Help me pick a return pump!

[ReefSlice]

So, I'm in the process of setting up an SCA 150 with a 16" synergy overflow box, and I've chosen every piece of equipment necessary other than the return pump. The tank is drilled with (2) 3/4" returns, does this mean I should only use a pump with a 3/4" output, or is it really not that much loss from a pump with a 1" output on 3/4" pipe? It seems I'm pretty limited on 3/4" output returns, as I have heard too many bad things about the vectras to spend over $300 on one. Anyone have any suggestions on a reliable, quiet return capable of 1000-1500 gph after 5 ft of head loss and a split for the returns on 3/4" PVC? I'm sparing no expenses on this tank so let's hear it. (Ok other than an RD3...)

 

[JaaxReef]

Go all out. Sicce makes some of the best and quietest stuff:

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/syncra-sdc-7-0-controllable-pump-800-1900-gph-sicce.html

 

[Denisk]

I also have heard bad things with the eco tech returns. Not they’re bad but some people have had their issues. I have three running tanks and they’re all using the jebao dcs version.

Honestly best 100 bucks spent. No issues at all and one is running for over a year, one 9 months and one 6 months.

 

[JaaxReef]

I also have heard bad things with the eco tech returns. Not they’re bad but some people have had their issues. I have three running tanks and they’re all using the jebao dcs version.

Honestly best 100 bucks spent. No issues at all and one is running for over a year, one 9 months and one 6 months.

Are your Jabao pumps quiet? I’ve heard they can be hit or miss with noise.

 

[ReefSlice]

I do have a jebao RW-8 and love it, I've been mulling around the idea of just buying 2 DC-9000's. But will I lose a ton of flow running it through 3/4" lines?

 

[Oleshp]

I recently got an Octo varios-4 for my 120. It works great and I can't hear it at all. If I had to get another I may go with the 6 but the 4 is plenty of flow in my tank

 

[Denisk]

So I ran it on a sca 150 until I sold it and went with a reefer 350. But I felt like the overflow made more noise. I personally feel like they’re very quiet. All three of mine have no issues. Also it’s amazon for me so if it was noisy, I would have them ship me a new one. Hence why I can’t live without prime.

 

[cracker]

You would loose some flow with the smaller 3/4" than the 1" diameter pipe . Really can't say how much . there is a flow chart at the other big site. where one can change pipe diameter etc. How accurate? I don't know. Also Your pump has to be listed. I suppose Ya could sub different, same size pump to get a general idea.

 

[Chuk]

I do have a jebao RW-8 and love it, I've been mulling around the idea of just buying 2 DC-9000's. But will I lose a ton of flow running it through 3/4" lines?

If you actually tried to run them at 100% with no resistance you're looking at almost 80 gpm. Even a single pump at the rated flow is 40 gpm. This single pump would have a pressure loss over 40 psi/ft of pipe in a single 3/4" line. The max head they put out is 4.5M (~15 ft). Assuming the top of your tank is ~5ft from the pump and you have ~8 ft of actual pipe length your actual flow at 100% is more likely 2-3 gpm range (450-680 LPH) youll get 5ft from elevation and ~12 ft from pipe friction losses. So yes you will lose a ton of flow with even 1 through a 3/4"

On my 90 I run the Jebao DC 12000 through a 1" line and I only get ~5 gpm (1150 L/hr)

 

[Xandernfs]

I have a VarioS-6 and I really like the pump!

 

[ReefSlice]

I have a VarioS-6 and I really like the pump!

What size lines do you have it on and any idea what kind of flow you're getting?

 

[JaaxReef]

So I ran it on a sca 150 until I sold it and went with a reefer 350. But I felt like the overflow made more noise. I personally feel like they’re very quiet. All three of mine have no issues. Also it’s amazon for me so if it was noisy, I would have them ship me a new one. Hence why I can’t live without prime.

+1 Amazon Prime changed my life.

 

[srm077]

I have 2 Jabeo DCT 15000's. Zero noise even when they are both at 100 percent. I could not justify the wildly more expensive pumps as the technology is changing so rapidly. I just ordered the 20000 for the waterfall pump on my Koi pond too.

 

[ReefSlice]

So I ran it on a sca 150 until I sold it and went with a reefer 350. But I felt like the overflow made more noise. I personally feel like they’re very quiet. All three of mine have no issues. Also it’s amazon for me so if it was noisy, I would have them ship me a new one. Hence why I can’t live without prime.

Were you running the 12000 or 9000 on the 150? And was your return 3/4"?

 

[Reefin Dude]

i am a big fan of eductors on return pumps. a great way to increase the flow of a tank without running more water through the sump than what the skimmer could process. the problem with eductors is that they need a pump with some serious oomph. unfortunately i have not seen a DC pump that has enough oomph. so if power is a concern, than more calculations would be necessary. an eductor can add up to 5X the flow of a return pump.

G~

 

[coral-boss]

sicce

 

[Denisk]

Were you running the 12000 or 9000 on the 150? And was your return 3/4"?

I ran the 9000 and I never had it turned up passed .25 if it’s power. I don’t like have a lot of flow through my sump. As far as return plumbing size, I forgot to be honest. I think the holes in the sca 150 are 1 inch.

 

[Kayotic5011]

Im using this one here

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073XLGNS3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Its a really good one and its controllable, I have not had any issues with this pump. It has a ceramic shaft for longer use and has a feed pause on it as well. My highest spot in my return pvc is 75 inches from floor and Im only running my pump at 85% and its got no issue pushing it up there.

 

[Xandernfs]

What size lines do you have it on and any idea what kind of flow you're getting?

It's on a reefer 250, so it's 16mm or 5/8". I have it on 60% (I believe) and it's plenty.

 

[Lasse]

I run a Jebao DCT 4000 on a DN 32 line (1 1/4").Total flow - max speed - around 2300 l/hour

Sincerely Lasse