Return pump advice?
- Thread starter kchristensen8064
- Start date
I just added the varioS to my list today. From what I've read it seems like a solid pump. Quiet is definitely something I want as well as longevity. Other than noise what other things have you heard about the Sicce? I'm going to upgrade my skimmer to the Reef Octopus eSsence S-130 and sticking with the same brand is something I like to do.
I would probably avoid that one. I don't know If you have an aquarium controller or plan to get one (if you don't they are well worth the investment), but the eflux require a bit of DIY with a voltage divider circuit to make them controllable. The varios and aquamedic just require a cable harness that you can buy for like 15 bucks.
What do you have now? Depending on what it is, a DC pump might not be any upgrade. New does not always mean upgrade. While you can turn them off with a button and change the flow (both of which are completely unnecessary), even if the first version of a DC pump was still running (very few are), they are not yet old enough to call them reliable. There are a few that look promising enough to get one knowing that they might not last more then 3-5 years, but this might not be an upgrade. My youngest return pump is probably 8-9 years old.
IMO, make a decision on a return pump with 99% going to reliability and 1% going to whatever else you want. They are too important. Most all pumps can be quiet if you get them a pad or otherwise make them so.
RO is on about their 3rd or 4th iteration of DC pumps in 5 years. If their past is any indication, then I would stay away from them. I got one in a skimmer once and had to replace it three times in a year... then traded it and had to replace it again for the new owner. CoralLive was really good about it, but that is not a good track record for a return pump.
On your list, I would get the DC runner since you can get a new one in Loveland if you need one - well at least you used to be able to when Thomas was around and customers mattered.
However, in your range of flow, I would get a Fluval SP4, plug it in and not worry about it for a decade, or more. $166 on Amazon. If that is too much flow, then Laguna Max Flo 1350 or 1500.
IMO, make a decision on a return pump with 99% going to reliability and 1% going to whatever else you want. They are too important. Most all pumps can be quiet if you get them a pad or otherwise make them so.
RO is on about their 3rd or 4th iteration of DC pumps in 5 years. If their past is any indication, then I would stay away from them. I got one in a skimmer once and had to replace it three times in a year... then traded it and had to replace it again for the new owner. CoralLive was really good about it, but that is not a good track record for a return pump.
On your list, I would get the DC runner since you can get a new one in Loveland if you need one - well at least you used to be able to when Thomas was around and customers mattered.
However, in your range of flow, I would get a Fluval SP4, plug it in and not worry about it for a decade, or more. $166 on Amazon. If that is too much flow, then Laguna Max Flo 1350 or 1500.
In my experience it really comes down to staying on top of regular maintenance. It’s easy to put off giving a return pump a cleaning and thorough inspection, but that will keep almost any reputable pump going for a long time. So no matter which one you go with, set calendar reminders for maintaining it.
Normally I would be all over that but my whole system consists of used equipment. This will be the first time I've had something new so I'm a little excited about that. Otherwise I would already have cash in hand .Lol Thanks a bunch for offering though. If you still have it in a month or so maybe I'll buy it from you just so I have a backup on hand.