Return pump options....any recent additions

[Der ABT]

So always been a mag 9 kinda guy for longevity and price and heat is nonissue.....ehiem 1262 pretty much tied for a good choice in my eyes

 

Had a mag start leaking voltage after about 10 yrs use so no shocker there...see what I did?

 

Trying to decide what to do next....still have my backup mag 9 but it's pretty old too.

 

With the 80g don't need bigger....Plan on running manifold for 2 reactors and a ca rx so not a whole lot of extra pressure need.

Only about 5 feet head pressure.

Going to be internal

 

If dc pump...what model company ....I know Waveline at least has a few years on the market....jaebo not too keen on with the wp40 issues I've had

 

Don't have an apex...only old aciii pro

 

Otherwise should I just find another ehiem or mag?

Any other suggestions are welcome....not looking to break the bank...kids have done that.

 

Appreciate any suggestions

[matt]

I'm an eheim fan, but perhaps I need to be educated on other options too

[Origami]

Evan, check out the Waterblaster line for efficiency and reliability. I've not used one, but seem to remember that Coral Hind ran one and recommended it from time to time. I have used the bubbleblaster on a skimmer (same pump, different impeller) and, for the time that I ran it, it did well. The first run of Waveline DC5000's were a reliability problem The newer DC6000's are reported not to be, but the jury's still out, I think. A couple of weeks ago, I helped one of our members out with a tank problem while he was overseas and part of the problem that we dealt with that day was a failed DC10000 (or DC12000). 

[sethsolomon]

I have been using the same Ecoplus pond pump for my reefs for the past 8 years.  Its an awesome pump. 

[Reefer_Madness]

Had a Waveline DC6000 and loved it.  Now I have a Ecotech Vectra M1.  I can't say I like it any more than the DC6000. 

[Der ABT]

Thanks guys keep em coming

 

Tom I had looked at the waterblasters when they first came out as coarlvue had an actual warranty on it. ..may have to revisit since I still have the old workhorse mag 9 as back up

[AlanM]

Deepwater Bldc?

 

http://m.marinedepot.com/products/pl00527/deepwater-aquatics-bldc-dc-brushless-water-pump

[John]

I'll be using Fluval Sea Pump in my build, I have no prior experience with this pump, so I can't really comment on it quite yet.

[fishgate]

DC is where it's at. Don't even consider anything else. I love Jebao!

[Der ABT]

Can you elaborate?

Return pump is something you need 24/7 reliability. .....mag, ehiem, etc have a track record of years with little to no issues

 

DC yes less power etc....but I have no need to adjust my return flow....I want it constant...

 

I'd like to try one but don't want to worry when I travel

 

Also looking at the reef octopus Rodc pumps...good warranty

[gioNVA]

I have been using a Jebao DC3000 for 2 years now with no issues.  However, reliability always scares me with Jebao as I always read bad reviews.  I always keep a spare one.  Anyway, I love the silence and control of the DC pump but you can't go wrong with an Eheim 1262.  I also have a laguna pond pump that's been running for about 5 years.  Not as quiet as the Eheim but it does move more water.  For my clownfish tank, I have a Sicce Syncra 1.5 which is really nice and quiet.  

[WilRams]

I have a DC6000 that has done me just fine for over a year. I don't have a need to adjust the flow although the feature is nice to have. The main reason for me to go with DC pumps where I can is to help me offset some of the cons of running MH's. Sure its not much but ill take what I can get. Any energy I can save and heat I can avoid is fine by me! Lastly is noise although thats not a biggie on my list. Reliability is always a concern with a vital piece of equipment so I keep a spare (its a mag!)

[fishgate]

I have a Jabeo DC6000 and DC9000 as well as an Eheim 1262. All of them have performed flawlessly. I like the DC pumps due to the adjustability and low power consumption. I don't see a down to the DC pump I have Jabeo wave maker as well never had an issue. Beware of those that criticize without ever owning one and simply parroting unverifiable anecdotes.

[Origami]

Return pump is something you need 24/7 reliability. .....mag, ehiem, etc have a track record of years with little to no issues.

