Best Marine Aquarium Return Pump

Your marine aquarium return pump’s principle job is to move water through your filtration system.

If you have a sump located below the tank, the return pump moves water from the sump back up into the display aquarium. 

In an All-In-One style tank, the return pump moves water through the back filtration chambers and into the display. 

In both cases, the return pump creates a constant, circular flow of water through the display aquarium and filtration system.

As such it’s critical and you need to choose the right one. Let us give you some guidance:-

Best Marine Aquarium Return Pumps

#	Preview	Product	Quick Review
1		Jecod MDP Variable Speed WiFi Return Pump	Best Overall
2		Sicce Syncra Silent Return Pump	Great for Nano Tanks
3		Ehiem CompactON Return Pump	Great Pumps

What to Look for When Buying a Marine Aquarium Return Pump

The most important thing to look for when buying a marine aquarium return pump is the flow rate.

For marine aquariums, the general rule is to use a pump that can deliver at least 5 – 10 times the tank’s total water volume per hour. For example, for a 250 litre tank you should have a pump rated at least 1250 – 2500 litres / hour.

The next considerations should be how quietly and efficiently it runs.

Marine Aquarium Return Pump Product Reviews

Here are my reviews of the best Marine Aquarium Return Pump products:-

1. Jecod MDP Variable Speed WiFi Return Pump

The new Jecod MDP Variable Speed WiFi Return Pumps come in 6 different sizes with flow rates from 2500 – 10000 litres/hour so can cater for any size tank.

They use Sine wave technology for quieter and cooler running with lower power consumption.

The ceramic impeller shaft means they are 100% marine safe.

Flow rates are adjustable down from 100% to 30% via the wired controller or you can download the Jebao app and you can program the pump from your smartphone.

There are multiple flow rates and a timed Feed Mode and on/off functions.

We’re not sure about the fancy colouring though. I mean the pump will be pretty much hidden out of sight in your sump.

Pros

• Wifi Control
• Low Power Usage
• Variable Speed
• Silent
• Ceramic impeller shaft

Cons

• Not the Cheapest
• Violet Colour?

2. Sicce Syncra Silent Return Pump

The Sicce Syncra Silent Return Pumps are an excellent choice for smaller and Nano tanks up to around 300 litres.

They are great value, very quiet and energy efficient.

There are 5 different sizes with flow rates from 700 – 2700 litres/hour.

Flow can be adjusted using the dial on the front of the pump but there is no separate external controller.

Can be used for freshwater or marine aquariums and installed in protein skimmers.

Pros

• Great Value
• Silent
• Adjustable Flow

Cons

• Smaller tanks only
• No seperate controller

3. Ehiem CompactON Return Pump

The Ehiem CompactON Return Pumps come in 6 different sizes with flow rates from 300 – 5000 litres/hour so can cater for small to medium-sized tanks up to 1000 litres.

They are high performance pumps with low power consumption and the ceramic bearings mean a near silent performance.

Pros

• Good Value
• Silent
• Adjustable Flow

Cons

• Not suitable for tanks larger than 1000 litres
• No seperate controller

Conclusion

The Jecod MDP Variable Speed WiFi Return Pumps get our vote as the best marine aquarium return pump. Silent running, low power consumption and wi-fi control put them out in front.

For smaller or nano tanks take your pick from the Sicce or Ehiem pumps as both are great pumps.