Need advice shopping for a new circulaton pump...

[InTheDark]

My SEIO 1500 gph pump just quit working.

I was given this aquarium by a friend. Before purchasing another pump I'd like to check with the experts here about which pump to purchase as a replacement. I have an 83 gallon saltwater tank. Right now I just have live rock and about 10 small fish. I would like to start adding corals, anemones, etc, eventually.

There seems to be pretty good circulation throughout the tank with just the sump return (without the circulation pump). At least it moves the food around pretty good when I feed them .

Should I stick with the SEIO 1500 model or is there something else that would be better for my configuration? Do I really need a circulation pump ?

Thanks in advance for your advice.
-Chris

[ToddTT]

What pumps and powerheads do you have that are running in the system now? What are their GPH's? Are you seeing that much flow, or is it less because of head pressure?

Or what I should really ask is, how far does the water travel through plumbing/tubes, and how many elbows does it pass through?

If you do buy a new pump or powerhead, rinse it thoroughly! Warm water, water from a water change, etc.

New pumps sometimes have hard-to-detect residue that is toxic, something I learned the hard way this very month, from a brand new aquarium pump, in a sealed box. Nearly killed all of my fish, and may still lose one.

[metalhead]

What pumps and powerheads do you have that are running in the system now? What are their GPH's? Are you seeing that much flow, or is it less because of head pressure?

Or what I should really ask is, how far does the water travel through plumbing/tubes, and how many elbows does it pass through?

If you do buy a new pump or powerhead, rinse it thoroughly! Warm water, water from a water change, etc.

New pumps sometimes have hard-to-detect residue that is toxic, something I learned the hard way this very month, from a brand new aquarium pump, in a sealed box. Nearly killed all of my fish, and may still lose one.

Yikes!

What kind of pump was it Todd?

[ToddTT]

Tunze recirculating pump, 1073.040. It received great reviews, and I'm sure my experience is not typical. I will probably reinstall the pump in a few weeks, and have given it a thorough rinse since the incident.

But an eye opener that you should assume nothing about items you're about to introduce to your tank.

And... always have filter media ready for emergencies. Within hours of adding a Pura filter pad to my tank, the breathing and overall behavior of my tank's inhabitants showed substantial improvement. That, after 24 hours of erratic behavior.

[InTheDark]

What pumps and powerheads do you have that are running in the system now? What are their GPH's? Are you seeing that much flow, or is it less because of head pressure?

Or what I should really ask is, how far does the water travel through plumbing/tubes, and how many elbows does it pass through?

If you do buy a new pump or powerhead, rinse it thoroughly! Warm water, water from a water change, etc.

New pumps sometimes have hard-to-detect residue that is toxic, something I learned the hard way this very month, from a brand new aquarium pump, in a sealed box. Nearly killed all of my fish, and may still lose one.

I may be mixing up my terminology here. I was speaking with the local aquarium store here and I think I have it straight now. In case it wasn't clear before I am shopping for a new powerhead.

Todd, in answer to your questions... the sump is powered by a Rio 3100. There is about 3.5 feet of head with one elbow. The return for the sump is the only flow that I have. It keeps the water moving but I think I am in need of more. The protein skimmer is powered by a Rio 1700.

That's great advice about cleaning the pumps before placing them in the tank. I'll definitely do that!

The SEIO 1500 seems like alot of flow for my 80 gal. What are others using for an 80ish gallon tank?

[ToddTT]

So I believe that's about 4.5 to 5.5 feet of head pressure. According to the following, you are pushing maybe... 600 GPH?

Taam Rio (Rio+) Powerhead/Pump

Your water = 83 gallons + sump = ~110 gallons

600 GPH + 1500 GPH = 2100 GPH = water circulated about 19 times per hour.

I bet some will say that's high, and some will say they go higher.

I'd be tempted to buy 2 SEIO 1000's, which would be more versatile than a single powerhead. And then you can put them on a wavemaker as well.

It also means you can just buy a single 1000 for the time being, if finances are an issue.

Mind you, I'm an intermediate FOWLR guy, and the reef people here will probably have better advice for you.

[InTheDark]

Thanks for the help Todd!

I like the magnetic mount on the SEIO but I was reading that the SEIO's sometimes need to be kickstarted after they have been turned off.

Is there a better quality pump around?

[ToddTT]

Thanks for the help Todd!

I like the magnetic mount on the SEIO but I was reading that the SEIO's sometimes need to be kickstarted after they have been turned off.

Is there a better quality pump around?

I've seen that mentioned as well, but have also been interested by this:

SEIO Electronic Controller, Wavemakers | Pet Solutions


Having two SEIO pumps that run simultaneously and switch gears sounds sweet. But if you go this route, it seems like you have to match SEIO pumps with SEOI wavemakers.

As far as alternatives, I would recommend asking the reef people here. Hopefully some respond to this thread.

A great source of information and reviews on many pumps can be found here:

Submersible Aquarium Pumps and Fish Tank Powerheads | Marine Depot


And a great way to find the best prices (which will also give you a hint of quality, in many cases):

Pumps & Powerheads - find the lowest price - compare prices at more than 100 aquarium stores


Here is the best price it listed for the controller, if you decide to make waves.

Rio Seio Super Flow Powerhead Electronic Controller


Again, I don't have a reef system yet, and don't have the SEIO wavemaker and powerheads. So don't pull the trigger based on my suggestions alone!

[ToddTT]

This looks like another great choice for a reef setup:

Hydor 2-Way Basic Wavemaker with 2 x Koralia Controllable Pumps/Powerheads