Best return pumps?

Karsten · #1 06-21-2013, 10:10 PM

I have a 70 gallon tank with 4 feet of head. What is the best return pump you can get? I currently run a 1000gph USA and it puts out around 600 pretty weak.
I'm thinking speedwave 2640 or mag 24?

Jakegr · #2 06-21-2013, 10:22 PM

You only need 350 gph at 4 feet head pressure to turn the tank over 5x per hour, which is often the recommended turnover rate. For my comparably sized tank, I use a Waveline DC5000 on the third power setting. No need for a Mag 24... huge overkill and a waste of power. A Mag 9 would be more than enough.

neoh · #3 06-21-2013, 11:14 PM

Speedwave DC. Thank me later.

Skimmerking · #4 06-21-2013, 11:36 PM

Yes I have been hearing that DC speed control pumps are the pump to get.. im thinking strongly on getting one for the 250 gal that im planning for .

Myka · #5 06-22-2013, 03:36 AM

Mag pumps are great for mixing salt, but I wouldn't use them for a return pump. Iwaki and Eheim are both tried and true great pumps for that size tank. The Speedwaves are getting lots of attention lately, but I'm waiting to see how they perform longterm. They seem like a good option. I would shoot for 5-8x turnover if I were you so assuming you have about 15 gallons of water in the sump that's going to be 425-680 gph after head loss.

Skimmerking · #6 06-22-2013, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

Mag pumps are great for mixing salt, but I wouldn't use them for a return pump.

. Well I disagree mindy I have been using mag pumps since 2002 and not once did I have a problem. I guess I got a crappy pump. And they do have a great track record actually inline they recommend that they run in the water to assist in keeping it cool. And they also help in heating the water 1-2 degrees

Just sayin

reefme · #7 06-22-2013, 03:49 AM

I am setting up Waveline DC5000 right now on my 120 gallons tank. Very quiet. I like the soft start after feeding the fish.

Jakegr · #8 06-22-2013, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skimmer King

Yes I have been hearing that DC speed control pumps are the pump to get.. im thinking strongly on getting one for the 250 gal that im planning for .

They aren't bad on skimmers either

Myka · #9 06-22-2013, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skimmer King

. Well I disagree mindy I have been using mag pumps since 2002 and not once did I have a problem.

That's fine. It works for you, and that's what matters for you.

I used Mag pumps for mixing salt for several years, but they are all dead now. RIP.

Skimmerking · #10 06-22-2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

That's fine. It works for you, and that's what matters for you.

I used Mag pumps for mixing salt for several years, but they are all dead now. RIP.

Mindy after looking at my post maybe I sounded rude. really sorry if it came out that way. I meant for it to be as I was lucky in having mag pumps in my reefing career as a positive note.

sorry