Pump Recommendations Please

I am setting up a 220g display tank with a 70g sump/refugium (will probably only hold 50g or so). It will have 2" overflow and a 1" return. The return will lift approximately 5' and then T into two 1" horizontals that each Y into two 1/2" Loc-Line flexibles. I have searched numerous posts and have succeeded in further confusing myself. I plan to have mostly LPS and Softies but maybe a few SPS. I also plan to use a couple of powerheads set up on a wave maker.

What main pump and powerhead combinations would work well for me?

Thanks

 

It's hard to believe that after 40 some views, no one has an opinion...

 

You could go with a magdrive pump for the return. Some dont like them but mine has been great.

Mag Drive 9.5 Water Pump - AquaCave.com

And for circulation you could go a couple different ways. You will need quite a bit for a tank of that size. I will list a few and you will have to decide what fits your budget best.


A couple of these.....pricey but top of the line.
Vortech MP40W ES Propeller Pump by EcoTech Marine - AquaCave.com

and then these....they are extremely popular and you could get their wave maker with them. You would want several of these.

Koralia Evolution High Flow Powerheads by Hydor - AquaCave.com

 

I use the mag drive 9.5 pumps on my current tank...I have a 120g now, but am upgrading to an in-wall 250g DD later this year (build thread to follow). I plan to use two mag drive 9.5 for the return on that tank. The pumps are reliable, always start, and they are not too bad on energy consumption. I would steer clear of the "quiet one" pump brand - I used those in the past and they had lots of restart issues.

For circulation, I plan to go with the vortec mp40. I probably need two, but will start with one and see how it goes - they are expensive (about $450) but from what I hear, they are amazing.

 

If I used 2 pumps could they be Y'd into one return or would I need to drill another hole for a separate return line.

 

Not sure, Personally, I have 2 return lines, one on each side of the tank. You would likely need two overflows as well...as 2 pumps would likely outpeform the one overflow.

 

I have a Sicce 5 and 2 MP40s on my 180 and i think its perfect

 

If your talking external pumps, I use a Reeflo Snapper for my return pump and an Iwaki MD40 for my closed loop and both are quiet for the amount of water they move. I also run two MP40's that are running about 60%, my flow is great for this 185 Tall tank.

For submersible pumps, I really like the Eheim 1260 and 1262 models; great flow, reliability and good head pressure ratings. I currently us the 1260 in a 55g DT/15g sump setup and has been trouble free for 12 months running.

 

Want a killer pump use a Water Blaster, Reeflows are nice pumps too I am using both on my build.
A new pump that can be used with many options is the Waveline DC 10000 w/6 speed controller @ 2650gph. I will be using two of these along with two Water Blasters 16000 on my close loop. They will be plumbed together with Blasters running with light cycles on and Waveline's at night.

Great ReefN,