Equipment advice for new 180g set-up (return pump)

Stickboy97 · 10/17/2013, 01:05 PM

So I've ordered a new 180g & I'm in the market for a 75g sump. The 180 has dual overflows (with drains & returns in each). I'll be researching and asking plenty of questions about the plumbing, but figure I'll start with the return pump.

What size pump do i need to buy (GPH)? Any suggestions on good pumps that wont break the bank. The 75g tank I have in my office is 5+ yrs old with a cheap ebay special pump that has never failed me (knocks on wood) but I'd like to buy something a little better for this big tank.

I want something that is in sump, adjustable is ok (I can also adjust the flow with the valves in the piping), or what else should I look for?

Thanks!

shaginwagon13 · 10/17/2013, 01:08 PM

If I were you I would use a Reeflo Dart.

I used the Dart for my 180 and I loved it because it has enough power that you can plumb to your return line your calcium reactor, chiller, return line, UV, etc. and keep the water temperature down.

This is a great thread on how to accomplish this:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pp=25&page=16

hkgar · 10/17/2013, 01:38 PM

I am using the Mag 12 and running two take offs for GFO and Carbon reactors on my 180 with a 75 gallon sump.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_Ma...DN1129-vi.html

TruReef · 10/17/2013, 01:51 PM

I'm planning on using a Water Blaster 7000 on my 180g build.

Stickboy97 · 10/17/2013, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaginwagon13

If I were you I would use a Reeflo Dart.

I used the Dart for my 180 and I loved it because it has enough power that you can plumb to your return line your calcium reactor, chiller, return line, UV, etc. and keep the water temperature down.

This is a great thread on how to accomplish this:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pp=25&page=16

Great build thread, WOW thats a pricey pump!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgar

I am using the Mag 12 and running two take offs for GFO and Carbon reactors on my 180 with a 75 gallon sump.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_Ma...DN1129-vi.html

Great price, is that enough flow, 1200 gph?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruReef

I'm planning on using a Water Blaster 7000 on my 180g build.

Another pricey pump. Wasn't really looking to spend $250-$300 on a pump.

Are there cheaper options?

gone fishin · 10/17/2013, 03:47 PM

I run the dart in mine. seems like once you hit the 180 mark things jump up in price quite a bit.

DavidinGA · 10/17/2013, 05:30 PM

I run a eheim 1262 on my 210gal and it works great. I prefer slower flow thru my sump and I don't rely on it for flow inside the DT (I have two WP40'S for that pushing almost 8,000gph!)

I also prefer to have dedicated pumps for other things like reactors so I'm able to make the most of my reef angel's ability to control everything.

TruReef · 10/18/2013, 04:26 AM

Most of these pump suggestions(internal) are low power/high flow pumps that stay relatively cool. The cheaper pumps will draw more power & run hotter. In the big picture you will spend less $ investing in a better pump from the start.

hobbzz · 10/18/2013, 05:07 AM

Laguna max flo. You only need about about 3-5 times display volume going through the sump. I have a 1500 on my 300g. It's silent and only cost $150 shipped. It's the pump that the $700+ red dragon skimmer pumps are made from.

GatorAlum05 · 10/18/2013, 05:13 AM

slower flow through your sump will help your skimmer work better.

I have a sicce 5.0 but made a manifold for gfo and carbon. I'm guessing I get around 800gph in my 150g tank.

GatorAlum05 · 10/18/2013, 05:14 AM

forgot to add.My sump is 50 gallons or so.

Stickboy97 · 10/18/2013, 01:12 PM

Any thoughts on the Quiet One line of pumps? Looking at the 6000 model.

viggen · 10/18/2013, 02:44 PM

I fee. You get what you pay for. There is a reason the mag pumps are so cheap... They are made much cheaper and are designed for pond use where noise isn't as much of a concern. I have a mag 5, 7 and 36.

