Diving The World's 80g Acro Wonderland!

DivingTheWorld · Saturday at 5:41 PM

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 · Saturday at 6:27 PM

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

DCR · Saturday at 6:44 PM

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 · Saturday at 8:09 PM

DCR said:
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.

tırıvırıı · Monday at 11:08 AM

DivingTheWorld said:
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.

You mentioned that you only perform water changes and add Ca, KH, and Mg to your aquarium. Are you still not doing anything regarding trace elements?

DivingTheWorld · Monday at 12:49 PM

tırıvırıı said:
You mentioned that you only perform water changes and add Ca, KH, and Mg to your aquarium. Are you still not doing anything regarding trace elements?

Hi, no I don't add anything else. I follow the KISS method and don't believe all that other stuff makes much of a difference. Depending on my water change tests (I mix up 40g at a time = 4 water changes), I add Magnesium, sometimes a bit of calcium, and drop the Alkalinity. Besides weekly water changes (10g), the only things I dose into the tank are Alkalinity & Calcium in equal amounts.

I'm a firm believer that the most important thing for coral health is fish waste. I feed my fish and they feed the corals.

I do feel there is a place in the hobby for all the additives, but I feel it's with those who don't believe in water changes. You can skip water changes by adding in all the trace elements, etc. that you would normally receive from your water changes. But that is $$$$$$. Water changes are much cheaper!