DC Return Pump Questions (1 Viewer)

[TX_Punisher]

Been out of the game for a while. A lot has changed. One of the changes I see are controllable pumps, especially return pumps. I may be planning a Ali-like comeback, so questions I have.

I've been reading much lately on RC on the topic of DC return pumps.

I see Ecotech has their own version out but with most Ecotech stuff, they're proud of it. As usual, I see the Chicoms have their copies out now as well.

Are they worth it? Who is running one? How are the Waveline DC return pumps? I mostly ran Mags on my smaller systems and they never missed a beat. I guess my main concern is reliability. Any thoughts?

Thanks for any info.

 

[BrAin]

I bought a big Jebao not long ago and I'm really happy with the controllability. I like the feed function and ramp up feature. The pump slowly comes up from zero to the last set point with out blasting the tank on power up. I also like to vary the flow on occasion to stir things up. I bought a larger pump than necessary and only run it about 30% power. I haven't had it long enough to comment about reliability.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[d2mini]

It's been my experience that the DC pumps don't have the same oomph that AC pumps do, especially more pressure rated pumps like reeflo.
But their adjustability, ramping, feed mode, etc are nice.
Energy savings is highly debatable in actual use. Arguments on both sides.
I have a Vectra L1 on my tank right now. Max flow at zero head is rated for 3200 gph. With my restrictive return plumbing, narrowing down to 3/4 inch in the Elos overflow, I'm getting just 650 gph according to my GHL flow meter.
I'm researching other dc pumps now to see if I can find some that are rated for higher pressure.
Current USA eFlux looks pretty good.
DeepWater Aquatic look powerful.
And Sicce is about to announce what could be some game changer dc pumps.
Waveline are pretty weak in my experience with severely overinflated flow charts.
Abyzz 200 would be the best by far, but if you think Ecotech is pricey, don't even bother looking up Abyzz. You'll have a stroke.

 

[billw]

I've experienced pretty severe dropoff (30-40%) in less than a year on 2 waveline 12000s. Opening them up and cleaning didn't help. In addition, I lost a controller (since been redesigned, I believe). I swapped my return out for a Reeflo Dart gold and still use the other to drive the manifold. The Dart just keeps chugging along.

 

[TX_Punisher]

Thanks for the info.

 

[TX_Punisher]

I looked around for info on the Sicce. What will the new pumps be called?

 

[Cody]

Personally, I never understood the controllable pumps. That's mostly because I never saw the problem with a valve. Why fix something that's not broken?

 

[TX_Punisher]

Ended up with a varios 8. I'll be running a reactor manifold when. Ended so the ability to dial back the pump when not running various medias is nice.