Power outage pumps ??

[gman107]

If you could only have one of the ecotech products hooked up to the battery back up for a power outage would a return pump be better than a vortech propeller pump in tank. My tank is a fowlr tank about 170 gallons with about 20 in the sump.

 

[jeff williams]

If you could only have one of the ecotech products hooked up to the battery back up for a power outage would a return pump be better than a vortech propeller pump in tank. My tank is a fowlr tank about 170 gallons with about 20 in the sump.

Imo the return pump hands down because it not only helps o2 levels but also delivers the o2 to your sump and your beneficial bacteria in the sump and keeps the bacteria alive

 

[120reefkeeper]

I would go with the return pump. You might also check into getting a few of these cheap battery air pumps. They will automatically turn on when the power goes out. These will also help with in tank circulation.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/silent-air-pump-with-battery-powered-back-up-sab11.html

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

My vote is powerhead. Uses less power so it will last longer and will provide better flow/circulation in the tank. The miscellaneous life support in the sump such as filtration and heating/cooling, etc you won't be running on battery so there's little benefit to maintaining flow through the sump IMO.