What are some good brands/models for return pumps?

notatallhappygolucky · 09-29-2006, 11:46 PM

I have a 29 gallon tank that's currently using a ~200 gph empty canister filter for the return. I just bought a 620 gph Seio powerhead (too much?), a refractometer, & am now looking into a higher powered pump for the return line.

Suggestions? I have no idea of brands or models, or even optimum flow rates for my size of tank.

Fly Guy · 09-30-2006, 12:01 AM

How big is your sump??? What kind and where is your skimmer??

That seio is by no means too big for your tank. If thats all there is for flow in the tank, along with whatever return pump you decide on that is a great place to start flowwise IMO. Need to know how big your sump is and skimmer details though before we talk about size of return pump. : ) I like mags if we are going submersible though.

notatallhappygolucky · 09-30-2006, 03:11 AM

I have a couple of other power heads (rio 60 I think) but at least one of them will be going in the sump (10 gallon) to help with flow down there. The skimmer is a Remora C HOB...

I think an external would be best with such a small sump. My stand was so small that I had to remove the plastic trim from the top & bottom of the tank to squeeze it down there. I think theres like 10" x 10" on the right of the sump.

afbengochea · 09-30-2006, 03:28 AM

Ive been very happy with my mag 18 setup externally. I also have a genx40 which works great but its got a fan on it so its not as quiet as the mag..... but I agree with fly, need to the size of the sump to know what size pump u need

theplatypus · 09-30-2006, 06:50 AM

There is no need for extra flow in the sump.

Fly Guy · 09-30-2006, 09:46 AM

I dont know how much water that skimmer processes per hour. Whatever that number is i would match a mag drive to it for your return (after any head loss) and use a submersible for a sump that size. Regardless of whether you go submersible or external i woul still match the flow rates.

That skimmer IS hanging on the side of the sump right??

And Platy is right.,.......no extra flow wanted or needed in sump.

notatallhappygolucky · 09-30-2006, 10:13 AM

yeah. my skimmer is underpowered. I'm going to have to use a lot of the natural methods to make up for it.

The skimmer already has a powerhead attached, I'm simply looking for a stand-alone pump for the return line; I may end up doing a fancy return with a couple/few ?lockline? bendable return fittings.

I think the pump will have to wait, I just shelled out $325 for the ReefKeeper2 with the pH probe which brings my running total for a cheap, experimental dive into the hobby up to $1751.

The reason I'd like more flow in the sump is for the heater, I assumed I'd get more consistant temperature with more circulation before it was pumped back to the tank - I've already had to adjust the heater since I included the sump.

Are the "quiet one" pumps any good?

hng · 09-30-2006, 10:41 AM

The remora c should be adequate for a 29 gal tank, so I don't think it's underpowered. I would use a Mag 5 if I were you. They are good, dependable, with reasonable efficiency.

notatallhappygolucky · 09-30-2006, 11:09 AM

I got the Remora C Nano which is rated @ 5-25 gallons. The LFS ?owner? told me it was adequate but I am wondering how well it will work. Do LFSs take back used merchandise??? I'd really like to upgrade to a higher rated unit. The mag 5 looks good, only thing is it has 1/2" pipes - how many times could I split it? twice??