Best return pump for a Red Sea REEFER 170 G3
Your return pump moves water up from the sump to the display. The number that matters is delivered flow after head loss — not the box rating.
Aim to turn over your full volume ~3–6× per hour through the sump — about 380–770 L/h (~100–203 GPH) for the Red Sea REEFER 170 G3 (128 L / 34 gal net volume). After ~1.5 m of head loss a pump delivers far less than its rating, so size up.
Showing the 12 best-fit picks. 55 more return pumps in the catalog — see all return pumps.
Frequently asked
What's the best return pump for a Red Sea REEFER 170 G3?
Reef Octopus VarioS-2 is the closest fit in our catalogue — the Red Sea REEFER 170 G3 holds 128 L (34 gal), so you want roughly 380–770 L/h (100–203 GPH) at the display after head loss. Every pick on this page is checked against the Red Sea REEFER 170 G3's actual specs, not just its gallon rating.
How many GPH does a 34-gallon reef tank need?
Roughly 100–203 GPH (380–770 L/h) through the sump, at ~3–6× turnover. Ignore the old "10×" rule — that's total display flow, which your wave makers handle, not the return.
Does head loss really matter?
Yes. A pump rated "X L/h" at zero head delivers much less once it's pushing water up ~1.5 m of plumbing. The fix: buy a controllable DC pump a size up and dial it back to the flow you want.
DC or AC return pump?
Most reefers prefer DC — you can tune the flow, it runs quieter, and you can throttle it down rather than restricting plumbing (which causes microbubbles).
Guidance only — sizing is a starting point; verify specs with the manufacturer before you buy.