Return Pump Recommendations

Hey 3reef,

Just wanted to know what return pumps you would recommend, either it be internal or extrenal and why?

Thanks

 

Internal keep the odds of floods down because there is no drilling of the tank but there can be heat issues. External pumps keep the heat down but increase the flood chances.

Rio HF series are supposed to be good, sturdy pumps with low noise. I can vouch for the low noise based on my personal use, but I haven't had them working long enough to vouch for their reliability.

 

I use an internal Mag 12, allows me to use smaller heaters to maintain my tanks temp and as stated above no need to drill tanks and hope they dont get stressed and crack.
Also saves a bit of floor space too.

 

Anybody else?

 

I always say this but I like my Eheim 1260. It is very quiet and starts up everytime. Well made, easy to clean.

I attempted to use something I had in my basement initially with this tank and it would not start after power outages, so I bought another Eheim.

You should mention the size of your tank as that will have a lot to do with which pump to recommend.

 

I have a 72 gal bow.

 

FWIW, several months back I bought a marineland 5500 to run my skimmer/chiller. I realize that this is not the use you are asking about, but it is a common return pump. It pumps great....when it works! It is not reliable to start up after power failures. It also cuts itself off sometimes for no known reason. I just ordered a Mag 12 to replace it. I use a Mag 9 on my return and it is always running. Heat is an issue with any internal pump. Consider you're environment and the equipment you plan to run (ie. chiller).

 

Ocean Runner or Eheim for me. Internal or external, it makes no difference, they are cooled by the aquarium water passing through water passages so heat is the same either way.
I have had too many Mags rattle and make noise plus they run hottre for some reason. Had two Quiet Ones literally go up in flames plus they have restart problems, a Rio HF with a swelled magnet and no support from the manufacturer and the same with a largre Via Aqua.

 

I happen to really like my Quite One 2200. Had it for a few years, never a problem. I think I've taken it out maybe twice to clean it up. Very quite, powerful, and inexpensive. Got it on eBay for about $50 I think. I'll be using another Quite One on my next tank.

 

Is there a sump on this tank with bulkhead for external pump?