Return pump for 40B

[aaron186]

I have a 40B with a 20gal sump. My return line is 1/2 inch PVC that has one 90 elbow and three 45 degrees elbows and then a short run of soft tubing to the pump which is about another 45 degrees bend to the tubing. It is about 1/2 foot horizontal and 3 foot vertical run.

 

I previously had a Jebao DCT 4000 on the tank and had good flow through the return. True to the reviews it died on me in about 6 months. I purchased a sicce syncra 2.0 a few weeks ago. The pump doesnt seem to be strong enough though I love how quiet it is.

 

The Sicce Syncra 3.0 is a bit more than I want to spend but I might pull the trigger, especially if I can get amazon to take the 2.0 back. I am also not sure if this will be strong enough.

 

Can someone recommend a return pump for me? I would like to keep it around $60-90 if possible

 

Thanks,

Aaron

 

[Cencalfishguy56]

I have a 40B with a 20gal sump. My return line is 1/2 inch PVC that has one 90 elbow and three 45 degrees elbows and then a short run of soft tubing to the pump which is about another 45 degrees bend to the tubing. It is about 1/2 foot horizontal and 3 foot vertical run.

 

I previously had a Jebao DCT 4000 on the tank and had good flow through the return. True to the reviews it died on me in about 6 months. I purchased a sicce syncra 2.0 a few weeks ago. The pump doesnt seem to be strong enough though I love how quiet it is.

 

The Sicce Syncra 3.0 is a bit more than I want to spend but I might pull the trigger, especially if I can get amazon to take the 2.0 back. I am also not sure if this will be strong enough.

 

Can someone recommend a return pump for me? I would like to keep it around $60-90 if possible

 

Thanks,

Aaron

 

eheim 1250 look on amazon open box deals, might wanna go one size up tho I think it's rated 365gph

[zooman72]

I am surprised that the Syncra 2.0 is not powerful enough for you - I run a couple of 1.5's on my two 40B's and they are just right. I am also running a Syncra 2.0 on my 50g cube and have it dialed back a bit. The 3.0 would seem almost like overkill on a 40B IMO, but I guess that would be the way to go unless you want to pony up more $$$...

 

Either way, good luck!

[aaron186]

I am surprised that the Syncra 2.0 is not powerful enough for you - I run a couple of 1.5's on my two 40B's and they are just right. I am also running a Syncra 2.0 on my 50g cube and have it dialed back a bit. The 3.0 would seem almost like overkill on a 40B IMO, but I guess that would be the way to go unless you want to pony up more $$$...

 

Either way, good luck!

What size is your return line? I think my half inch return might be partially to blame

 

Also is there a way to measure the output of the pump?

[zooman72]

What size is your return line? I think my half inch return might be partially to blame

 

Also is there a way to measure the output of the pump?

 

Yeah, I think the issue is your return line - I am using 0.75" (3/4") on both the 1.5's and the 2.0.

 

I would try going with 0.75" for the return, or even 1" if you can, and I think you will see a big difference in output.

 

As for measuring the output - the are in-line flow meters, but I believe the work has already been done and written up somewhere...

[aaron186]

My tank is drilled and filled so upgrading the line isn't an option

[zooman72]

You could cap the drilled opening and go over the top edge of the tank with a larger return, or the only other option with such a small return is to get a much larger pump. Even then, you can only pump so much water through a reduced diameter, and I would just accept the limited return output and focus on accessory water pumps to accomplish your flow needs.

[ajmckay]

Bummer on the Jebao - I have a 40b with pretty much the exact same setup as you with 1/2" PVC return line and love it. Jebao DCT-4000 has been running smooth for just over a year. I assume you went through the normal cleaning/vinegar soak that's recommended for these pumps?

 

Anyways - to answer your question you need to define what is "enough" flow... I would think that for a 40b w/20 sump a syncra 2.0 would be enough... With a 1/2" return yes you do suffer some flow losses but I guess it depends on how much volume you need. It was always my plan to use a circulation pump in the display tank to do most of the work, as Zoo suggested.