Whats the most reliable in-sump return pump?

I have no experience with sump return pumps, but I do have experience with Eheim filters for my freshwater tanks.  I have 3 Eheim canister filters and they are absolutely top notch.  Not only do they run silent, the parts seems to be made much stronger than others.  Additionally, they seem to use less power than some of the other products.  I have not had a single piece break or any failure of any kindafter multiple years of continuous use.  I would buy Eheim over Rena or Marineland products without hesitation or consideration of nominal additional cost.  The only complaint that I have is that I wish that they used better suction cups for the in-tank components.
Granted, saltwater stuff is a completely different realm with considerations beyond what I have dealt with in freshwater stuff, but I thought I would pass along my experience with Eheim products in case it helps you make a decision.
--AJ

 

Eheims are extremely quiet and reliable. I would get the 1260 over the 1250. A cheaper alternative that is just as good is the Ocean Runner pumps. You might want to check the 2500 or 3500 model.  Ocean Runner pumps.

 

i have a new OR3500 on the BST.  it may be what you need depending on your head/plumbing and/or preferences.  i have found these to be just as reliable and quiet as eheims while being a bit more efficient at only approx 40w-70w depending on setup.
http://greateriowareefsociety.org/C...fault.aspx

 

Iwaki's are very reliable, run for years if you clean them occasionally

 

Ocean runners work great, I think Ive used my OR3500 for over 2 years now with no problems, it always starts right up too. It's also one of the most efficient pumps available. The only down side is that it does put out a little heat, not a lot, but some..

 

Let us know how you like it. This will be a helpful thread for others with a similar sized setup.

 

Even though you've already bought one I'll throw my 2cents in. If money were a deciding factor I'd go with the OR 3500. They're a great pump. I traded out a mag 12 for an OR 3500. The OR 3500 is a smaller rated pump which was almost perfect for my return on my 90 gal. because I had my Mag 12 dialed back anyway. After I switched out my Mag 12 for my OR 3500 I actually had to buy a new heater for my tank because I realized the old one wasn't keeping up. The temp in my tank dropped 3-4 degrees that's how much heat the mag drive pumps put out. But as you found out the OR pumps are BIG pumps. They just have a huge case on them for some reason. If you have the room for them I'd buy one over just about any other submersible pump.

Of course saying this I've never owned an eheim return pump. I've heard nothing but excellent reviews on them but I didn't want to spend that kind of money on a pump. If I were you though I'd probably get the 1260 or 1262, by the time you have your head loss that pump won't be pumping barely anything.

 

i have a mag-drive pump in mine and it is awesome. you can like throw those things against a brick eall and it will still work, but i wouldnt try it : )