Diving The World's 80g Acro Wonderland!

[DivingTheWorld]

So let's talk return pumps. The first few return pumps I used in my tank were Reef Octopus RO-DC-5500 which matched my skimmer. I figured if it was good enough for my skimmer, it was good enough for the tank. After 3 failed pumps over the years I disagree.

When I had the second one fail, I switched to a Vertex V6 AC pump. Great pump! I used it for 6-8 years? I lost track. I finally killed it by letting my pH get out of wack using a CO2 scrubber. My fault and it was never the same after that, shutting off at random times...

So I still had a brand new and plumbed Reef Octopus (#3) RO-DC-5500 for my backup. I popped that in and away we went. Over the past 6 months since installation the speed varies randomly, causing me to adjust my return line gate valve (annoying!). Yesterday it finally quit on me following a water change and I couldn't get it going again. It starts, then shuts off, starts then shuts off. Did I mention I'm not a fan of DC pumps??

So out came my current pre-plumbed backup pump, a Skimz Leopard L60 which is essentially the same pump as the Vertex V6, but by Skimz. Same Askoll motor block. I got it years ago in a BRS closeout. I should have bought a few!!

Now I'm shopping for a new pump to use as my backup. Probably another AC pump. I can't find any Askoll motor block pumps, so thinking maybe a SICCE Syncra ADV 5.5?

If there's one thing I've learned over the years, ALWAYS have a pre-plumbed return pump ready to go. I just unscrew the union, and pop in the new return pump. When your return fails, you don't have a lot of time to run to the store and get a new one. What if the stores are closed? Having one pre-plumbed and ready to go means your tank is back up and running in 15m or less.

If I had a larger tank & sump, I'd probably even split my return into two separate pumps, so if one fails, it just runs slower until the second one is replaced. Ah, to dream....

 

[tripdad]

I have relied on Sicce ac pumps for years now. Never quit on me.

 

[DCR]

The Fluval SP series are Askoll motor blocks from my understanding. My SP4 has been running without issue for 6 years now. I don't get the obsession with DC pumps for something as critical as a return pump - maybe the reduced noise but I run mine in a fish room so that really does not matter to me.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

The Fluval SP series are Askoll motor blocks from my understanding. My SP4 has been running without issue for 6 years now. I don't get the obsession with DC pumps for something as critical as a return pump - maybe the reduced noise but I run mine in a fish room so that really does not matter to me.

Silence is key to me because the tank is in our family room where we watch TV. I will say that both AC Askoll pumps are/were quieter than the RO-DC pumps. I’ll look into the Fluval as well. I’ve heard the SICCE pumps are very quiet.