Quieting down return pump

stingeragent · 03/27/2015, 09:18 PM

Ok, so finally got my sump going and after having to cut out plumbing and redo it because of leaks, I'm looking good. Now I'm trying to figure out how to quiet down this return pump. I'm using a 600 gph hydrofarm pump off amazon. It has suction cups on the bottom, and I put a 1/4 in piece of silicone between that and the bottom of the tank and its still loud as crap. I'd really like to avoid spending 150.00 for a pump if it all possible. Is there anyway to quiet it or am I gonna be stuck shelling out that much for a pump? If thats my only option is there a recommendation for the quietest one as the tank is in bedroom.

Steve Atkins · 03/27/2015, 09:41 PM

I once quietened a return pump bu putting two large O rings around it. In that case the noise was coming from it vibrating against other objects so that may not apply in your case.

Vinny Kreyling · 03/28/2015, 08:24 AM

Cheapest way I heard of was a bag of sand under the pump.

sugardaddy1979 · 03/28/2015, 08:30 AM

The Taam rio plus pumps are fairly quiet and affordable. You might try that.

JJ70 · 03/28/2015, 12:14 PM

I put a mouse pad under mine to reduce vibration noise. Also is your plumbing directly off your return rigid or flexible? Running flexible right off the return for a foot or so to a union will help as well.

mnkykng77 · 03/28/2015, 01:06 PM

I have a eheim pump and used a silicone mat and wrapped it around the pump. I also used a yoga mat under my sump which helped reduce the vibration and sound made from all my pumps in the sump area.

mr.maroonsalty · 03/28/2015, 06:42 PM

Put the pump in the basement. My pump is what keeps my tank from being quiet.

stingeragent · 03/29/2015, 06:42 PM

LOL. Don't have a basement. Well I did some messing with it, and I think its just the pump itself that is loud. I'm running flex tubing for almost the whole return so that's not the issue. I picked it up and just suspended it in the water not touching anything and it was still rattling like crazy. I ended up buying an eheim compact + last night. Should be here wed.

03/27/2015, 09:18 PM	#1
stingeragent Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 1,032	Quieting down return pump Ok, so finally got my sump going and after having to cut out plumbing and redo it because of leaks, I'm looking good. Now I'm trying to figure out how to quiet down this return pump. I'm using a 600 gph hydrofarm pump off amazon. It has suction cups on the bottom, and I put a 1/4 in piece of silicone between that and the bottom of the tank and its still loud as crap. I'd really like to avoid spending 150.00 for a pump if it all possible. Is there anyway to quiet it or am I gonna be stuck shelling out that much for a pump? If thats my only option is there a recommendation for the quietest one as the tank is in bedroom.

03/27/2015, 09:41 PM	#2
Steve Atkins Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 552	I once quietened a return pump bu putting two large O rings around it. In that case the noise was coming from it vibrating against other objects so that may not apply in your case. __________________ 500L (135USG) mixed reef, SRO3000-int skimmer, Profilux controller & doser, Tunze wave pumps, TMC Aquaray LED lighting.

03/28/2015, 12:14 PM	#5
JJ70 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 401	I put a mouse pad under mine to reduce vibration noise. Also is your plumbing directly off your return rigid or flexible? Running flexible right off the return for a foot or so to a union will help as well. __________________ Jeff Current Tank Info: 120g with 40b sump, AquaMaxx ConeS CO2, 2x250MH 14K, LiterMeter System

03/28/2015, 01:06 PM	#6
mnkykng77 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 270	I have a eheim pump and used a silicone mat and wrapped it around the pump. I also used a yoga mat under my sump which helped reduce the vibration and sound made from all my pumps in the sump area. __________________ Current: 120g(60x18x24), R-200 refugium, Aquamaxx EM200, Kessil A160we (x3)

03/28/2015, 06:42 PM	#7
mr.maroonsalty Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: upstateny Posts: 2,504	Put the pump in the basement. My pump is what keeps my tank from being quiet. __________________ Back from the dead! Current Tank Info: 140 dt reef

03/28/2015, 08:24 AM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Cheapest way I heard of was a bag of sand under the pump.

03/28/2015, 08:30 AM	#4
sugardaddy1979 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Athens GA Posts: 135	The Taam rio plus pumps are fairly quiet and affordable. You might try that.

03/29/2015, 06:42 PM	#8
stingeragent Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 1,032	LOL. Don't have a basement. Well I did some messing with it, and I think its just the pump itself that is loud. I'm running flex tubing for almost the whole return so that's not the issue. I picked it up and just suspended it in the water not touching anything and it was still rattling like crazy. I ended up buying an eheim compact + last night. Should be here wed.