Return Pump- Quiet/Efficient Suggestions?

gofor100 · 06/22/2011, 11:46 AM

Hey Guys,

I've been searching for a in-sump return pump that can push around 1300 gph, is very efficient (electricity-wise), and is pretty quiet (doesn't have to be silent as it will be in a remote sump).

I've found two that intereste me:

> WaterBlaster HY 5000 (1300 gph and 60W consumption)- this would be my first choice because of the low wattage
> Eheim Compact+ 5000 pump (1320 gph and 86W consumption)- this uses 26 more watts and will actually end up being 52 more watts because I'm running a dual return (so 2 pumps). I like the name and quality, but is it worth the increased electricity bill?

Any other pumps that fit this criteria?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Chad

adamstipo · 06/22/2011, 11:50 AM

I use an ATB 1500 and was very pleased with how quiet it is. Power consumption is a little higher though at 90w.

DFWBill · 06/22/2011, 12:37 PM

I have an Ehiem 1265 and I can't here it.

autodave · 06/22/2011, 01:22 PM

I am also using a ATB Flowstar 1500 and am really happy with it. My chiller pump is a Water Blaster (2000) and is also really quiet.

gofor100 · 06/22/2011, 01:43 PM

Geez... I just looked up the ATB equivalent (the 1800) and it's almost $300... It also runs at 80 watts, which is almost the same as Eheim, but more than the WaterBlaster at a much steeper price (especially when purchasing two)...

I think my bigger concern is the efficiency and upfront cost. "Quietness" seems to be something that I can give up a little if the other two factors are addressed.

Thanks to everyone that replied though, I never looked into the ATB pumps before.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

-Chad

adamstipo · 06/22/2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofor100

Geez... I just looked up the ATB equivalent (the 3200) and it's $600... that's about three times more than each pump I listed... dang. It also runs at 115 watts, which is almost double the WaterBlaster...

I think my bigger concern is the efficiency and upfront cost. "Quietness" seems to be something that I can give up a little if the other two factors are addressed.

Thanks to everyone that replied though, I never looked into the ATB pumps before.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

-Chad

The 1500 I bought was like 270$. It is rated at 1500 GPH like the other pumps you mentioned.

gofor100 · 06/22/2011, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamstipo

The 1500 I bought was like 270$. It is rated at 1500 GPH like the other pumps you mentioned.

Well that's not too bad (for some reason the site I went to was only showing the 1800+ pumps.)

Still not as efficient as WaterBlaster... is there a reason why this isn't a more popular pump? Just not around as long?

adamstipo · 06/22/2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofor100

Well that's not too bad (for some reason the site I went to was only showing the 1800+ pumps.)

Still not as efficient as WaterBlaster... is there a reason why this isn't a more popular pump? Just not around as long?

I bought mine from salty critter, who is a RC sponser. They have the 1500 on their website. I had actually ordered a different pump from them and when they received the order someone from their called me to inform me the pump I had ordered was not the best for saltwater. Anyway, he offered me two pumps, the waterblaster that your looking at and the ATB I bought. He told me he personally uses the ATB. The ATB yes used more power but at 6' of head pressure (which is what I have) the ATB gave me better flow that the Waterblaster 5000. So to have a comparable flow to the ATB I wouldve had to gone with the 7000 which uses about the same amount of power as the ATB. He also said that the Waterblaster was much louder than the ATB and my tank is in my living room so must be very quiet. Sorry to be so long winded on that lol.

gofor100 · 06/22/2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamstipo

I bought mine from salty critter, who is a RC sponser. They have the 1500 on their website. I had actually ordered a different pump from them and when they received the order someone from their called me to inform me the pump I had ordered was not the best for saltwater. Anyway, he offered me two pumps, the waterblaster that your looking at and the ATB I bought. He told me he personally uses the ATB. The ATB yes used more power but at 6' of head pressure (which is what I have) the ATB gave me better flow that the Waterblaster 5000. So to have a comparable flow to the ATB I wouldve had to gone with the 7000 which uses about the same amount of power as the ATB. He also said that the Waterblaster was much louder than the ATB and my tank is in my living room so must be very quiet. Sorry to be so long winded on that lol.

Not longwinded at all... well maybe a little.

I really do appreciate your insight though on why you went with one over the other. I never really looked at the head pressure being an issue, but I guess you give up something and gain another (i.e., watts for head-pressure).

Definitely something I'll need to consider.

Thanks

Chad

06/22/2011, 11:46 AM	#1
gofor100 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,225	Return Pump- Quiet/Efficient Suggestions? Hey Guys, I've been searching for a in-sump return pump that can push around 1300 gph, is very efficient (electricity-wise), and is pretty quiet (doesn't have to be silent as it will be in a remote sump). I've found two that intereste me: > WaterBlaster HY 5000 (1300 gph and 60W consumption)- this would be my first choice because of the low wattage > Eheim Compact+ 5000 pump (1320 gph and 86W consumption)- this uses 26 more watts and will actually end up being 52 more watts because I'm running a dual return (so 2 pumps). I like the name and quality, but is it worth the increased electricity bill? Any other pumps that fit this criteria? Thanks in advance for your help, Chad __________________ "FISH ARE FRIENDS, NOT FOOD" Current Tank Info: Tank Build in Progress

06/22/2011, 12:37 PM	#3
DFWBill Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 60	I have an Ehiem 1265 and I can't here it. __________________ Green Chromies, Cardinals, Grammy, Yellow Tang, a pair of Harliquins, Peppermint Shrimp, softies & SPS and the coolest Fighting Conch who's about 3" now. Current Tank Info: 70T RR, Apex will all the bells and whistles, Tunze 6055, 12 gal Fuge, Octo 160, Ehiem 1265 Return, BRS GFO/Carbon, Coralife UV, 2 Drew's Dosers (Ca/Kh), DIY ATO, RapidLED DIY LEDs

06/22/2011, 01:43 PM	#5
gofor100 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,225	Geez... I just looked up the ATB equivalent (the 1800) and it's almost $300... It also runs at 80 watts, which is almost the same as Eheim, but more than the WaterBlaster at a much steeper price (especially when purchasing two)... I think my bigger concern is the efficiency and upfront cost. "Quietness" seems to be something that I can give up a little if the other two factors are addressed. Thanks to everyone that replied though, I never looked into the ATB pumps before. Any other suggestions are welcome. -Chad __________________ "FISH ARE FRIENDS, NOT FOOD" Current Tank Info: Tank Build in Progress

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06/22/2011, 11:50 AM	#2
adamstipo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 87	I use an ATB 1500 and was very pleased with how quiet it is. Power consumption is a little higher though at 90w.

06/22/2011, 01:22 PM	#4
autodave Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Menifee,Ca. Posts: 484	I am also using a ATB Flowstar 1500 and am really happy with it. My chiller pump is a Water Blaster (2000) and is also really quiet.