32.5g dc return pump and wavemaker suggestions

[Rooles]

Hey!

I am wanting to upgrade my return pump for my fluval flex 32.5 aio tank, as well as, for a wavemaker. I want something quite, reliable, and adjustable, while not breaking the bank. Id love to hear all of your suggestions!

 

[exnisstech]

Not sure if your chamber size but I run this jebao on my IM20. I cam hear it and the tank is in our bedroom. Ive been running jebao DC returns for years. They're quite amd reliable IME. I ran and dcp 3500 for 6 years ans still have the pump as a backup.

 

[TX_REEF]

I am a big fan of both Hygger and Reefbreeders return pumps. I use them both and they run nearly silent. Hygger also makes excellent gyre wave makers for an affordable price.

Hygger: https://amzn.to/3VbGhj2
Reefbreeders: https://reefbreeders.com/products/n...P9e_R15nKdnVXCbJ9tSe6LYnxkOwK_rzdNj2KxlxZBUim

 

[316Reef]

I have a 32 gallon AIO and use an AI Nero 3 wave maker. Plenty of flow.

 

[Rooles]

I have a 32 gallon AIO and use an AI Nero 3 wave maker. Plenty of flow.

It looks awesome but is a bit pricey. Is one plenty for the tank?

 

[Rooles]

Not sure if your chamber size but I run this jebao on my IM20. I cam hear it and the tank is in our bedroom. Ive been running jebao DC returns for years. They're quite amd reliable IME. I ran and dcp 3500 for 6 years ans still have the pump as a backup.

This pump looks very promising

 

[Rooles]

I am a big fan of both Hygger and Reefbreeders return pumps. I use them both and they run nearly silent. Hygger also makes excellent gyre wave makers for an affordable price.

Hygger: https://amzn.to/3VbGhj2
Reefbreeders: https://reefbreeders.com/products/n...P9e_R15nKdnVXCbJ9tSe6LYnxkOwK_rzdNj2KxlxZBUim

Thank you for the links. This helps a lot

 

[TX_REEF]

I am a big fan of both Hygger and Reefbreeders return pumps. I use them both and they run nearly silent. Hygger also makes excellent gyre wave makers for an affordable price.

Hygger: https://amzn.to/3VbGhj2
Reefbreeders: https://reefbreeders.com/products/n...P9e_R15nKdnVXCbJ9tSe6LYnxkOwK_rzdNj2KxlxZBUim

My pleasure!

To add, for wave makers, I highly recommend gyre style pumps. In my experience, you cannot get better, more chaotic, gentle flow than with a gyre, especially for the price. I actually like them better than the vortech MP40s that I also have which are far more expensive. The only downside is the larger footprint in the tank.

This is the Hygger gyre that I use on my systems, it comes in multiple sizes/power levels: https://www.hygger-online.com/product/cross-flow-wave-pump/

If you decide to go with Hygger pumps, whether the return pump or wave maker, feel free to use the code TX_REEF at checkout for 10% off your entire order.

I know many people prefer Amazon for convenience, and Hygger products are generally available there, but I like to offer this to folks who are looking to buy Hygger products since the price is often better buying direct.

I also use and enjoy the MaxSpect gyre pump. It is more robust physically than Hygger, but it is also more expensive: https://amzn.to/4mZGd24

 

[Rooles]

I hadn't considered the gyre style pumps. They look pretty sweet. Im liking the hygger ones im seeing. Thanks for the heads up on the code.

 

[316Reef]

It looks awesome but is a bit pricey. Is one plenty for the tank?

I run it between 30-70% and it provides plenty of flow, one is more than enough when combined with flow from the return pump. It is a little pricey but i have AI lights and i like being able to control everything from one place.

 

[luigi.dopobici]

Just set up a Fluval 32.5 and I am using the AI Axis 90 - dead silent and sofar great.

Ther are less expensive brands for the axial pumps. The head tube is stiff enough that I cut it a few mm shorter and the pump is suspended, not touching the bottom or making and rattle or vibration noise. The two Neo 3s are louder than the Axial, and they are very quiet. the Axis 90 at 100% almost removes the need for the neros in this particular tank.

 

[Rooles]

Just set up a Fluval 32.5 and I am using the AI Axis 90 - dead silent and sofar great.

Ther are less expensive brands for the axial pumps. The head tube is stiff enough that I cut it a few mm shorter and the pump is suspended, not touching the bottom or making and rattle or vibration noise. The two Neo 3s are louder than the Axial, and they are very quiet. the Axis 90 at 100% almost removes the need for the neros in this particular tank.

Interesting. Im going to have to give the axis 90 a good lookover.

Do you have any other advice for me on the 32.5 flex tank regardless of topic? Im still in the research phase.

 

[BonnieB]

I have the 32.5 Flex for one of my tanks. My advice is not to use the gyre style because you don’t have enough width to house it and they tend to be very powerful. We went through three different models of powerhead before landing on the right one for the mixed reef. The flow can be turbulent since it’s only 32.5 inches in length so make sure you have a flow control option. I am a Hygger tester and fan and I have several of their products. Their mini/nano failed several times so that one I would recommend. As others have said there are lots of good options. I’ll get you the one I’m using on my 32.5 in a bit. One other thing to be mindful of is that every time you add something you have another wire sticking out that partially keeps your lid elevated.

