Return pumps are underrated

[rossco]

I am still running the same Eheim 1262 (900 GPH) in my 210 display, it's in its 15th year and had been rock solid reliable.

 

[Reef Jedi]

I’m actually amazed reading all the replies that nobody has really mentioned Ecotech Vectra line of pumps. I remember Ecotech promoting them super hard back in the day. I have an L1 in my sump mixing bin and is overkill but mixes great.

 

[Dogeatbird]

I believe in dual return pump design system. Regardless of size,

I also believe that an over emphasis on turnover rate. Turnover rate ultimately is limited by drain diameters, and tolerance of ambient noice (drain gurgle)

I also strongly support, keeping on hand a spare impeller.

If you go the dual return route, match pump; make and model. In a pinch if one goes down, the other can be a backup, part source. Until you can acquire the replacements that may be needed.

Also dual return make maintenance not a rush job; as the system is still circulating via the second return.

 

[Dogeatbird]

My current display utilizes 3 ecotech vectra m2.

One is on a close loop.

2 are return from a sump.
Sump pump return to display as well as run external skimmer, manifold.

None are ran at 100%.

external overflow: 3 1.5” drains.

 

[UncommonSense]

I’m actually amazed reading all the replies that nobody has really mentioned Ecotech Vectra line of pumps

*ahem*

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Jebao DCP-5000, been an absolute champ so far. Inexpensive, easy to set up and maintain, low maintenance, not painful to replace.


I think you’re interpreting what they mean by that, in a way that maximizes your ability to be disdainful of it. The pride is not in the fact that they haven’t maintained their pump, but that the pump hasn’t demanded anything of them during extended periods of normal operations. Juxtaposing that against name brand pumps that cost between 2 and 5 times as much but require frequent maintenance in order to operate reliably? It’s a useful attribute to point out

I removed a working Sicce syncra silent 3.0 about a year ago, cleaned it and set it as a back up, i decided to try the Jebao DCP 3500 since I have been running Jebao powerheads for 2 years on this tank and for decades with freshwater tanks. The DCP 3500 is completely quiet and I have it running at about 60%. I clean my return pump when I clean my powerheads, this is more frequent now due to coraline algae seems to like my powerheads alot.

 

[Kooma]

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?

I have a 225 peninsula and run a pair of Jeabo DCP 10,000 pumps. They are dc and run around 35%.

I opted for two cheaper pumps vs one or two expensive pumps as these can be had easily, two gives me good redundancy even if the quality may be cheap, and replacements aren’t expensive. I think I paid about $110 per pump.

Coming up on a year now, no issues, and I cannot hear them running. They are likely moving 1500gph each.

 

[mfinn]

I’m actually amazed reading all the replies that nobody has really mentioned Ecotech Vectra line of pumps. I remember Ecotech promoting them super hard back in the day. I have an L1 in my sump mixing bin and is overkill but mixes great.

I jumped on the Vectra bandwagon not long after the L1's first came out. I swapped out a Dart/Snapper Hybrid pump ( everyone said it was quiet. Compared to what, a school bus? ) for the L1. I was flabbergasted the L1 was so quiet. But unfortunately the L1's had that cooling issue internally and my original one was replaced 2 times before they sent me a L2. I have used all of the second generation Vectras and they are pretty solid,

 

[Jay Hemdal]

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?

The return nozzles not breaking the surface tension doesn't *cause* supersaturation, its just if they don't splash back into the tank, if there is a case of supersaturation, they won't help de-saturate the water. Think shaking up a can of soda.....

Now, return nozzles not breaking the water's surface can cause low oxygen/high carbon dioxide issues - if the tank has no other form of aeration (like a protein skimmer or an air stone).

 

[jackintheboxfish]

Jebao 8000 on a 100 gallon system had for 5 years no problems at all. Great VFM pump.

8000 seems pretty big for a 100 gallon system. I’m assuming you don’t turn it all the way up?

 

[atoll]

8000 seems pretty big for a 100 gallon system. I’m assuming you don’t turn it all the way up?

Correct

 

[BryanM]

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

One of my Cor-20's died, and I moved from Apex to Hydros, figured I should just keep going :)

 

[maroun.c]

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?

