REturn Pump...What to buy??

[habfan]

I've got a 55 gallon, with 60 lbs live rock (looking for another 15-20 lbs),
using a wet/dry trickle. I'm currently using a Rio2500 for a return pump.
Short of NEVER starting when the power goes out (or when cleaning etc.) it was a good value and all that I could afford. I'm looking for people's suggestions on a replacement for this (I'm now a little wiser, NO richer, but read/read/read before buying anything). The sump is located in the stand and the return is about 3.5 ft high.

Suggestions so far include a Mag7 and Sen700 (anyone have any feedback on these)

Any other suggestions?
:help:

[Ocean Images]

I have used both the Mag7 and Rio 2500's The mag runs forever, the Rio worked for me as long as I gave it a good cleaning once in awhileand as long as there wasn't a storm outside
The reason I will NEVER use a RIO pump again is they are easily destroyed by electrical surges............if I saw even a hint of a lightening storm I would be unplugging them (even with surge protection) I have learned my lesson with those pumps, I even contacted RIO to complain. The reason for failure is a reverse in the magnetic field of the impeller caused by electrical spikes in the lines.
If you are looking for a decent pump at a low cost, go with the Mag 7, they are a little noisy if run outside the sump but in a sump they work fine.:D

[canadawest]

I concur with OI's comments. I use two MAG pumps, a MAG 7 for my skimmer and a MAG 9.5 for my return. Both excellent performers, fairly inexpensive, and reliable. The MAG 7 on the skimmer replaced a RIO 2500, and it's much quieter. Even my MAG 9.5 (which is external) was quieter than the RIO 2500.

One word of advice, always buy more pump than you figure you need, as you can always adjust flow with a ball or gate valve.

With that in mind, I'd recommend a MAG 9.5 for your return as it's only about $25 more and flows much better against head pressure with it's 3/4" input and output vs the 1/2" In/out on the MAG 7.