The water blaster pumps are a bit more money but you also get a more efficient pump that makes a lot less noise! It might take years to recoup the added up front expense with a more efficient pump.

With the smallish tank that you have for a sump, I would go with a slower turnover vs faster rate. I think going with something like a dart which does 2-3k gallons a hr would possibly be to much flow for your sump depending on how its setup. Something like a waterblaster 5000 or 7000 or a comparable pump from another manufacturer is all you need. I use the waterblaster 5000 on my 475g.

Stickboy97 · 10/19/2013, 02:01 PM

Thanks. I think I will look for something in the 1200 - 1500 gph.

Looking at the DC pumps by Jebao. I hear lots of good stuff about their WP pumps (I have 2 WP40's waiting for the 180). Their DC 6000 and 9000 seem very reasonably priced.

hkgar · 10/19/2013, 02:18 PM

Some people aren't too impressed wit Jebao

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...ighlight=jebao

hobbzz · 10/19/2013, 03:19 PM

Jebao would be a risky bet. Personally they're too new for me. Six months or a year without a failure is not long term success.

rishma · 10/19/2013, 04:40 PM

Strongly support the comments on low flow through the sump....

Eheim 1260 is a good choice.

target 2-4X tank volume through sump per hour

azjohnny · 10/19/2013, 05:43 PM

IMO the best options are

Eheim 1260
Sicce 5
Laguna Max Flo 1500

I have use all 3 and the laguna is my fav, all 3 pumps are quiet and dependable. Install a ball valve at the pump exit to fine tune your flow

( I have mine valved back about 50%)

10/17/2013, 01:05 PM	#1
Stickboy97 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 647	Equipment advice for new 180g set-up (return pump) So I've ordered a new 180g & I'm in the market for a 75g sump. The 180 has dual overflows (with drains & returns in each). I'll be researching and asking plenty of questions about the plumbing, but figure I'll start with the return pump. What size pump do i need to buy (GPH)? Any suggestions on good pumps that wont break the bank. The 75g tank I have in my office is 5+ yrs old with a cheap ebay special pump that has never failed me (knocks on wood) but I'd like to buy something a little better for this big tank. I want something that is in sump, adjustable is ok (I can also adjust the flow with the valves in the piping), or what else should I look for? Thanks! __________________ DSA 105g Neo Pro

10/17/2013, 01:08 PM	#2
shaginwagon13 Chartered Accountant Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 2,219	If I were you I would use a Reeflo Dart. I used the Dart for my 180 and I loved it because it has enough power that you can plumb to your return line your calcium reactor, chiller, return line, UV, etc. and keep the water temperature down. This is a great thread on how to accomplish this: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pp=25&page=16 __________________ - Shaginwagon - Current Tank Info: 550 Gallon SPS Reef l 200 Gallon Sump l Skimmer: Vertex Alpha 250 l Return Pump: Reeflo Hammerhead l Tank Circulation: (2) Maxspect Gyre XF280 l Lighting: (3) 400w Halides & (3) AI Hydra 52 HD

10/17/2013, 01:38 PM	#3
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	I am using the Mag 12 and running two take offs for GFO and Carbon reactors on my 180 with a 75 gallon sump. http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_Ma...DN1129-vi.html __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

10/17/2013, 01:51 PM	#4
TruReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fruit Cove, FL Posts: 617	I'm planning on using a Water Blaster 7000 on my 180g build. __________________ The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Current Tank Info: AGA 180g mixed reef, 60" Sunpower 8 bulb, SRO-3000int

10/17/2013, 03:47 PM	#6
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	I run the dart in mine. seems like once you hit the 180 mark things jump up in price quite a bit. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

10/17/2013, 05:30 PM	#7
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	I run a eheim 1262 on my 210gal and it works great. I prefer slower flow thru my sump and I don't rely on it for flow inside the DT (I have two WP40'S for that pushing almost 8,000gph!) I also prefer to have dedicated pumps for other things like reactors so I'm able to make the most of my reef angel's ability to control everything. __________________ Giant money pit, but it's a happy pit ;) Current tank: 6ft 210gal SPS, 3~eBay led boxes, 4~80w T5's, sro3000int, RW20's, Reef Angel, reactors, pumps, rocks, sand, yadda yadda yadda...

