Toyota/Lexus of Return Pumps? - Poll
- Thread starter 208reef
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Uberlastung
New Member
I used only Jebao DC pumps in couple of my tanks since 2017.
Once, the pump failed in a 3 or 4 years of permanent running with approximately one maintenance per year, but since it costs less then 100$ i have nothing to complain. I can't say that its a Lexus, but definitely Toyota for me.
Once, the pump failed in a 3 or 4 years of permanent running with approximately one maintenance per year, but since it costs less then 100$ i have nothing to complain. I can't say that its a Lexus, but definitely Toyota for me.
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I’m a big fan of Sicce: I’ve bought many and own a few now, but the wireless app on those SDC’s is a fail. I ended up selling or trashing 3
I own 4 Neptune COR 2ea (15& 30 or whatever)
I’m happy with them so far
Edit: @208reef …why wasn’t Neptune in the list? unpopular?
rhaetuluscrenatus
Community Member
Here is my thread of return pumps, hope it's useful for you: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/passion-for-the-return-pumps-my-collection-and-research.1067151/
SpyC
Valuable Member
I had an AC sicce pump a long time ago and loved it. Going through two SDCs that made my house sound like a LFS fishroom made me no longer believe iin the ‘silence’ of their DC line. Really a shame because they are hefty pumps and I’d prefer supporting Sicxce and their amazing customer support. I do run some of their devices in my water storage containers and for mixing salt.
Eheim was another one I loved a long time ago. Just haven’t picked up a new once since rejoining the hobby a few years ago.
SteveMM62Reef
Valuable Member
I have Five Simplicity Pumps running, 1000 and 1600 Models. Not a bit of problems out of any of them. One did Flash a Failure on the Controller. A Snail had got inside the pump. Cleaned the pump and all was good. Love the 10 minute feed features and slow ramp up. Pump shown disassembled, easy to service, every six months.
Finally had to replace my 20 year old rio 1500. I accidentally dropped the ceramic shaft and broke it. They just don't make them like they used to.
When I went to the LFS to replace the pump the owner told me he still had several rio pumps running his 30+ year old systems
When I went to the LFS to replace the pump the owner told me he still had several rio pumps running his 30+ year old systems
kevinf
lalalala
A basic AC pump is your best bet if you don't want or need any fancy bells & whistles. They have less failure points with no transformer or control boards to fail. Less prone to damage from power surges or unstable power as well. No startup issues as you can have with lower wattage or DC pumps. A true and tested would be a Eheim 1262. They have been around forever and run forever, easy to install and only one moving part.
areefer01
2500 Club Member
In some cases yes. Rebranding or copies are out there. On the other hand taking an Abyyz and placing it next to a Jaebo I think it will speak for itself. Note I am not talking about performance or reliability as we all have our own experiences.
OP - as far as your list goes there are a lot of pumps you left off. I treat these questions a lot like anything else asking what is better or best or reliable. The onus is on the hobbyist to install the product correctly just as it is to maintain it. Routine cleaning, servicing, visual inspections, etc. Two hobbyist can use the same piece of equipment yet have opposite experiences. I find it interesting.
Dburr1014
10K Club member
OMG, rio pumps.
I had one almost burn down my house. It started to bubble and my lights in the house were flickering and the noise.
I'm so lucky I was home to unplug it.
That was about 20 years ago.
Randy Holmes-Farley
Reef Chemist
Staff member
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Expert Contributor
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R2R Research
My Tank Thread
My Iwaki pumps lasted the entire time my tank was up (20 years).
I have two on the shelf from a tear down. I had seal leaks on the first. My electric bill has dropped $50 a month after swapping tanks. They do pump some water tho. Mine was in the basement in a sump shared with a 180g and 150g on the main floor.Reeflo Hammerheads can easily last 25yrs.... they are BEASTS
Absolute GOLD STANDARD for larger systems
Mines been running 24/7/365 since 2012.... with original shaft seals. Some salt creep around the black propeller assembly but noooo nuisance leaks to speak of.
The motor I swear could pump it's way to Mars and back. You can't kill the motor. Lol
Only known issue is the two bearing shaft seals inside the black propeller assembly have been reported needing replaced every 5 years due to leaks ($50 parts and easy to replace) ...but I have not seen any issues with my OEM ones.
My friend has one that's been running since 2001.... you can't kill these pumps
I'm running 3 jebao DCP returns now and couldn't be happier. They're silent and cheap enough I have backups for each one.
The only difference I've noticed between Lexus and Toyota is the Lexus costs more and has more tech and comfort features to fail. I'll take the Toyota. I prefer Nissan over Infinity for the same reasons
This is why GFCI and a tank grounding probes are so crucial. This same thing can happen with anything electric sitting in salt water. I hate to think of the thought of a house fire but far more issues have been caused by aquarium heaters than AC pumps.
I’ve had the 3.0 (twice) 6.0 and 9.0 ….
the 9.0 was the only winner, one 3.0 just quit working , the other 3.0 and 6.0 wi/fi failed
the app is “sparse” when it’s working…more often that dang thing just blinked over and over…sometimes it connected more often not following a power disconnect…
The 9.0 didn’t give me the same issue, it was solid
kevinf
lalalala
Ah okay, I have the 3.0 setup for about 3 months now. So far so good. It's setup running on my hydros and just a continual speed. Fingers crossed
Stevorino
Well-Known Member
I've had experience with Jebao, Iwaki, PanWorld, Neptune Cor-20, Sicce, Maxspect, and Reef Octopus Varios if you count a skimmer pump.
The only one I would not buy again is Jebao. I've had multiple of them fail on me, including one that split down the middle and caused a flood and almost an electrical fire.
I have 3 sicces in my sump. All have worked flawlessly and quiet. I like them for smaller applications where you don't need a lot of control.
Iwaki is my favorite if you need something with some oomph, like going up a floor, or wanting to move a ton of water. They are just a bit loud (keep in mind I have only had the big boy pumps from them, their smaller ones are probably quieter).
My favorite for a return pump for normal distances at the moment is the Neptune Cor-20. Super easy to control via the Apex app and surprisingly quiet. I have 3 of them running and all of them have exceeded expectations.
The only one I would not buy again is Jebao. I've had multiple of them fail on me, including one that split down the middle and caused a flood and almost an electrical fire.
I have 3 sicces in my sump. All have worked flawlessly and quiet. I like them for smaller applications where you don't need a lot of control.
Iwaki is my favorite if you need something with some oomph, like going up a floor, or wanting to move a ton of water. They are just a bit loud (keep in mind I have only had the big boy pumps from them, their smaller ones are probably quieter).
My favorite for a return pump for normal distances at the moment is the Neptune Cor-20. Super easy to control via the Apex app and surprisingly quiet. I have 3 of them running and all of them have exceeded expectations.
t5Nitro
Valuable Member
The Danner mag drive pumps are pure machines. Most of the people in the hobby right now have probably never heard of them before. This was a standard however many years ago unless you went with some big external return pump. They run forever with no maintenance.
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