[bluenassarius]

i'm looking for options for my next build. what do you guys recommend?

[iggy]

You can't go wrong with Eheim 1260 or 1262.

Both will last a long time and are very well made for money. I prefer in sump, as it has less parts and less leaks for small tanks <200 gallons. It adds a little heat. Will need an impeller shaft eventually.

[pogodzib]

For a decent return pump that is relatively low cost, you will want to go with a in-sump pump since external pumps are more expensive. I'd recommend sticking with either a Mag or Eheim pump. IMO, none of the other internal pumps are reliable enough since if a return pump goes out, your tank will be without a heater/chiller/skimmer/etc... until you notice and replace/repair the pump.

[map95003]

I've always used MAG pumps over the years on my FOWLR tank, I'm currently running a MAG9 on my reef tank with a quietOne4000 as a backup.

I recently had to send out my MAG9 for repair, it was leaking voltage....I'll still stick with MAG because I've had at least 5 of them over the years and this is the first time I ever had a problem...and the service isn't too bad, Danner got it back to me in ~2 weeks. IMO you do need a cheaper backup pump, for the reasons Brian mentioned above.

[pogodzib]

I run two Mag 9.5 return pumps on my system, but I wouldn't recommend running two of the larger Mags if you have heat issues. Eheims produce less heat, but they are a little more expensive.