 660gph at 38 watts ($389.00) I have been leaning more towards the Tunze for the lowest watt usage within reasonable pricing, but have not heard much feedback on them. Does anyone have something good or bad to say about these pumps? I have heard many positive responses for the Ehiems, but the extra watt usage is swaying me away from them. Lastly, the RE RedDragon pump, is the silence and efficiency enough to justify the more than double price tag? If I get enough people saying good things about them, I'll jump on the RD pump, but if I don't need it then I'll save my money and get one of the other pumps. What should I buy for a return pump? Help me decide. RRL __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

03/14/2009, 08:19 AM	#3
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	yes, it for the 75 and it's an Acro dominant tank. __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

03/14/2009, 09:50 AM	#5
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	Those pumps are high in watts usage and external which I don't have any space for. __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

03/16/2009, 07:19 PM	#6
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	Does anyone else have anything to add? __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

03/16/2009, 10:52 PM	#10
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	ATB flowststar 1500 similar to the red dragon but half the cost. __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

03/14/2009, 01:14 AM	#2
darthwall Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Yakima, Wa Posts: 74	this is for your 75 gal tank? what do you have in it? SPS, zoas, softies?

03/14/2009, 08:45 AM	#4
INSPECTOR Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gainesville, Virginia Posts: 62	You might want to look into the Velocity pumps. I don't have one but I have done a little reserch and herd they are supposed to be very quiet and reliable.

03/16/2009, 08:18 PM	#7
scaryperson27 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cape Coral, F.L. Posts: 2,106	I have a velocity t4 pump. It is reaaaalllllyyyy quiet! I bought it when it was already a year an a half old. I couldn't even tell it was used. I was looking for a scratch, wear around the magnet, something but it looked brand new. If you want to deal with a great manufacturer, go with Tunze. I should went with them but unfortunantly I bought a Ecotech vortech pump. I have a tunze in the LFS that I work at that had been running for like 3+ years without even being looked at...

03/16/2009, 10:34 PM	#9
Kenmx10 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston S.C. Posts: 771	Eheim is silent and will last a long, long, long time.

03/16/2009, 11:18 PM	#11
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	I just looked at the ATB flowstar 1500 and I'm really liking how much water it pushes for the amount of watts used. Do you think it would be a bit too much though for a 75g tank? The pump would have push about 4 feet before it reaches the display tank water. __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

03/16/2009, 11:47 PM	#12
mcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 327	I've been pleased with the performance of my Eheim 1250, but I'm using it on a skimmer. At least in terms of quality, I really don't think you can go wrong given Eheim's reputation. I'd be surprised if your experience with the Tunze were much different, though. Cannot comment on your last option.

03/17/2009, 06:42 PM	#13
scaryperson27 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cape Coral, F.L. Posts: 2,106	I checked out the ATB flowststar 1500 and they look really nice

03/17/2009, 09:25 PM	#14
mcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 327	Regarding the Mag 9 (in case everything hasn't already been tried) have you tried putting a mouse pad under the pump to see if that helps with the vibration/noise? Good luck. -Matt

03/17/2009, 10:36 PM	#15
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	Hi, I've tried that and the noise continues to make a loud humming noise. Besides, the pump is getting old so it is due for a change. __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

03/18/2009, 01:02 AM	#16
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	Not sure how you can go wrong with any of those choices... __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

03/18/2009, 09:11 AM	#17
mcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 327	Sorry, not trying to hijack or beat a dead horse, but a pump like that (any decent brand) would be likely to run for 10+ years with no strange noises unless there's actual visible damage somewhere in the impeller housing, or with the impeller itself. Is it possible you're getting a harmonic vibration from the pump in hard-PVC plumbing and maybe that's vibrating against (e.g.) your aquarium cabinet? I guess it's possible that even vinyl tubing could generate this effect as well given the right circumstance. -Matt

03/18/2009, 10:14 AM	#18
MerDoX Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: bay area, CA Posts: 134	I think it's a hit or miss with Mag drives. Mine has a low hum and my friend's mag is silent. The noise is from the drive itself and not from any plumbings or cabinet.

03/18/2009, 05:36 PM	#19
mchud Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gill Mass Posts: 371	I have been using the same Tunze pump and have been real happy with it. Real silent moves a good amount of water. Cant go wrong with it. __________________ Will miss you Wild Bill RIP Tessa Best friend of 14 years Bob Dog my buddy of 12.5 years Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Dt, 150 gal sump, 100 gal frag tank and 12000 gal koi pond and 1200 goldfish pond.

03/18/2009, 06:50 PM	#20
THE ROOK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 2,100	Quiet One 3000 - It's a heck of a lot cheaper & has a pretty good reputation. You could buy three of them for the cost of one Tunze. I'm going to try one next, as my Rio 2500 has a slight hum.