return pump question/suggestions

sdreefer69 · 03/12/2010, 04:35 PM

Hey everyone, I'm new to this site and stoked i found it. I currently am building a new reef tank. Its nothing to crazy, euro braced standard 60 gallon tank with corner overflow. I have durso plumbing in the overflow box. Then I have a 15 gallon CPR sump/fuge with skimmer. I'm looking to buy a return pump that uses the least amount of watts, appropriate gallons an hour, and be super quiet. Anyone have suggestion?!?!? Thanks for taking the time to read this if you did.

hemi-cuda · 03/12/2010, 08:56 PM

Well, for a 60 gal. tank 8 to 10 times an hour through the sump should be adequate. I generally like external pumps compared to submersible pumps, but cost is more. Not sure what external pumps with 500/600gph are most energy efficient, but I'm sure someone could add to this post. Lots of submersible pumps, but ??? Don't have alot of experience with submersible pumps. Most get eaten up in a short period of time from the saltwater. Personally I like Sea Swirls on a stationary/static return to help give random current at a modest price. Lots of options out there but most are more expensive. A 1/2'' unit mounted to whatever pump is flowing 500/600gph at the 4/5 feet of head would give you great random flow through out the tank, again, at a very reasonable cost. Koralia's are inexpensive but take up room in the tank and not very pleasing to the eye compared to just a black nozzle. JMHO

Mounda · 03/12/2010, 08:58 PM

You need a pump with at least a 5x turnover rate of your system - 400 gallons per hr. You could try an Eheim, they are pretty silent but a bit pricey compared to a mag drive.

ironwill723 · 03/12/2010, 09:00 PM

+1 for Eheim pumps.

Rhodan · 03/12/2010, 09:15 PM

I have a ReeFlo Dart...LOVE IT!! For your configuration....A ReeFlo Snapper would do...

Typlus5 · 03/12/2010, 09:28 PM

Tunze 1073.....absolutely silent, 600+ GPH and less than 30 watts = very little heat exchange. I swapped out a from a Mag 7, same flow, noise eliminated and dropped my daily tank temp 2 degrees. I love it.

hernluis · 03/12/2010, 09:40 PM

rio 2100, had it for six years, running non stop. Cheap and IMO dependable. Not noisy AT ALL.

03/12/2010, 04:35 PM	#1
sdreefer69 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego Ca Posts: 9	return pump question/suggestions Hey everyone, I'm new to this site and stoked i found it. I currently am building a new reef tank. Its nothing to crazy, euro braced standard 60 gallon tank with corner overflow. I have durso plumbing in the overflow box. Then I have a 15 gallon CPR sump/fuge with skimmer. I'm looking to buy a return pump that uses the least amount of watts, appropriate gallons an hour, and be super quiet. Anyone have suggestion?!?!? Thanks for taking the time to read this if you did.

03/12/2010, 09:15 PM	#5
Rhodan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 201	I have a ReeFlo Dart...LOVE IT!! For your configuration....A ReeFlo Snapper would do... __________________ - Matt D. Current Tank Info: 180g with 150g basement sump

03/12/2010, 08:56 PM	#2
hemi-cuda Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 52	Well, for a 60 gal. tank 8 to 10 times an hour through the sump should be adequate. I generally like external pumps compared to submersible pumps, but cost is more. Not sure what external pumps with 500/600gph are most energy efficient, but I'm sure someone could add to this post. Lots of submersible pumps, but ??? Don't have alot of experience with submersible pumps. Most get eaten up in a short period of time from the saltwater. Personally I like Sea Swirls on a stationary/static return to help give random current at a modest price. Lots of options out there but most are more expensive. A 1/2'' unit mounted to whatever pump is flowing 500/600gph at the 4/5 feet of head would give you great random flow through out the tank, again, at a very reasonable cost. Koralia's are inexpensive but take up room in the tank and not very pleasing to the eye compared to just a black nozzle. JMHO

03/12/2010, 08:58 PM	#3
Mounda Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 452	You need a pump with at least a 5x turnover rate of your system - 400 gallons per hr. You could try an Eheim, they are pretty silent but a bit pricey compared to a mag drive.

03/12/2010, 09:00 PM	#4
ironwill723 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 980	+1 for Eheim pumps.

03/12/2010, 09:28 PM	#6
Typlus5 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Gonzales Louisiana Posts: 966	Tunze 1073.....absolutely silent, 600+ GPH and less than 30 watts = very little heat exchange. I swapped out a from a Mag 7, same flow, noise eliminated and dropped my daily tank temp 2 degrees. I love it.

03/12/2010, 09:40 PM	#7
hernluis Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 177	rio 2100, had it for six years, running non stop. Cheap and IMO dependable. Not noisy AT ALL.