Good Return Pump

Let me begin by saying I am not totally new to the hobby, having maintained a FOWLR nano tank. I am starting up a coral tank using a 36 gal bow front tank, 1 pre-drilled internal overflow with 1" bulkhead (probably using 1 1/2" durso) into a 15 gal sump (1/3 for refugium with ball valve adjustability, 1/3 for skimmer chamber, 1/3 for return pump). I have been all over reading the flow rates of 1" pvc being around 600-750 gph and realize the return pump should be rated just beneath that taking into account the head loss (aprox 7' with height and 90's). Can anyone recommend a dependable and quiet pump that is the easiest to maintain. i dont mind spending the money for quality.

 

The water blaster pumps from reef octopus are nice pumps I have one for my 90 and its quiet and works like a charm, they come with 3 yr warranty which is good too and theyre not terribly expensive. However if you want great quality and quiet check out the red dragon pumps, they are quite expensive though.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Eheim are very reliable pumps.

They are also very efficient pumps running lower wattage than a lot of other comparably flowing pumps.

 

+1 ...and nowhere near the price of a Red Dragon either!

 

I love my Eheim 1262 return pump as well.

 

I love my Tunze Silence 1073.020. It is absolutely silent and draws very little power (approx 20 watts with it throttled back a bit). But that would be a bit big for your tank.

 

Thanks all! I got a few to research now. Much appreciated!

 

I use an Eheim Compact+ 3000. It's dead silent, reasonably priced, and very efficient. Also has adjustable flow. You might need the 5000 version to get the flow rate to are looking for with that amount of head loss.

 

Feeling the Eheim love, lol...