What did you do to quiet the return pump hum?

S13<3 · 09/16/2014, 01:04 PM

i have 2 silicone pads under my eheim 1260 (in-sump)and that stops the chatter, but the hum is getting real irritating. it can be heard in the next room

im considering putting a piece of foam under the 20L sump to help isolate some of the vibrations but am out of ideas other than that. i tried putting the pump on a sand bag and that didnt do anything
What did you do to quiet the return pump hum? please post pictures and if you used a specific product post up some links.

TIA

Donkeykong · 09/16/2014, 01:36 PM

How is it plumbed into the tank, hard pvc or vinyl hose? you might contemplate putting a closed cell foam pad under the entire sump. I found a mat at home depot that was designed to go into tool box drawers which helped.

Tweaked · 09/16/2014, 02:11 PM

Yes and transition to vinyl and back to hard plumbing if you can.

B.BASH · 09/16/2014, 04:35 PM

I suspended my pump with plastic strapping (the kind used for pipes) and suction cupped it to the outside of sump I suppose rubber may be better helps keep the vibration off the bottom

cherubfish pair · 09/16/2014, 05:22 PM

Get a Tunze Silence pump. NO noise.

S13<3 · 09/16/2014, 05:32 PM

it goes pump to manifold via vinyl hose, then vinyl hose again off the main pipe up about 1.5ft to display.

Aquarist007 · 09/16/2014, 05:36 PM

Is the pump wide open or have you dialled it back? If they are dialled back with no release line they will be noisy.

ca1ore · 09/16/2014, 05:37 PM

Well it depends if the hum is transmitted vibration or inherent motor noise. If it is the former, then the best solution is to 'suspend' the pump in the sump by using some kind of pipe hanger. Using a piece of silicone tube can also help to reduce the transmitted vibrations. If it is the latter, inherent motor noise, then there isn't much you can do about it other than by making your stand air tight - but that introduces a whole other range of problems.

wildman926 · 09/16/2014, 06:00 PM

I got rid of my Eheims because they made too much noise from the hum. I run Sicce Syncra's now, and much happier. Both of my tanks are in my den where I watch TV at night. Also, my 90g is on my adjacent wall to my bedroom, so I had to have a quiet pump.

Wazzel · 09/16/2014, 06:37 PM

I taught mine to sing. Much less annoying than humming.

I have an external pump. It sits on a neoprene pad to help with the vibration transmission. Not loud at all.

mandarin_goby · 09/16/2014, 07:55 PM

My Mag 7, which is a notoriously loud pump, is suspended by vinyl tubing in my sump and that helped to cut down on the noise. It was awful when I sat it on the bottom of the sump..

Drae · 09/16/2014, 09:24 PM

Silicone mouse pad underneath the pump or... Get a sicce or laguna pump.

Crusinjimbo · 09/17/2014, 04:44 AM

I cut 1" pieces of 1/2" silicone hose and use tie-wraps to made bumpers around the pump where it is close to the sump walls/partitions. I also use silicone 3/4" hose to make the run to the tank return. My 1260 really doesn't make noise but it barely fits in the sump return section and the hose bumpers really lock it into position. Three years of service from the same pump.

myram · 09/17/2014, 05:39 AM

I moved it all to the basement, no noise at all in the living room.

I did put a 1" piece of a dense foam pad under it, works great.

S13<3 · 09/17/2014, 08:33 AM

getting a new pump is out of the question, i tried suspending the pump and no change. the pump is running full blast and also powers my reactor. so no restrictions. im considering getting some silicone tubing and making a little "raft" for the pump to sit on. and a mat for under the sump but dont know where to start looking and dont want to run around town wasting gas..... what to do!?!

RocketEngineer · 09/17/2014, 10:15 AM

Try placing the pump on a bag of sand. This will absorb the vibration instead of allowing it to get transferred into the water where the bottom of the sump acts like one big drum head.

kelrn98 · 09/17/2014, 10:23 AM

I have 2 of these under my Reeflo barracuda. Sees to work pretty good.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sound-...ing-pad-1.html

wildman926 · 09/17/2014, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S13<3

getting a new pump is out of the question, i tried suspending the pump and no change. the pump is running full blast and also powers my reactor. so no restrictions. im considering getting some silicone tubing and making a little "raft" for the pump to sit on. and a mat for under the sump but dont know where to start looking and dont want to run around town wasting gas..... what to do!?!

If a new pump is out of the question, then you have no other option after the suspension of the pump made no change.

RocketEngineer · 09/17/2014, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildman926

If a new pump is out of the question, then you have no other option after the suspension of the pump made no change.

