Return pumps brands/reliability

[jadedog]

Good morning,

What is your guys take on return pumps? Do you think its worth buying Octo Vario, Sicce and EcoTech? Do the cheap Jaebos do just as good as a job? Do you think the extra money is worth the reliability of name brand pumps? I currently have a Jaebo but its been starting to act a little strange I'm considering buying a Octo Vario in the future but im not sure if its just a waste of money. I guess the only thing different I would expect is reliability but I may be wrong. I also saw the Vario can connect straight into my Hydro which might be nice.

 

[fishface NJ]

I love my Sicce Syncra SDC. It's been reliable and quite since it was installed in 2019

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[toothybugs]

I was running Syncra Silents on a number of systems for a while and never had any hiccups, noise, etc from any of them (I think 6 in total). I'm running an SDC 6 on my next system as my first foray into DC pumps.

Given the importance of a return, I'd rather have an LED bank or a powerhead go out than my return so that's not something I skimp on.

 

[backbayreef]

Most of my tanks have Vectras. My big tank has 2 Abyzz pumps but my 150gal has a Jebao that has been running for 5+ years without cleaning! I was going to swap it out for the Vectra but honestly it’s been going strong so why bother? ;)

 

[mpatterson42]

I've only had my Jebao return pump for a year but I've had no issues with it, lots of other people have had them for many years.

 

[X-37B]

I run Tunze and Sicci on my systems. All are ac.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

TUNZE is a brand I recommend to just about everyone! I use a sicce pump to mix water

 

[jadedog]

TUNZE is a brand I recommend to just about everyone! I use a sicce pump to mix water

Ill have to look into them I use there ATO and they work great I wasn't aware they make return pumps.

 

[UncommonSense]

I’ve had nearly a decade of consistent performance from Sicce Silent pumps, zero failures!

I’ve got over a decade on my Lifegard Quiet One Pro 4000, too!

 

[exnisstech]

Jebao DCP pumps are my choice. No Wi-Fi but all I need is a feed button. Return pumps are like lights for me, set em and forget em. They are silent and cheap enough I buy two so I have a back up if needed but I haven't needed one yet. I suppose I could use the back up to rotate out and clean them but I don't clean my return pumps. My dcp 3500 ran for six years until I took the tank down. I have a 5000 that has been running for over 3 years and a 15000 that has been in service coming up on 2 years.

 

[GruntSmash]

90% of my electronics are made by hygger, from Amazon
3 of 4 power heads, the other is tunze, my return pump, refugium light, heater and my auto top off.
They are all a little hard to setup but once you get them going, they are reliable.
Best part is, if something breaks, most of it can be here within 12 hours.

 

[AlanS]

I have used Reeflo Dart Snapper Hybrid for years. Built like tanks. Can also adjust the flow with different impellers. Reasonably priced. I ran one outside for years and it survived the elements just fine.

 

[mpatterson42]

Jebao DCP pumps are my choice. No Wi-Fi but all I need is a feed button. Return pumps are like lights for me, set em and forget em. They are silent and cheap enough I buy two so I have a back up if needed but I haven't needed one yet. I suppose I could use the back up to rotate out and clean them but I don't clean my return pumps. My dcp 3500 ran for six years until I took the tank down. I have a 5000 that has been running for over 3 years and a 15000 that has been in service coming up on 2 years.

I tried to grab a few DCP-5000 recently on Amazon but the only option was Used. I hope this doesn't mean that the DCP line is discontinued and no longer available.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

I have multiple SICCE sizes and different lines they have all worked well for me for years with minimal maintenance. thier customer service has always been good for me when issues arise as well.

 

[ScottJ]

I've been running a Danner Supreme Aqua-Mag for a couple years without a hitch. And, as far as I can tell, they are still made in the USA, on Long Island.

 

[wickedxreef]

I had a vectra and it died just after the year mark. I have a S2 for my power filter and get the feeling it's about to go also. I switched to red dragon dual return pumps. Ironically my tank runs cooler with two return pumps at 50% than my m2 did at 50%. They're dead quiet and love having the redundancy. I've also had great luck with the varios pumps that run my protein skimmer and calrx. They're certainly another brand I'd strongly consider and you get a 5 year warranty with them. Whatever you choose though, do yourself a favor and get two.

 

[BZOFIQ]

You'll get as many answers as there are brands...more answers for the popular brands.

For powerheads I can say Tunzes and Reef Octopus are absolutely great it terms of water flow and reliability.

For return pumps - well, Reef Octopus Vario-S are great but lack flow in pressure applications. If you're running it at low head and straight to the tank they'll be perfectly fine.

For anything with decent head and elaborate manifolds driving multiple reactors, UV, etc, Abyzz cannot be beat - at a price of course.

I've had terrible luck with Sicce pumps reliability wise and Jebao does not need to be mentioned here at all unless you quit and or change your hobbies often.

 

[BZOFIQ]

... Whatever you choose though, do yourself a favor and get two.

Most important suggestion!

 

[areefer01]

It was mentioned earlier that return pumps are one of the more critical items on a reef tank. I equate it to attempting an trans Atlantic or Pacific flight in a single engine airframe. Yes, you can but there are associated risks. Likewise they need routine maintenance regardless of what we, your fellow hobbyist, say. Tires need kicking and rotation, oil needs changed. Doesn't matter what Bob, Sally, or Joe experience all systems are unique and different.

Our reef tanks are at different stages so the critically of the return pump, in my opinion, will be different. Losing a return pump on a new tank, while sad, will not make a huge difference in replacement costs. On the other hand a failure on a 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 year old reef is one that we probably can't recover from.

My suggestion is always to look at the application and design. If going with an off brand or knock off can you include redundancy? That would be my choice. Also have a cold spare (boxed) ready to go, labeled, in case it goes out while away and needs to be swapped out. Middle of the road products I would treat similar. Redundancy, spare. I would focus on the warranty in this space and aim for 5 year which will of course limit your selections. Larger systems, mature systems, lots of fish, coral colonies, there is only one brand I would consider.

Just my opinion on the subject.

 

[robbous]

Abyzz A400IPU here for my 500 gallon need that head pressure also running a A200 for a closed loop on my 400 gallon