Return pumps are underrated

[Reef Jedi]

I believe return pumps receive limited attention despite being the unsung heroes across our systems.

Which return pump do you currently use?
Do you operate with high flow or minimal flow?
What is your estimated turnover rate?

I currently run a Core 15 and it’s served well over the last two years. What is your go to choice?

 

[13rodo]

It's not running yet but the IM 75 I'm setting up is starting out with a VarioS-6 and my plan is to start out with 5-7 times turnover / hour.

 

[UncommonSense]

100% agreed!

The return pump is the heart of life support on any sumped tank, the system will eventually crash if it fails… in fact, I’ve started to see larger systems with dual return pumps on independent plumbing more often than not lately!

In addition to that, the return pump is the only device that is universally on at all times, which is a major factor in tank running cost (electricity) these days!

— I currently run a Lifegard pro 4000 (~750gph observed flow, ~5x turnover of true display volume) on my 180g freshwater (around a decade into service) because I’ve been too lazy to replumb my return(s) for a Vectra M2 I have laying around…

— my hexagon reef tank is using another decade-old pump, a Sicce Synchra 2.0… (~400gph observed flow, 13X turnover w/no powerheads in-display, eductor effect from multiple RFGs only)… I’ll update this to a modern Sicce DC return pump whenever I get around to sump revision…

— I’ll probably stick with a larger Iwaki, or possibly a modern Sicce DC return pump (~1,000GPH observed, maximum) for the FrankenReefer project!

 

[Imrahilwjz]

Reeflo Dart/Snapper hybrid external, turns system over about 10 times an hour

 

[Imrahilwjz]

Reeflo Dart/Snapper hybrid external, turns system over about 10 times an hour

Or due to restriction may be 6-8 times . Guessing a bit

 

[vin666]

Using Redsea 6000 g2 - its been only a month lets see how far it takes us. Previous ran 3 years on Jebao dcp 9000 until i sold off the tank.

 

[Koty]

Maxspect mj6k running from the beginning since 2020 an excellent pump totally quiet hundred percent reliable. I just got another one to circulate water through my chiller because summer is very hot in my country easy to take apart and clean not that I cleaned it many times during the last six years i run it 75%, which is about 4000 L per hour my tongue is about 110 gallons

 

[lowkeymon12]

Just upgraded my waterbox 35.2 AIO with a an AI Axis 40. Love the fact it’s adjustable via the app and has a feed mode, can sync it with my Nero 3 to reduce flow at night and during the day it it’s turning over my tank about 30 times an hour.