Return pumps are underrated

[Jay Hemdal]

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?

Just a side note about return pumps - be sure that they don't "catch air" due to a sump evaporating down too far and vortexing, don't let a loose fitting on the suction side to allow air in - these are both common causes of supersaturation in aquariums. Having the return water splash into the tank's surface (as opposed to returning below the surface) also helps avoid supersaturation. Supersaturation is deadly to fish, I'm not sure if that harms invertebrates as much though.

 

[areefer01]

"Critical life support component. Return pump(s) should have a considerable reefing budget at the start but often don't and cheapest is selected."

It seemed like this was insinuating that less money=worse pump that's why I said what I did. My apologies if I misinterpreted. I've seen more old systems running Jebao than most of the name brand return pumps. If it lasts a decade then craps out I can still afford another 3 before I'm at the same cost as a return pump with a warranty.

I could see how it could be taken that way but that is why I also noted design. One could run redundant returns and keep one for spare. Cost/budget plays a roll and I would be naive to think otherwise.

I did not mean to convey that $$$ or product name equates to success. I do believe that in some cases they carry a longer warranty or may be more energy efficient which should factor in the decision.

I guess part of my view is that if we do our part as hobbyist in caring for our systems they very well could out live our stay on earth... I admit an odd way to view it.

 

[Freenow54]

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?

Vorteck DC SP2 its the brain for the tank

 

[ClownSchool]

I use a Neptune COR15 on a 90 gallon system (70 display/20 sump), and other than running it in an R/O bath of citric acid once a year for about 20 minutes, it’s worked without incident for about four years now.

 

[me & my baby]

Jebao DCP 20000 run from under my house to my tank .

 

[Alexander1312]

While spending a decent amount of brain power figuring out the best possible return pump setup, I think it's importance is overrated.

A simple pump with enough power to feed the skimmer is sufficient. Cheap pumps will do that too.

What's more important is to have a spare pump ready. Or ideally two of them plumped if you can.

And agree, they should be cleaned regularly. I think every 6 months is best.

That's literally all in my opinion.

 

[t5Nitro]

Jebao dcp 15000 at 70%, about 15x turnover rate.
Really, I give those pumps the highest level of recommendation. The varios line has also been very reliable for me, but as you can already see in even the first 10 posts of the thread, the variability here is wide. Pumps across all brands are getting the job done for everybody with years of maintenance free or minimal maintenance invested. They’re really not all built much different.

 

[Joe w1994]

The cheaper the pump the better . No need to spend 500+ on a pump. Have tanks from 90 gallons to 1200 gallons never used expensive pumps ...gph is gph

 

[LBA]

I just put 2 amazon specials on my new 300 gallon. The Orlushy DC-5000. I ran one on my last tank and it went 3 years with 0 issues, still running until I break that tank down.

Quiet, DC pump with variable speeds

The 2 pumps basically maximizes my dual overflow volume.

Added the 1 inch Random Flow Generator Nozzels and I think its great.

Less need for powerheads.

.

 

[Rich Klein]

Varios 6 for the 10 years. Have had to swap an impeller, and replace the DC controller a couple of times but have never had a complete failure (I rotate between a few spares when cleaning).

 

[Bamm69]

There was another thread here talking about return pumps and high $$ brand names vs. knock off Chinese pumps, pros and cons, etc.

The most eye opening take away I got from that thread is how many people humblebrag about how they never clean or service their return pump. It was mostly people talking about how they got a knockoff pump for 1/4 the price of the name brand, but would inevitably lead to "its been running for 5 years, and Ive never cleaned it or touched it, or even looked at it!". Thats not something to be proud of. At all.

The return pump is the absolute heart of a filtration unit. If it dies, all the protein skimming, heating, media filtration, etc you have and use are all for nothing.

My addition point in this thread- CLEAN AND SERVICE YOUR RETURN PUMP!

Edit- LOL. Just read all the previous comments too. Theres already someone saying this exact thing!

You have a pump you clean let's say once a year and it last you for 5 years they have a pump they don't even remember the name and it last them for 5 years every one does things different no right or wrong

 

[Creeklife]

I was fortunate to find an Abyzz open box at half price. It took time to find but has been spectacular. I run the A200 at 51% on a SPS 360. Turnover is a real 3x (flow meters) and it is silent. Runs at 48 watt power consumption. I clean the impeller 2x per year. I have five other Varios pumps on skimmers calcium reactors, scrubbers etc. I’ve replaced two pumps multiple controllers and two power supplies in 6 years.
I’ve had no issues with Abyzz. Highly recommended.

Jim.

 

[Reef Jedi]

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!

I too ran some old pumps forever, they don’t make them like they use to. I still have a coralife turbo sea external pump from the early 2000’s. I was still using it back in 2016 when I had my sump on the basement. I still have that good old pump and it still works. I’ve also had some sicce pumps that literally never die

 

[Reef Jedi]

I had a cor-20, I've since switched to a Varios-6.

Medium return flow, approx 4x turnover.

Curious why you made the switch? I’ve heard good things about varios over the years but never made the jump.

 

[MizzouMark]

I have two tanks, 360 and 220 gallon, both with an Abyzz 400 return pump. I run the 360 pump at 50%, the 220 pump at 40%. Both pumps are plumbed into one header so that I can service one pump while the other pump, operating at full capacity, sends water to both tanks.

 

[Reef Jedi]

I have two tanks, 360 and 220 gallon, both with an Abyzz 400 return pump. I run the 360 pump at 50%, the 220 pump at 40%. Both pumps are plumbed into one header so that I can service one pump while the other pump, operating at full capacity, sends water to both tanks.

That sounds like a cool split, do you have pictures?

 

[gkprevite]

Been running a hygger dc pump on my little reef for just under 2 years. It’s been quiet and reliable so far. I clean it every 3 months or so and it works like it should. I feel like return pumps are important but also pretty simple. I plan on running mine for at least another year or 2.

 

[Reef Jedi]

Just a side note about return pumps - be sure that they don't "catch air" due to a sump evaporating down too far and vortexing, don't let a loose fitting on the suction side to allow air in - these are both common causes of supersaturation in aquariums. Having the return water splash into the tank's surface (as opposed to returning below the surface) also helps avoid supersaturation. Supersaturation is deadly to fish, I'm not sure if that harms invertebrates as much though.

Interesting points. I’m guessing this also applies to return nozzles pointed parallel to the waters surface. Does that cause supersaturation or are you referring to more of a water fall splash?

 

[MizzouMark]

That sounds like a cool split, do you have pictures?

I'm at work. I'll take a picture and post it when I get home.

 

[Gone Reefin’]

Since we are talking return pumps, I would like to offer a few “tips”. Sure, these pumps are the heart of our system, but failure does not have to mean loss of the patient!

1) if you run your heaters in a non-display compartment (such as a sump or return chamber), always place a heater alarm (such as an INKBIRD), in your display. This will notify you of return pump failure through a low temp alarm in your display.

2) If going away for an extended period, consider running a supplementary heater on a controller at a lower set point in your main display. If the return pump fails, the display heater will kick in at a lower set point to avoid dropping temps.

Known knowledge for most, but hope it helps someone!