Red Sea ReefRun 5500 Controllable DC Pump fit check
Red Sea ReefRun 5500 Controllable DC Pump is a DC return pump rated 5,500 GPH at zero head with 13 ft maximum head, drawing 50W. If plumbing cuts flow roughly in half, it delivers about 2,750 GPH, a 5-10x turnover for roughly 275-550 gallon systems.
Red Sea ReefRun 5500 Controllable DC Pump: fits roughly 40-90 gallon systems. Specs, compatibility math, sizing risks, and alternatives before you buy.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ 40-90 gallon systems, per the catalog fit range.
- ✓ Roughly 275-550 gallon systems at 5-10x turnover after typical head loss.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under about 40 gallons; it is sized above them.
- ✕ Systems over about 90 gallons without adding capacity elsewhere.
- ✕ Plumbing runs approaching 13 ft of head, where flow drops toward zero.
Listed features
- ReefBeat app
- ReefBeat alerts (dry-run, disconnect)
Compatibility math
Head-loss margin
Example: A 95g system usually wants about 950-1,900 rated GPH if plumbing cuts flow roughly in half.
Return pumps are judged by delivered flow, not only the zero-head box rating.
Risk notes
- Box-rating GPH is measured at zero head. Real stands, elbows, valves, and plumbing cut that number down.
Professional fit context
- Check flow chart, head pressure, controllability, plumbing size, and quiet-mode range.
- Red Sea ReefRun 5500 Controllable DC Pump fits roughly 40-90 gallon systems; confirm that range against the final display volume, sump volume, and livestock plan.
Alternatives to compare
- Jebao DCP-18000 Sine Wave Return Pump
4,755 GPH vs 5,500: less flow for smaller systems.
- Red Sea ReefRun 7000 Controllable DC Pump
7,000 GPH vs 5,500: more flow.
- Red Sea ReefRun 9000 Controllable DC Pump
9,000 GPH vs 5,500: more flow.
Full spec snapshot
- Category
- Return Pumps
- Build tier
- Balanced
- Estimated price
- $359
- Tank fit range
- fits roughly 40-90 gallon systems
- Format
- DC Return Pump
- Maximum flow
- 5,500 GPH
Related reading
Questions
How much flow does the Red Sea ReefRun 5500 Controllable DC Pump deliver after head loss?
It is rated 5,500 GPH at zero head and stops near 13 ft. With roughly half lost to plumbing, plan on about 2,750 GPH delivered, which ReefCrafter treats as enough for 275-550 gallon systems (a 550-gallon system wants 2,750-5,500 GPH delivered).
What tank size is the Red Sea ReefRun 5500 Controllable DC Pump for?
ReefCrafter's catalog fit range for it is 40-90 gallon systems. Confirm that against your final display volume, sump volume, and livestock plan rather than the box label alone.
What should I compare the Red Sea ReefRun 5500 Controllable DC Pump against?
Jebao DCP-18000 Sine Wave Return Pump (4,755 GPH vs 5,500: less flow for smaller systems); Red Sea ReefRun 7000 Controllable DC Pump (7,000 GPH vs 5,500: more flow); Red Sea ReefRun 9000 Controllable DC Pump (9,000 GPH vs 5,500: more flow).
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