I'm with you. When it comes to return pumps, I prefer a long track record of reliability and, if possible, serviceabilty and graceful degradation.

[Steve175]

I read the thread and then went out and gave my reeflos a loving pat

[sethsolomon]

I read the thread and then went out and gave my reeflos a loving pat

Hahaha no love right now for external pumps  :P    I have a pile of reeflo pumps back in Colorado that I need to bring back the next time to drive out there.  :P  All of them 10+ years old and still rocking.

[zygote2k]

look no further than the mag drives. why fix/change if it aint broke? use a mag 12 and power the manifold and return. simple and easy, no DC pump issues, no jebao bs issues. Worry about the next pump technology in another 10 years when the mag dies- maybe by then, they'll have worked all the bugs outta the dc pumps...

[Der ABT]

Rob I completely get ya....I still have one working mag 9 which should work fine for me even with a manifold....I was hoping the dc pumps had come a little further since I last looked.

 

The reef octopus Rodc pumps look pretty nice...good warranty etc...from coralvue

 

Also saw the jaebo dct6000 for 78 bucks on amazon...prime even......tempting but for 30 bucks more for a new mag9....and peace of mind it's gonna be hard to switch

 

Appreciate all the suggestions....as always feel free to add more or chime in on previous suggestions

[fishgate]

Are you are basing your decision on purely anecdotal evidence of DC pumps not being prime time? I think a lot of people are pissed off that they flushed their money down the toilette on Ecotech products, the biggest ripoff out there, and are now badmouthing cheaper pumps as some sort of retribution. I hear of way, way more problems (anecdotal) with vortechs than any other pump out there. Then people gush over the wonderful "customer service" they get when they call for problems. Well I guess you should get wonderful customer service since you paid $700 for a $50 pump! $700? What, over! It moves water! Hello! And I am sure I will get the "you never owned one" comments blah blah whatever responses yes your GD right I never have and never will buy one of these overpriced water movers.

 

FYI: There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of the Mag pumps also being less than reliable. I heard it all when I bought my Mag 6 over 5 years ago (they were a cheaper alternative to eheim at the time which was the defacto standard), which I never had any issues with at all.

 

Do your own research and get whatever allows you to sleep at night.

[Origami]

Are you are basing your decision on purely anecdotal evidence of DC pumps not being prime time? I think a lot of people are pissed off that they flushed their money down the toilette on Ecotech products, the biggest ripoff out there, and are now badmouthing cheaper pumps as some sort of retribution. I hear of way, way more problems (anecdotal) with vortechs than any other pump out there. Then people gush over the wonderful "customer service" they get when they call for problems. Well I guess you should get wonderful customer service since you paid $700 for a $50 pump! $700? What, over! It moves water! Hello! And I am sure I will get the "you never owned one" comments blah blah whatever responses yes your GD right I never have and never will buy one of these overpriced water movers.

 

FYI: There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of the Mag pumps also being less than reliable. I heard it all when I bought my Mag 6 over 5 years ago (they were a cheaper alternative to eheim at the time which was the defacto standard), which I never had any issues with at all.

 

Do your own research and get whatever allows you to sleep at night.

I think many people have direct evidence with a lot of these pumps. I, personally, have had two DC5000's fail within 18 months. Both were used in a skimmer application and, after further contact with the Chinese company's engineers, found that there was, indeed, a design defect that needed to be corrected. I've also swapped out two DC6000 controllers  that were giving another one of our prominent aquarists fits, with spares that I had on hand. Then, just 3 weeks ago, I had a DC12000 (or DC10000) fail right in front of me as I helped one of our members currently deployed overseas troubleshoot his system.

 

I've had Mags and Vortechs both.  And Eheims. The early Vortechs (pre-ES) had some issues with balance, bushings and wear on the magnet coating which were addressed with after-market kits. The Mags have always been quite reliable for the most part. They do run kind of hot in my opinion. The one Eheim that ran as a return pump was quiet, but somewhat underpowered for the price point. The other Eheims that I have today on other equipment run great.

 

My return pump is external and, so, not in Evan's trade-space. It is, by the way, a Reeflo with a Baldor motor. A combination with demonstrated reliability.