I disagree. The vibration from the pump is being transferred into the water which is why you can hear it. Suspending it doesn't change that, it just moves the pump around. A simple plastic bag filled with sand ABSORBS the vibrations and therefore they never make it into the sump to be heard.

wildman926 · 09/17/2014, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketEngineer

I disagree. The vibration from the pump is being transferred into the water which is why you can hear it. Suspending it doesn't change that, it just moves the pump around. A simple plastic bag filled with sand ABSORBS the vibrations and therefore they never make it into the sump to be heard.

Silicone pad would have absorbed the vibrations, but did not. Suspending the pump, would allow no contact of the pump to the sump, which transfers the vibration. If suspending the pump, while still submerged, did not quiet the pump, the pump needs to be replaced.

ecksreef · 09/17/2014, 11:33 AM

Silicon tubing made a big difference for my eheim. It was expensive but much softer and more flexible than vinyl.

Wazzel · 09/17/2014, 12:23 PM

One other thing to check to make sure it is not being over looked. Make sure your plumbing is not touching anything. The pump will transfer vibrations to the plumbing.

MidwesternTexan · 09/17/2014, 12:43 PM

I'm using the Jabeo DC12000- on 6/6.

I don't do anything- it's just about as silent as could be.

Buzz1329 · 09/17/2014, 06:22 PM

Hum louder?

Shawi · 09/17/2014, 06:27 PM

I have a submerged Fluval SP4 initially rigid pvp plumbed. Wall piercing low frequency hum. Switched to a vinyl transition long enough to eliminate vibration before connecting to pvc and it is much better.

09/16/2014, 01:04 PM	#1
S13<3 KeepItSuperSimple Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: S Fl. Posts: 797	What did you do to quiet the return pump hum? i have 2 silicone pads under my eheim 1260 (in-sump)and that stops the chatter, but the hum is getting real irritating. it can be heard in the next room im considering putting a piece of foam under the 20L sump to help isolate some of the vibrations but am out of ideas other than that. i tried putting the pump on a sand bag and that didnt do anything What did you do to quiet the return pump hum? please post pictures and if you used a specific product post up some links. TIA __________________ 40B Peninsula+20L Sump Eheim 1260 return -1 800GPH ebay pump -1 koralia 750 Tap Water all day!

09/16/2014, 02:11 PM	#3
Tweaked FUP&A Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Madison, CT Posts: 7,722	Yes and transition to vinyl and back to hard plumbing if you can. __________________ DSA 105 Pro, Cebu Sun-Radiums-M80 Ballasts, 4 T5's, XHO LEDs. Through Wall 55g Sump, 10g Frag and 29g Display attached, Vertex V6, 3 mp40's, Gyre, 2 mp10's, GFO, Carbon, Pellets - 10g Bar Tank

09/16/2014, 05:22 PM	#5
cherubfish pair Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Libby, Montana Posts: 7,061 Blog Entries: 1	Get a Tunze Silence pump. NO noise. __________________ pairo chero Thanks for looking at my build thread and subscribe to it if you already haven't yet! Current Tank Info: thirty rimless

09/16/2014, 05:32 PM	#6
S13<3 KeepItSuperSimple Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: S Fl. Posts: 797	it goes pump to manifold via vinyl hose, then vinyl hose again off the main pipe up about 1.5ft to display. __________________ 40B Peninsula+20L Sump Eheim 1260 return -1 800GPH ebay pump -1 koralia 750 Tap Water all day!

09/16/2014, 05:36 PM	#7
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	Is the pump wide open or have you dialled it back? If they are dialled back with no release line they will be noisy. __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

09/16/2014, 01:36 PM	#2
Donkeykong Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Grover Beach CA Posts: 1,847	How is it plumbed into the tank, hard pvc or vinyl hose? you might contemplate putting a closed cell foam pad under the entire sump. I found a mat at home depot that was designed to go into tool box drawers which helped.

09/16/2014, 04:35 PM	#4
B.BASH Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 268	I suspended my pump with plastic strapping (the kind used for pipes) and suction cupped it to the outside of sump I suppose rubber may be better helps keep the vibration off the bottom

09/16/2014, 05:37 PM	#8
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Well it depends if the hum is transmitted vibration or inherent motor noise. If it is the former, then the best solution is to 'suspend' the pump in the sump by using some kind of pipe hanger. Using a piece of silicone tube can also help to reduce the transmitted vibrations. If it is the latter, inherent motor noise, then there isn't much you can do about it other than by making your stand air tight - but that introduces a whole other range of problems. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

09/16/2014, 06:00 PM	#9
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	I got rid of my Eheims because they made too much noise from the hum. I run Sicce Syncra's now, and much happier. Both of my tanks are in my den where I watch TV at night. Also, my 90g is on my adjacent wall to my bedroom, so I had to have a quiet pump. __________________ Beware of recommendations by those who don't actually use their recommendation!! The search function actually works quite well!! Tanks:Planet Aquarium 150g LPS, Planet Aquarium 90g Softie