Fully Agree
A failed return pump means filtration heating and cooling are cut off from ur system.
Also a sub par return pump can mean a hefty increase in power draw and electric bills. I used to run 3 return pumps supplying 6 frag tanks/frag tanks in the basement and a 6-7 amp water pump pushing water to the tank up at home. Replaced them all with 2 Abyzz A400s pulling around 2 amps and supplying even more flow. One has been running flawless since about 4 years and the second one since around 1 year.

 

[Joe w1994]

Fully Agree
A failed return pump means filtration heating and cooling are cut off from ur system.
Also a sub par return pump can mean a hefty increase in power draw and electric bills. I used to run 3 return pumps supplying 6 frag tanks/frag tanks in the basement and a 6-7 amp water pump pushing water to the tank up at home. Replaced them all with 2 Abyzz A400s pulling around 2 amps and supplying even more flow. One has been running flawless since about 4 years and the second one since around 1 year.

Are those pumps like 3500 bucks each? Was reading about that pump and max flow pumps about 400 watts at like 6k gph. Jabeo 20k dc pump is like 5200 gph for 220 bucks at 140 watts. If you go power to money ratio you can run 3 20k dc pumps at almost 100% for all 3 for 600 bucks and have multiple backups.

 

[areefer01]

Are those pumps like 3500 bucks each? Was reading about that pump and max flow pumps about 400 watts at like 6k gph. Jabeo 20k dc pump is like 5200 gph for 220 bucks at 140 watts. If you go power to money ratio you can run 3 20k dc pumps at almost 100% for all 3 for 600 bucks and have multiple backups.

Put them side by side and you will see why they demand the price they do. There is more than just the GPH number that the manufacture gives you at 0 head pressure. Once you install these two pumps with head pressure the discussion is over.

Since it was mentioned earlier price and brand does not make it the best. Pretty sure we all agree here. On the other hand build quality, application use, and industry leading warranty may very well be worth the money to some hobbyist.

 

[Joe w1994]

Put them side by side and you will see why they demand the price they do. There is more than just the GPH number that the manufacture gives you at 0 head pressure. Once you install these two pumps with head pressure the discussion is over.

Since it was mentioned earlier price and brand does not make it the best. Pretty sure we all agree here. On the other hand build quality, application use, and industry leading warranty may very well be worth the money to some hobbyist.

Okay but...gph is still gph, even if you had 3 running the pump you have would not even come close for 25% of the cost is what im saying. Also to build quality only so many manufacturers build certain components...its like comparing a German car to a camry..which one looks nicer? But which one would actually last longer? Regardless of head pressure even if you needed 2 to produce the same gph its still a ton cheaper..

 

[Joe w1994]

Okay but...gph is still gph, even if you had 3 running the pump you have would not even come close for 25% of the cost is what im saying. Also to build quality only so many manufacturers build certain components...its like comparing a German car to a camry..which one looks nicer? But which one would actually last longer? Regardless of head pressure even if you needed 2 to produce the same gph its still a ton cheaper..

And...even if you had to replace the 20k pump every 2 years like brand new pump..thats still almost 20 years to get to the price of 1 of those pumps.

 

[maroun.c]

Are those pumps like 3500 bucks each? Was reading about that pump and max flow pumps about 400 watts at like 6k gph. Jabeo 20k dc pump is like 5200 gph for 220 bucks at 140 watts. If you go power to money ratio you can run 3 20k dc pumps at almost 100% for all 3 for 600 bucks and have multiple backups.

Its about performance at head pressure needed which Jebaos are far from. As well as reliability especially as im a frequent traveller.

 

[maroun.c]

And...even if you had to replace the 20k pump every 2 years like brand new pump..thats still almost 20 years to get to the price of 1 of those pumps.

All it takes is for one of those to fail while im on travel and my family not to notice it to come back to a dead tank which would be far more expensive.

 

[Joe w1994]

All it takes is for one of those to fail while im on travel and my family not to notice it to come back to a dead tank which would be far more expensive.

I understand but at the same time even if you had 3 pumps running at the same time and one failed you are still good. My issue with spending big money on pumps is they can claim they are made or put together wherever and you just dont know..because if the power goes off doesn't matter if the pump is 500$ or 10k. Ive also had alot more expensive pumps fail before cheap ones...and I have receipts for warranties