[sethsolomon]

If you want common pump problems, here's a list of them that I hear a lot:

• Jebao 1st gen pumps seizing and controllers failing
• Jebao 2nd gen controllers failing
• Jebao 3rd gen  not seen much for the 3rd gen (I just purchased one for my new zoa tank so we will see how it goes)
• Mag pumps  the housing seals fail in the 7-12 year range causing them to leak voltage
• as Tom said, Mags tend to run hot
• Vortec DC pumps too young to tell and have not seen anything posted on the major forums yet
• Reeflo pumps bearings sometimes give out causing tons of noise but these are cheap and easy to replace and rarely the seals fail but also a cheap and easy fix (The berring failures tend to be on the non baldor motors)
• Reef octopus DC pumps  seen a good bit of controller failures in the last month
• Ehiem pumps tend to start running hotter as they get older

 

These are the trends I have seen over the past 8 years of the hobby.  Just some brands to note that I have not seen/heard any problems with:

• Sicce
• Ecoplus  (I have a 1256 that has been my main drive pump for all my tanks for the past 8 years still rocking strong but kinda a power hog)
• Atman (I have one of these running my skimmer for the past 6 years)

[Origami]

^^ Great post, Seth. Thanks!

[Der ABT]

Nothing annecdotal....had jaebo wp40, wp25, and dosing pump...out of 6 pump 1 was working at year 2....then took em off line...wp25 was the best there.....dosing pump...fair for the price but not exact

 

Vortech. ..have 5 dating back to 2008 or 09...mp40w non es.....had magnet bulging replaced a few times otherwise flawless ....2 probably could use a bearING as they are noisier but work fine....most bought used and couldn't be happier

 

 

I'm just thinking of trying something new while I have a good backup as prices are more reasonable now.

Unfortunately internal is the only option for me...quiet is a plus...heat not an issue....just means less use if a heater

Vortec..too expensive

Jaebo...for the price may just try it but

Reef octo...was leaning this way till seth said the controller issue which I'll have to research now

[sethsolomon]

Nothing annecdotal....had jaebo wp40, wp25, and dosing pump...out of 6 pump 1 was working at year 2....then took em off line...wp25 was the best there.....dosing pump...fair for the price but not exact

 

Vortech. ..have 5 dating back to 2008 or 09...mp40w non es.....had magnet bulging replaced a few times otherwise flawless ....2 probably could use a bearING as they are noisier but work fine....most bought used and couldn't be happier

 

 

I'm just thinking of trying something new while I have a good backup as prices are more reasonable now.

Unfortunately internal is the only option for me...quiet is a plus...heat not an issue....just means less use if a heater

Vortec..too expensive

Jaebo...for the price may just try it but

Reef octo...was leaning this way till seth said the controller issue which I'll have to research now

Yah the Jebao WP series had a lot of failures. All of the problems were addressed and issued into the RW series.  The RW series is pretty solid, just have to make sure you keep them reasonably clean.

[gioNVA]

I may be in the minority but I've had good luck so far with Jebaos.  I have 3 WP-25s that are still running.  The only thing bad is that they need to be cleaned often otherwise it affects the flow.  I have had no issues with their DC pump (DC3000 and DCT4000).  Now that I think about it, i've had two Eheim 1048 pumps die on me but those are for calcium reactors so it's in a harsher environment.  I did run an Eheim 1262 for about 5 years on that 156g with no issues.  I also see that Geo's reactors are now running Sicce pumps instead.  I have 4 Vortechs (3 MP40w and one MP20).  I've had the worst luck out of the Vortechs (3 bad magnets that cracked/expanded, the propellers were out of balance, the inner cover wore out, the impeller washer wore out, dry side motor rattling on one).  I think I've spent more money on maintaining the Vortechs than any other equipment.   I would suggest the Laguna pumps as I've had great long term experience with those.  I have a  Max-flo 2400 that has been running for 4 years and a skimmer with a Laguna 1500 for at least 5 years.  Those pumps are solid.  The only issue is that they are pond pumps so the cord is long and it doesn't come with a stand/feet so I have mine sitting on a piece of foam/pad.