Return pump quality

EDJFA · 10/10/2017, 08:18 AM

How long should I expect an internal return pump to last?

I have a Jebao DC12000. I got it when Fish Street shipped me a return pump instead of a wave maker. They gave me a really good deal on it because they really didn't want it back. I've got $50 into it.

Its been running 24/7 since Feb/March 2014.

It's starting to act up a little and I think I'm going to be replacing it in the near future.

But the question is do I replace it with another DC12000 or do I upgrade to something like a Vectra L1?

Would something like the Vectra last me 10 years if I pay triple the price of the DC12000?

Nanook · 10/10/2017, 08:27 AM

I’m using the Fluval SP6 with Italian Askoll motor block. Pump is silent and pumps 3400+ gph.

Nanook · 10/10/2017, 08:29 AM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CSURQ5C...a-307225012540

smoothdog · 10/10/2017, 02:19 PM

None of the newer DC pumps are really "time tested" yet. They've really only become available and popular in the last 2-3 years. That said, you're more likely to get some kind of support in a few years if there is a common defect/failure found if you go with a pricier name brand.

Reef octopus water/bubble blaster pumps are a prime example. They were all the rage when they came out but shortly after the warranties started expiring they developed issues with rusty screws and bad motor blocks. RO still honored the warranties and replaced them if they failed due to a defect though. So high end doesn't necessarily guarantee high quality.

Mr D smack · 10/10/2017, 05:13 PM

I’ve been running the same Mag 18 for 8 years now. I did replace the impeller, just cause around 4 years ago, and I couldn’t see any signs of wear.

bhofosho · 10/10/2017, 05:25 PM

I’m running a dc6000 still going on 2+ years now! I recently bought a new one just because I don’t think they make them anymore. Still runs great and silent and I’ve never cleaned it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

EDJFA · 10/11/2017, 08:28 AM

A follow up question - How much flow do you like to see going through your sump?

I'm using the DC12000 because it was what I got on accident. I did very little research on it. In looking at returns over the past few days I've seen recommendations that range from 5X all the way up to a minimum of 10X. For me that's anywhere from 1250gph to 2500gph.

I run the DC12000 at full speed, which is 3150gph less any plumbing restrictions. I think I'm pretty good at 10-12X turnover.

Maybe this would be a good time to take a hard look at my sump and my equipment to see what I'm really trying to accomplish with it. Just to make sure the hodge podge of equipment I've put together is actually working as a well oiled machine.

Nanook · 10/11/2017, 10:13 AM

I think 3-5x/hour is sufficient for heating, gas exchange and nutrient removal.

10/10/2017, 08:18 AM	#1
EDJFA Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 1,025	Return pump quality How long should I expect an internal return pump to last? I have a Jebao DC12000. I got it when Fish Street shipped me a return pump instead of a wave maker. They gave me a really good deal on it because they really didn't want it back. I've got $50 into it. Its been running 24/7 since Feb/March 2014. It's starting to act up a little and I think I'm going to be replacing it in the near future. But the question is do I replace it with another DC12000 or do I upgrade to something like a Vectra L1? Would something like the Vectra last me 10 years if I pay triple the price of the DC12000? __________________ Current Tank: 210g mixed reef. 75g sump AquaMaxx ConeS skimmer, Jebao DCS9000 return pump, ATO, Reefbreeders Photon 48 on a custom lighting schedule

10/10/2017, 08:27 AM	#2
Nanook Ancient Eskimo Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 41,852 Blog Entries: 11	I’m using the Fluval SP6 with Italian Askoll motor block. Pump is silent and pumps 3400+ gph. __________________ The wind blew, the chit flew, and then they came two by two. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Current Tank Info: 375g Tanganyikan Tank & 470g mixed reef

10/10/2017, 08:29 AM	#3
Nanook Ancient Eskimo Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 41,852 Blog Entries: 11	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CSURQ5C...a-307225012540 __________________ The wind blew, the chit flew, and then they came two by two. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Current Tank Info: 375g Tanganyikan Tank & 470g mixed reef

10/10/2017, 02:19 PM	#4
smoothdog Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 4,916	None of the newer DC pumps are really "time tested" yet. They've really only become available and popular in the last 2-3 years. That said, you're more likely to get some kind of support in a few years if there is a common defect/failure found if you go with a pricier name brand. Reef octopus water/bubble blaster pumps are a prime example. They were all the rage when they came out but shortly after the warranties started expiring they developed issues with rusty screws and bad motor blocks. RO still honored the warranties and replaced them if they failed due to a defect though. So high end doesn't necessarily guarantee high quality. __________________ Everything's better with Bacon! Current Tank Info: 150DD SPS dominant mixed reef. 100g sump/fuge, 6'x28"x12" frag tank, Diablo xs200 skimmer, Apex controller, Custom GEO 824 calcium reactor, panworld 200PS return pump. Lumenmax Elite reflector with Radium 250HQI bulb and 3 AI 32 HDs.

10/11/2017, 08:28 AM	#7
EDJFA Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 1,025	A follow up question - How much flow do you like to see going through your sump? I'm using the DC12000 because it was what I got on accident. I did very little research on it. In looking at returns over the past few days I've seen recommendations that range from 5X all the way up to a minimum of 10X. For me that's anywhere from 1250gph to 2500gph. I run the DC12000 at full speed, which is 3150gph less any plumbing restrictions. I think I'm pretty good at 10-12X turnover. Maybe this would be a good time to take a hard look at my sump and my equipment to see what I'm really trying to accomplish with it. Just to make sure the hodge podge of equipment I've put together is actually working as a well oiled machine. __________________ Current Tank: 210g mixed reef. 75g sump AquaMaxx ConeS skimmer, Jebao DCS9000 return pump, ATO, Reefbreeders Photon 48 on a custom lighting schedule

10/10/2017, 05:13 PM	#5
Mr D smack Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pevely Mo. Posts: 5,485	I’ve been running the same Mag 18 for 8 years now. I did replace the impeller, just cause around 4 years ago, and I couldn’t see any signs of wear.

10/10/2017, 05:25 PM	#6
bhofosho Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 132	I’m running a dc6000 still going on 2+ years now! I recently bought a new one just because I don’t think they make them anymore. Still runs great and silent and I’ve never cleaned it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10/11/2017, 10:13 AM	#8
Nanook Ancient Eskimo Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 41,852 Blog Entries: 11	I think 3-5x/hour is sufficient for heating, gas exchange and nutrient removal. __________________ The wind blew, the chit flew, and then they came two by two. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Current Tank Info: 375g Tanganyikan Tank & 470g mixed reef