Return pump: Eheim vs. QuietOne vs. ???

[fischkopp]

I am looking for a return pump that can push 500-1000 gal/h at a max head of 5-6 ft. I plan to use it inline, outside the sump.

I found the Eheim 1260/62 Universal Pump and the QuietOne 3/4000 could be suitable for that. The price for the Eheim is significantly higher, double so to speak, so I was wondering if it is worth it. My main concerns are:
  1. noise/vibration - I prefer not to hear anything at all
  2. reliability - long term, as I am concerned about the lifestock
  3. maintenance - ideally it should not require any

Does anyone have experience with these pumps? And are there other pumps I should consider?

[bitterman]

Look at the wattage of the different pumps the lower the wattage the less issues with heat int he summer. I have an Ocean runner in my sons SW and it works well there so might fit your situation.

Bruce

[fischkopp]

Good point. The Eheim is 65/80W and QuietOne is 40/50W - so given their efficiency is somewhat similar, then the Eheim should be the more powerful pump.

The temperature will be less an issue because the target is 28-30 deg Celsius anyway. 

[bitterman]

Also take into account how quiet the pumps are... i have been told by a few people quietone pumps arn't very quiet...

The watts draw is more about efficiency and design of the motor....

Bruce

[nissannx]

i had a quiet one 3000 on my old setup. i was pleased wit it. once my setup is complete i will be buying two. one to use as a return pump. one to use to pump out waste water.

[Rybren]

The Ocean Runner 2500 puts out about 650gph @ 0' head, has a max head of 8.5', uses 38W, and can be run externally.

I find it to be fairly quiet.

[mikerobart]

I'm very happy with my quiet one 4000 hh. It's one of the quietest pieces of equipment on my setup.

[redbelly]

The eheim is by far the better pump. IMO they are the best internal pumps out there, but as you pointed out a bit pricey.

The Ocean runners are my next choice for pumps. Quiet (although not as quiet as an eheim...), very poerful, and very reliable.
I have been running the ocean runners for years now. I still have my original, very first OR that I purchased and it is currently in use on the waterfall system for liverock. This system has a very small last section and it runs dry 1-2 times per week. So a couple times per week I come downstairs and find this pump sucking air and not pumping. This would burn out just about any other pump but the OR is still running strong with several years of this abuse!

Really though for an external pump, I would go for a reeflo pump.

[fischkopp]

A follow up on my question.

I purchased an Eheim 1262 and a QuietOne 3000. Both pumps have an impressive turnover. The Eheim 1262 is used as submersed return pump 24/7 and I can attest that it is virtually silent. I have to hold my ear against the sump to notice a little hum. The QuietOne is setup as submersed water change pump and by far not silent. I cannot say that it is extremely loud, but one can certainly notice that it is running from a few meters away. I wouldn't chose this pump for 24/7 operation, but it does a good job for 10 minutes every day.

Hope this helps anyone.