 

[Rooles]

I have the 32.5 Flex for one of my tanks. My advice is not to use the gyre style because you don’t have enough width to house it and they tend to be very powerful. We went through three different models of powerhead before landing on the right one for the mixed reef. The flow can be turbulent since it’s only 32.5 inches in length so make sure you have a flow control option. I am a Hygger tester and fan and I have several of their products. Their mini/nano failed several times so that one I would recommend. As others have said there are lots of good options. I’ll get you the one I’m using on my 32.5 in a bit. One other thing to be mindful of is that every time you add something you have another wire sticking out that partially keeps your lid elevated.

Awesome advice! If you can think of anything else that would be helpful even if its not in regards to pumps im all ears

 

[BonnieB]

I have the 32.5 Flex for one of my tanks. My advice is not to use the gyre style because you don’t have enough width to house it and they tend to be very powerful. We went through three different models of powerhead before landing on the right one for the mixed reef. The flow can be turbulent since it’s only 32.5 inches in length so make sure you have a flow control option. I am a Hygger tester and fan and I have several of their products. Their mini/nano failed several times so that one I would recommend. As others have said there are lots of good options. I’ll get you the one I’m using on my 32.5 in a bit. One other thing to be mindful of is that every time you add something you have another wire sticking out that partially keeps your lid elevated.

Awesome advice! If you can think of anything else that would be helpful even if its not in regards to pumps im all ears

I added the PS1 protein skimmer. It’s been a good addition and fits in the return pump chamber. I don’t know if it would be compatible if you upgrade your return pump however. I found the return pump is adequate with the powerhead I have. I looked and I have the Echotech MP10 powerhead. Be careful of overstocking. Once you get your rock in there you’d be surprised how little room there is for fish. I have 6 fish in this one, a shrimp, and a bunch of inverts. Enough room for the fish with plenty of cave area for sleeping hiding. Nutrient balance can become an issue quickly. My challenge has been the corals. This is LPS dominant and 9 months in they grew so much they were crowding one another (not a good thing!). Good problem to have, however, I’m now in the process of readying for a transfer to a 100g and a 70g because of the growth. I will be decommissioning the 32.5 for now once that is done!

 

[Rooles]

I added the PS1 protein skimmer. It’s been a good addition and fits in the return pump chamber. I don’t know if it would be compatible if you upgrade your return pump however. I found the return pump is adequate with the powerhead I have. I looked and I have the Echotech MP10 powerhead. Be careful of overstocking. Once you get your rock in there you’d be surprised how little room there is for fish. I have 6 fish in this one, a shrimp, and a bunch of inverts. Enough room for the fish with plenty of cave area for sleeping hiding. Nutrient balance can become an issue quickly. My challenge has been the corals. This is LPS dominant and 9 months in they grew so much they were crowding one another (not a good thing!). Good problem to have, however, I’m now in the process of readying for a transfer to a 100g and a 70g because of the growth. I will be decommissioning the 32.5 for now once that is done!

What fish do you have? I am thinking about getting the jecod dmp 20. Im still unsure of what ill end up with

 

[BonnieB]

I added the PS1 protein skimmer. It’s been a good addition and fits in the return pump chamber. I don’t know if it would be compatible if you upgrade your return pump however. I found the return pump is adequate with the powerhead I have. I looked and I have the Echotech MP10 powerhead. Be careful of overstocking. Once you get your rock in there you’d be surprised how little room there is for fish. I have 6 fish in this one, a shrimp, and a bunch of inverts. Enough room for the fish with plenty of cave area for sleeping hiding. Nutrient balance can become an issue quickly. My challenge has been the corals. This is LPS dominant and 9 months in they grew so much they were crowding one another (not a good thing!). Good problem to have, however, I’m now in the process of readying for a transfer to a 100g and a 70g because of the growth. I will be decommissioning the 32.5 for now once that is done!

What fish do you have? I am thinking about getting the jecod dmp 20. Im still unsure of what ill end up with

A clown pair, six line wrasse, blue green chromis, diamond goby & pajama cardinal - all small fish - that’s important, you can’t have big fish in this small of a tank bc there won’t be enough room for them to swim or grow for that matter!

 

[Salty_Northerner]

What fish do you have? I am thinking about getting the jecod dmp 20. Im still unsure of what ill end up with

honestly if size permits jump up the the 1 larger pump as it'll give the proper flow. I use the Mighty-jet mid size and it fits great and has the flow I'm after. Even now I'm re-thinking it as its a few yrs old and going to look at the AI 90 since it'll fit and even have more flow then the MJ pump.

 

[Pi-314]

I went with this pump for my AIO. QUIET, affordable, adjustable and fits easily in tight overflow. Plug and play.

 

[Rooles]

honestly if size permits jump up the the 1 larger pump as it'll give the proper flow. I use the Mighty-jet mid size and it fits great and has the flow I'm after. Even now I'm re-thinking it as its a few yrs old and going to look at the AI 90 since it'll fit and even have more flow then the MJ pump.

The ai90 looks good its just a bit pricey