Return Pump Suggestions

[Rychek]

I'm putting together a system with a 90 gal display and a 30 long sump. I'm planning on having two bulkheads put into the back pane of my display tank to feed the sump/fuge. However, I don't know which pump to use for my return. I think I want to go with a submersible pump, but I'm open to suggestions for external as well. I'm on a somewhat tight budget, so I'm mostly looking for best bang for my buck (though I am open to waiting a little longer and getting a higher quality part). Any suggestions for one who is new to return pumps? Thanks.

[cpreefguy]

If youre looking for a reasonably priced, quality return pump, I would suggest an Eheim 1262.

[MissT]

I agree with Sean on the 1262 for submersibles, but look into an Iwaki or PanWorld if you go external.

[cpreefguy]

Do you know how quiet the Iwaki and Panworld pumps are Misti?

[MissT]

I might not be the best one to ask about what's "quiet" since both my job and my house have the constant gurgle of fishtank.... but I don't notice noise from them. :bigsmile:
Lee, your's still doing good?

[Rychek]

The Ehiem looks nice and I know they are a solid brand. Quiet is also a huge plus. What about QuiteOne pumps? Has anybody had any experience with them? If so, how would they stack up against a similarly rated Mag or Eheim?

[LoneStar]

The Eheim is a better pump when compared to a similar Mag pump. It will last longer and perform cooler and more cost effective. If its a submersible pump your going for, get the Eheim.

One thing you will learn in the saltwater hobby is that the Germans make outstanding products.

[Rychek]

The Eheim does look good especially with it's reputation for longevity. I'll probably get the 1262.

[cpreefguy]

quiet ones are one of the loudest and unreliable pumps out there, you never know by the name

[caferacermike]

Eheim 1262. They are the only pumps I run. I first started in the hobby I used whatever I could find. I quickly found that Eheims are the most dependable and silent pumps for the money. I've got some 1262's that have not been cleaned in 5 years running perfectly. My current total of 1262 pumps, 8.

[sawarf]

I run both Eheim and quietone and have had no problems from either. I have an older model external quietone that has run reliably since 1995 with zero noise and zero problems!

[Rychek]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I'm going to get an Eheim. Quite is a definite plus at this point, as is reliability. The prices I've seen on the Eheim 1262 aren't that bad either. They are a little more than I was expecting, but not much.

[reeferRob]

If youre looking for a reasonably priced, quality return pump, I would suggest an Eheim 1262.

I 2nd that

[apedroza]

I have 2-1262's one in my tank and one in our fish pond and have never had a proble with either. The one in the pond is over 6yrs old and goes threw some nasty gunk and still works like a champ.

[stoneroller]

So does anyone clean out the sponge on theirs or do you just get rid of it? If no sponge, do you bother with the vented cover?

[caferacermike]

I don't use the prefilter sponge. I do still keep the cover with them unless mounted in a very tight space.

[apedroza]

yeah I don't use the sponge either.

[crossxfire2]

I use a rio 2100 and I cannot hear it AT ALL. The only thing I can hear is the euroreef skimmer. Mine pumps water like crazy up about 4(?) ft. I do not use a filter sponge, because I think it will hinder the performance of the pump when the sponge gets clogged with stuff.

[sawarf]

So does anyone clean out the sponge on theirs or do you just get rid of it? If no sponge, do you bother with the vented cover?
Yes, I use my sponge b/c it keeps "stuff" from the fuge from getting into the pump and damaging the impellers. I have run external pumps continually for more than 10 years this way with zero problems. I know I should rinse the sponges weekly but that doesn't always happen... The hermits and snails are all over the sponges as are pods of all sizes... but one hermit or snail IN the pump would quickly make a mess.