top 3 return pumps

[hellrazr1231]

In your guys opinions what are the top 3 return pumps for using in a sump. I'm wanting around 1500 gph (for a 75 gallonl, should I go more?) I looking for the power, relability, and of coarse the biggest bang for your buck.
Thanks

 

[fallin49er]

I have a reeflo hammerhead that returns 5800 gph and is oh so quiet...love it! But it would probably blow out the front of your 75 gallon tank. I also have a gen x 40 that seems to be working great but is a bit noisy.

 

[dr_sudz]

that will give you a turn over rate of 20 times. are you doing this with a sump or a closed loop? If its a sump that's way to fast.

 

[dr_sudz]

if you want a good reliable pump I am a big fan of the mag drive line. I would most likely go with a 3.5 or 5 at most if your using for a sump. That will give you the desired 4 - 6ish turn over rate your looking for.

 

[surnimensis]

Very interesting [ stroking beard ]

 

[hellrazr1231]

A 1200 that has to push up 4 ft then over the tank would lose alot of it's force correct. Would probably end up being like 800 at the tank correct? I want to go a little over kill because i was hoping to upgrade to a larger tank someday soon. What would be the best pump for a fully stocked 75 gallon. I plan on using 1 1/4 PVC for the overflow? Is that to much? I take one step forward and two steps back lol

 

[dr_sudz]

again, I would be looking at around the mag 5. The decay rate for 4' is not a huge amount. you would need a 2" drain line coming off your 75 if you go with the original thinking of having a 1500 GPH pump. Or you could run the 1.5" line but that is risking an overflow of the whole tank. When it comes to sumps slow is good, too fast and your not really doing an efficient job of filtering. (or some may argue differnt but that is the school of thought I am in.)

 

[hellrazr1231]

Thanks guys that is actually better noise because those pumps are cheaper lol. I will look into the mag 5 with 1 1/4 pipe. What size pipe do I have to run out of the mag 5 pump? Thanks

 

[FSM]

quietone 4000

1500 GPH is excessive; it won't hurt but you will do fine with 10x turnover. I run a quietone 3000 on my 75, if I wanted more flow the 4000 is also very efficient.

 

[dr_sudz]

I believe it is ether a 1/2" or 3/4" pipe coming out.. you have to look up the mag line it will tell you the specs.