10/18/2013, 04:26 AM	#8
TruReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fruit Cove, FL Posts: 617	Most of these pump suggestions(internal) are low power/high flow pumps that stay relatively cool. The cheaper pumps will draw more power & run hotter. In the big picture you will spend less $ investing in a better pump from the start. __________________ The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Current Tank Info: AGA 180g mixed reef, 60" Sunpower 8 bulb, SRO-3000int

10/18/2013, 05:07 AM	#9
hobbzz How do I change this? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 3,037	Laguna max flo. You only need about about 3-5 times display volume going through the sump. I have a 1500 on my 300g. It's silent and only cost $150 shipped. It's the pump that the $700+ red dragon skimmer pumps are made from. __________________ 150g system. 120g reef, sro3000, Apex, Tunze 6255/6105/6095, T5 w/led supplement, 29g reef, MP10, led only.

10/18/2013, 05:13 AM	#10
GatorAlum05 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: FL Posts: 406	slower flow through your sump will help your skimmer work better. I have a sicce 5.0 but made a manifold for gfo and carbon. I'm guessing I get around 800gph in my 150g tank.

10/18/2013, 05:14 AM	#11
GatorAlum05 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: FL Posts: 406	forgot to add.My sump is 50 gallons or so.

10/18/2013, 01:12 PM	#12
Stickboy97 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 647	Any thoughts on the Quiet One line of pumps? Looking at the 6000 model. __________________ DSA 105g Neo Pro

10/18/2013, 02:44 PM	#13
viggen Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 2,213	I fee. You get what you pay for. There is a reason the mag pumps are so cheap... They are made much cheaper and are designed for pond use where noise isn't as much of a concern. I have a mag 5, 7 and 36. The water blaster pumps are a bit more money but you also get a more efficient pump that makes a lot less noise! It might take years to recoup the added up front expense with a more efficient pump. With the smallish tank that you have for a sump, I would go with a slower turnover vs faster rate. I think going with something like a dart which does 2-3k gallons a hr would possibly be to much flow for your sump depending on how its setup. Something like a waterblaster 5000 or 7000 or a comparable pump from another manufacturer is all you need. I use the waterblaster 5000 on my 475g. __________________ A tub of fish

10/19/2013, 02:01 PM	#14
Stickboy97 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 647	Thanks. I think I will look for something in the 1200 - 1500 gph. Looking at the DC pumps by Jebao. I hear lots of good stuff about their WP pumps (I have 2 WP40's waiting for the 180). Their DC 6000 and 9000 seem very reasonably priced. __________________ DSA 105g Neo Pro

10/19/2013, 02:18 PM	#15
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	Some people aren't too impressed wit Jebao http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...ighlight=jebao __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

10/19/2013, 03:19 PM	#16
hobbzz How do I change this? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 3,037	Jebao would be a risky bet. Personally they're too new for me. Six months or a year without a failure is not long term success. __________________ 150g system. 120g reef, sro3000, Apex, Tunze 6255/6105/6095, T5 w/led supplement, 29g reef, MP10, led only.

10/19/2013, 04:40 PM	#17
rishma Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,206	Strongly support the comments on low flow through the sump.... Eheim 1260 is a good choice. target 2-4X tank volume through sump per hour

10/19/2013, 05:43 PM	#18
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	IMO the best options are Eheim 1260 Sicce 5 Laguna Max Flo 1500 I have use all 3 and the laguna is my fav, all 3 pumps are quiet and dependable. Install a ball valve at the pump exit to fine tune your flow ( I have mine valved back about 50%)