Best [pump for 12 Gallon NC Deluxe

[cburns32]

I just recently ordered a 12 Gallon Nano Cube Deluxe, I was wondering if the stock pump gives enough water flow for live rock and soft corals, or if I should replace this pump with another pump and put it in the 3rd compartment of the filteration system, or keep the stock pump and add another smaller pump...What are your best suggestions? Thanks alot!

[Joe69]

I used the stock pump for about 9 months. It seemed ok at first, but flow was not quite enough after a couple months, red cyanbacteria would begin to form in dead spots. I was planning on trying to upgrade to a larger pump anyway, but the stock pump broke forcing me to upgrade immediately. The best pump the LFS had was a RIO, can't remember the model.

It's rated about 210 gallons per hour, the stock pump is only rated at 106gph. I thought that might be too much for the tank, but it was perfect. No more red slime and everyone is happy. I did have to move a couple of shrooms though.

Also, the new pump gave better agitation to the surface water, which I believe helps get rid of CO2 better. I think this also helped immensely.

[RANDY]

Rio Pumps Are Great, But Kind Of Expensive For What You Get. Take A Look A The 'aquarium Systems' "maxi Jet Pumps. They're Cheaper And Move Alot Of Water.

[cburns32]

Thanks alot...I'll look into that

[sl305]

I bought a 160 gph pump and it is better than the stock pump. I think the stock pump in the 12g Nano cube is too small. I also feel that anything over 200 gph is better.

[cburns32]

I replaced the stock pump of the 12G NC DX, with a Maxi Jet 900, and then for the output, added a loc-line y-connector, with 2 flare nozzles on the end of it, 1 1/4" head, at 230 gph...This I think will cause a more natural flow.