09/16/2014, 06:37 PM	#10
Wazzel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 4,743	I taught mine to sing. Much less annoying than humming. I have an external pump. It sits on a neoprene pad to help with the vibration transmission. Not loud at all. __________________ Mark Beware the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's a train. Current Tank Info: 120, LED, Bare Bottom, SPS/LPS

09/16/2014, 07:55 PM	#11
mandarin_goby Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 844	My Mag 7, which is a notoriously loud pump, is suspended by vinyl tubing in my sump and that helped to cut down on the noise. It was awful when I sat it on the bottom of the sump.. __________________ 75 with Eshopps 100 sump, Reef Octopus 110 SSS skimmer, Sicce 3.0 pump, Maxspect Gyre 130, 2 x Kessil a360W, mangroves plus clip-on bulb in sump 75 FW planted with CO2, 12 gallon cherry shrimp tank

09/16/2014, 09:24 PM	#12
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	Silicone mouse pad underneath the pump or... Get a sicce or laguna pump.

09/17/2014, 04:44 AM	#13
Crusinjimbo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel FL Posts: 751	I cut 1" pieces of 1/2" silicone hose and use tie-wraps to made bumpers around the pump where it is close to the sump walls/partitions. I also use silicone 3/4" hose to make the run to the tank return. My 1260 really doesn't make noise but it barely fits in the sump return section and the hose bumpers really lock it into position. Three years of service from the same pump. __________________ Jimbo 13.5G EVO

09/17/2014, 05:39 AM	#14
myram #347, 19 years Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Biddeford, ME Posts: 1,714	I moved it all to the basement, no noise at all in the living room. I did put a 1" piece of a dense foam pad under it, works great.

09/17/2014, 08:33 AM	#15
S13<3 KeepItSuperSimple Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: S Fl. Posts: 797	getting a new pump is out of the question, i tried suspending the pump and no change. the pump is running full blast and also powers my reactor. so no restrictions. im considering getting some silicone tubing and making a little "raft" for the pump to sit on. and a mat for under the sump but dont know where to start looking and dont want to run around town wasting gas..... what to do!?! __________________ 40B Peninsula+20L Sump Eheim 1260 return -1 800GPH ebay pump -1 koralia 750 Tap Water all day!

09/17/2014, 10:15 AM	#16
RocketEngineer Space is big. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Maryland Eastern Shore Posts: 3,226	Try placing the pump on a bag of sand. This will absorb the vibration instead of allowing it to get transferred into the water where the bottom of the sump acts like one big drum head. __________________ -RocketEngineer "Knowledge is what you get when you read the directions, experience is what you get when you don't." - Unknown Current Tank Info: None Currently

09/17/2014, 10:23 AM	#17
kelrn98 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Biloxi, MS Posts: 856	I have 2 of these under my Reeflo barracuda. Sees to work pretty good. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sound-...ing-pad-1.html __________________ ~Kelly~ Current Tank Info: 96x24x30 -300g mixed reef: 75g sump, 35g fuge, 2x MP60, 4x Radion Pros, reef octopus X5000 skimmer, way too much LR and a few fish

09/17/2014, 11:33 AM	#21
ecksreef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 165	Silicon tubing made a big difference for my eheim. It was expensive but much softer and more flexible than vinyl.

09/17/2014, 12:23 PM	#22
Wazzel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 4,743	One other thing to check to make sure it is not being over looked. Make sure your plumbing is not touching anything. The pump will transfer vibrations to the plumbing. __________________ Mark Beware the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's a train. Current Tank Info: 120, LED, Bare Bottom, SPS/LPS

09/17/2014, 12:43 PM	#23
MidwesternTexan Average Joe Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: A Texan, in Franklin, WI. Posts: 594	I'm using the Jabeo DC12000- on 6/6. I don't do anything- it's just about as silent as could be. __________________ 180g Reef- 75+ different Corals; 14 fish; DIY Coast to Coast Overflow 3 x 120W Full Spectrum/Dimmable LED's 125g DIY sump- Reef Octopus nw200-6540B - 40B FT- ~320gallon system total DIY Large ATS Current Tank Info: 180g- C2C overflow- 125g sumpk 40B FT; Lots of Coral- mostly sps

09/17/2014, 06:22 PM	#24
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	Hum louder?

09/17/2014, 06:27 PM	#25
Shawi Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 41	I have a submerged Fluval SP4 initially rigid pvp plumbed. Wall piercing low frequency hum. Switched to a vinyl transition long enough to eliminate vibration before connecting to pvc and it is much better.