Trying to decide on a return pump

[acroholic]

grouper therapy;478607 wrote: I am a big fan of Eheim pumps the quietest choice in my opinion

Eheims are very quiet and extremely reliable.

Really, I think you'd be fine with either a Mag, Quiet One, or an Eheim.

If you use a Mag, definitely upsize the return plumbing, as you will get a ton more flow than if you use the same size return pipe, like for Mag 5 that has 1/2" intake/output use 1" output if possible, but definitely 3/4" at the smallest.

One thing to consider as well is whether you want to run other things besides the returning water to the DT, like a calcium reactor, GAC/GFO reactor, or refugium. Can be beneficial to get some extra pump capacity and build a PVC manifold to feed peripherals.

Below is a pic of the cabinet of my 60 gallon reef. I use BL pressure rated external, and feed the manifold off it, which in turn feeds my calcium reactor, phosban reactor (GAC) and my chiller behind the wall.
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[grouper therapy]

Keep in mind that these type pumps are the most efficient when you run them in the middle head pressure range. So if you have a total head pressure of 5 feet and the pump has a max head pressure of 10 feet with 800gph and 400 gph at 5 feet then that would be the most efficient choice with that brand.

 

[dhoff04]

Thanks guys... This is all really helpful information. I hadn't really been paying any attention to head loss and how it could affect the pump efficiency.

 

[tony_caliente]

I own a Quiet One 3000 and love it, but I am in the minority.

 

[mufret]

I'm also a big fan of Eheim pumps. Although a bit more in cost than the Mags and Quiet one, they are quiet, efficient and uber dependable. Another pump to consider here is the Ocean Runner series of pumps distributed by Aqua Medic. They are knock offs of the eheims with many of the same attributes.

 

[dhoff04]

Thanks a lot for all the input! I am going to try out the QuietOne 3000 and see how it works out.