BioCube 32 - Return Pump + Backup Battery

tanked4u

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Hello all,

I would like to upgrade my BioCube 32 return pump with one compatible with the IceCap Battery Backup v2. Any suggestions?

I was looking at the VarioS-2 Controllable DC Pump, which is compatible with the IceCap battery, but I am worried about cramming it into the 3rd chamber. It looks like it would be a tight fit. Does anyone have experience with this pump in a 32g BioCube?

Thanks!
 

TheHarold

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I would recomendable getting a powerhead that has battery backup rather than trying to find a return pump. Those chambers are really small, don’t think a Varios will fit.
 
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tanked4u

tanked4u

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Thanks Harold. The powerhead route seems to be the prevailing advice.

I was hoping to keep my filtration and etc in play during an outage, but I suppose it is not that big of a deal. I also have an existing powerhead I really like, but it is not compatible with the battery. :(
 
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tanked4u

tanked4u

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After search around a bit more, I think the following pump may meet my needs:

MightyJet 538 GPH DC AIO Return Pump - Midsize

Anyone have positive or negative experience with this pump?
 

CavalierReef

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tanked4u, were you able to find one of these pumps? I'm interested too and they seem to be "out of stock" everywhere. ??
 

CavalierReef

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After search around a bit more, I think the following pump may meet my needs:

MightyJet 538 GPH DC AIO Return Pump - Midsize

Anyone have positive or negative experience with this pump?
Have you been able to find this pump?
 
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tanked4u

tanked4u

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Have you been able to find this pump?

Yes, I bought the pump directly from Innovative Marine a few weeks back. It was on sale for 15% off at the time, if I remember correctly.


They have 6 in stock as of right now.

The pump arrived on-time, but it was missing the manual and warranty documentation, which did not give me a warm and fuzzy. The pump itself looked fine, so I decided to try it.

The pump works as advertised and is relatively quiet. The extra flow and variability control is really great. It is a touch to big for the 3rd compartment of my 32g BioCube, but I was able to fit it in on an angle. I imagine the sound would be even better if I was able properly anchor it to the bottom of the compartment.

The hookup to the IceCap battery was simple, and I successfully tested it running on the battery for a few minutes. I didn't run the test longer to avoid the stress on the battery.

In summary, I am happy with both the pump and the battery backup. I would recommend this solution.

Let me know if there are any questions.
 
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CavalierReef

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tanked4u, thanks so much for the feedback. I also found it on their site after having looking at all the usual suspects where it was "out of stock". I bought directly from Innovative Marine and also bought the IceCap battery back-up. I haven't installed it yet but since I'm putting it in chamber 3 of my 32 Biocube, I'll have the same issue you did with fitment. I currently have a Coralife UV installed in-line with the stock pump. This controllable pump appealed to me because I can dial down the flow when/if I need to use the UV.
 

Nurse.Reef.Reapeat

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Yes, I bought the pump directly from Innovative Marine a few weeks back. It was on sale for 15% off at the time, if I remember correctly.


They have 6 in stock as of right now.

The pump arrived on-time, but it was missing the manual and warranty documentation, which did not give me a warm and fuzzy. The pump itself looked fine, so I decided to try it.

The pump works as advertised and is relatively quiet. The extra flow and variability control is really great. It is a touch to big for the 3rd compartment of my 32g BioCube, but I was able to fit it in on an angle. I imagine the sound would be even better if I was able properly anchor it to the bottom of the compartment.

The hookup to the IceCap battery was simple, and I successfully tested it running on the battery for a few minutes. I didn't run the test longer to avoid the stress on the battery.

In summary, I am happy with both the pump and the battery backup. I would recommend this solution.

Let me know if there are any questions.
i would love to know how you set-up the Mighty Jet to work with the IceCap battery Backup, cuz alot of them said it will not work. thanks
 
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tanked4u

tanked4u

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i would love to know how you set-up the Mighty Jet to work with the IceCap battery Backup, cuz alot of them said it will not work. thanks
Hello,

I do not recall any issues with the setup. Between the pump and the battery, I had all the necessary cords to make the connections. Where are you getting stuck? I can compare it to my setup.

On a side note, I read some recent complaints about the battery not running as long as anticipated. I only did about a 5 minute test run because I didn't want to stress the battery. I am now thinking about running it longer to see how long it will last.
 

Nurse.Reef.Reapeat

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Hello,

I do not recall any issues with the setup. Between the pump and the battery, I had all the necessary cords to make the connections. Where are you getting stuck? I can compare it to my setup.

On a side note, I read some recent complaints about the battery not running as long as anticipated. I only did about a 5 minute test run because I didn't want to stress the battery. I am now thinking about running it longer to see how long it will last.
i did not receive my V3 battery yet. should be here within the week. i have two mighty jet that i would like connected. what i need to find out is how you set it up. i asked coralvue and @MarineDepot they said that it wont work.
 

Jonify

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After search around a bit more, I think the following pump may meet my needs:

MightyJet 538 GPH DC AIO Return Pump - Midsize

Anyone have positive or negative experience with this pump?
Yes, I have the smaller 326 GPH version in my RS Max Nano, and it's awesome, super quiet. I have it connected to my Apex via the 24VDC input, then I have the Apex configured to only leave that return pump running in the event of a power outage. The Apex is connected to my UPS.
 

Nurse.Reef.Reapeat

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So i got the iceCap V3 today, plugged it in as per installation instructions and there it is: error E2. I wonder what I did wrong?
Hello,

I do not recall any issues with the setup. Between the pump and the battery, I had all the necessary cords to make the connections. Where are you getting stuck? I can compare it to my setup.

On a side note, I read some recent complaints about the battery not running as long as anticipated. I only did about a 5 minute test run because I didn't want to stress the battery. I am now thinking about running it longer to see how long it will last.
 

reeferkojack

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Yes, I bought the pump directly from Innovative Marine a few weeks back. It was on sale for 15% off at the time, if I remember correctly.


They have 6 in stock as of right now.

The pump arrived on-time, but it was missing the manual and warranty documentation, which did not give me a warm and fuzzy. The pump itself looked fine, so I decided to try it.

The pump works as advertised and is relatively quiet. The extra flow and variability control is really great. It is a touch to big for the 3rd compartment of my 32g BioCube, but I was able to fit it in on an angle. I imagine the sound would be even better if I was able properly anchor it to the bottom of the compartment.

The hookup to the IceCap battery was simple, and I successfully tested it running on the battery for a few minutes. I didn't run the test longer to avoid the stress on the battery.

In summary, I am happy with both the pump and the battery backup. I would recommend this solution.

Let me know if there are any questions.
Came across your post because I’m looking into getting a DC pump for my BC 32. I ordered at Jebao DCS 2000 off Amazon rated at 520 GPH, but not in also looking into the Mighty Jet 538. How was it been working for you? Are you using it with the intake cover on or off?
 
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