Return Pump

[quick_murdoc]

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I have been out of it for a while and I wanted to get some in put. I used to have a 50 gal reef but I got rid of it two years ago and its time to start another tank. I have the new tank which is a 55 gal clear for life with built in center over flow and two returns which are also in the center of the tank on opposite sides of the overflow box. I have a 15-20 gal sump and am planning on using about 50-70 lbs of live rock, which would make the total gallons of the tank close to 40-50 gallons total in the system. I really don’t want to use powerheads in the system for aesthetic reasons. So I was wondering what your thoughts on a return pump for the system would be considering it would be a 4 ft overhead on the system. Thanks! >>

[scoop]

I really like the Ehiem pumps because they are very quiet and extremely reliable. I bleive the 1260 or 1262 would be sufficient.

[quick_murdoc]

What do you think about the quiet one 4000 or the Rio 3100?

[icebear]

i have read bad things about Quiet One pumps.... and Rios had a horrible [dangerous] reputation a few years back, i don't know if they are any better yet or if so few use them anymore...
i researched the Ocean Runner line of pumps before buying one and didn't find anything scary- mine has only been running a short time so i can't say anything for long term yet...but so far so good... maybe one of those might work for you?

[crvz]

I'd pass on the rio, but I've heard decent things about the quiet one. If you want a great pump, though, I'd also recommend the ehiem.

[quick_murdoc]

Yea i have been doing some research it seems like most people use the rios and a few have had mixed results with the quiet ones. I guess i am leaning toward the ehiem. Do you think i will have any problems with heat if i use it in the sump? I could drill the sump but im not sure i want to. Any thoughts?

[OneDummHikk]

I would avoid the RIO'es but that was personal experience on my part of standing in 2" of saltwater while plugging and unplugging RIO pumps.

When considering heat issues, look at the wattage the pump draws. The Eheim 1262 draws 80 watts. So when its running submersed, its the same as running an 80W heater in the tank. Many times, you will find that the pumps can help you not need a heater at all.

Good luck and hope this helps.

[quick_murdoc]

Ok, I have had a reef for almost two years up and running and i never really thought about using the wattage as a guide when submersing a pump but thatis good to know. I'm probably not going to get the pump till next week or so cause i dont like the light wood that the tank is sitting on so im sanding and staining it this week. Any other return pumps i should be considering?

[icebear]

FWIW... my OceanRunner has not affected my tank temp that i can detect. i have about 55g of water volume (not counting displacement of about 85# of LR) i have the pump running submerged.

i don't have any other suggestions, i was going economical when i did my research, so i didn't spend much time checking out the super premium brands.

i can at least bump this thread a bit

[Loverotties]

I'd go with the Ehiem also!