Aqua Medic DC Runner 9.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump A new look with the same great qualities as its predecessor, DC Runner G2 pumps are DC controllable and can be run in fresh or saltwater aquariums.

Aqua Medic recently released the second generation of their DC Runner pump line. The new pumps have been such a huge hit with hobbyists, it's been difficult to keep in stock.

Along with an attractive new design, the rate at which the new pumps are selling really piqued my attention. I decided to reach out to our good friend Chad Wohlers over at Aqua Medic to find out all I could about the new pumps and see what all the fuss is about!

Aqua Medic recently released updated versions of your popular DC Runner pumps. What improvements did you make in this generation from its predecessors?

The upgrade from the DC Runner x.1 to the DC Runner x.2 has all the computer components removed from the pump itself and moved completely to the controller. Additionally there were improvements on the impeller and body design to create a near silent operation.

Your new DC Runner pumps have a cool transparent volute. How important are aesthetics to Aqua Medic when designing new products?

Although aesthetics is important to separate the Aqua Medic DC Runners X.2 from all the other pumps on the market, the clear volute AKA pump lock allows the user to see the impeller in operation, which can identify if something has logged into the impeller impeding operation.

A lot of aquarium gear has gone up in price recently due to trade tariffs. Your new DC runner pumps are very affordably priced relative to other controllable pumps of similar specs. How are you able to keep the prices so low?

We work very closely with Aqua Medic Germany to keep our pricing competitive in the US market.

Can you tell us about the control capabilities of the new DC Runner pumps? How might a hobbyist use these different speeds or modes in their aquarium?

Controllability on the return pumps have revolutionized the industry allowing an oversize pump to fit on the aquarium without adding flow restriction via ball valves or by-passes. Nobody wants to permanently plumb in a pump which has too little flow so people tend to purchase them oversize. With an over-sized DC Runner, the flow can be turned down to exactly the aquariums required return rate with the included controller which changes the electricity current running to the pump, not restricting flow and causing possible damage to the pump or shortened life which was often the case with non-controllable AC pumps.

There are currently 5 different Aqua Medic DC Runner Pumps to choose from. They have a pretty robust feature set, too!

Aqua Medic DC Runner Pump Features

  • For fresh or saltwater
  • 8 selectable flow rates
  • LED lit speed display
  • 10 minute feed mode
  • 0-10 V-connection you can control the DC Runner to an external control
  • Highly efficient, power-saving DC motor
  • Polished ceramic shaft and bearings for quiet operation
  • Rugged pump housing
  • Constructed from saltwater resistant materials

Below you'll find photographs of each of the pumps, the included controller, and key technical specifications to help you decide if one of these babies is right for you!

I should probably give a disclaimer that prices and specifications are subject to change just in case new models are released or improvements are made by the time you read this blog post.

Aqua Medic DC Runner 1.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump Aqua Medic DC Runner 1.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

Aqua Medic DC Runner 1.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

  • Flow rate: up to 315 gph / 1200 lph
  • Max head pressure: up to 1.5 m
  • Power consumption: max. 12 W
  • Inlet diameter: 1" (25 mm)
  • Outlet diameter: .75" (20 mm)
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 5" x 2.4" x 3.4"
  • Pump power supply: 24 V
  • Power supply transformer: 100 - 240 V 50/60 Hz
  • Protection rating: IP X8
  • Price: $180.99

Aqua Medic DC Runner 2.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump Aqua Medic DC Runner 2.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

Aqua Medic DC Runner 2.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

  • Flow rate: up to 530 gph/ 2000 lph
  • Max head pressure: up to 2.2 m
  • Power consumption: max. 20 W
  • Inlet diameter: 1" (25 mm)
  • Outlet diameter: 1" (25 mm)
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.4" x 2.7" x 2.7"
  • Pump power supply: 24 V
  • Power supply transformer: 100 - 240 V 50/60 Hz
  • Protection rating: IP X8
  • Price: $199.99

Aqua Medic DC Runner 3.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump Aqua Medic DC Runner 3.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

Aqua Medic DC Runner 3.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

  • Flow rate: up to 790 gph / 3000 lph
  • Max head pressure: up to 2.7 m
  • Power consumption: max. 25 W
  • Inlet diameter: 1.25" (32 mm)
  • Outlet diameter: 1" (25 mm)
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.9" x 3.6" x 4.8"
  • Pump power supply: 24 V
  • Power supply transformer: 100 - 240 V 50/60 Hz
  • Protection rating: IP X8
  • Price: $219.99

Aqua Medic DC Runner 5.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump Aqua Medic DC Runner 5.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

Aqua Medic DC Runner 5.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

  • Flow rate: up to 1320 gph/ 5000 lph
  • Max head pressure: up to 3.5 m
  • Power consumption: max. 50 W
  • Inlet diameter: 1.25" (32 mm)
  • Outlet diameter: 1.25" (32 mm)
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.5" x 4.2" x 5.2"
  • Pump power supply: 24 V
  • Power supply transformer: 100 - 240 V 50/60 Hz
  • Protection rating: IP X8
  • Price: $269.99

Aqua Medic DC Runner 9.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump Aqua Medic DC Runner 9.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

Aqua Medic DC Runner 9.2 Ultra Silent Return Pump

  • Flow rate: up to 2375 gph / 9000 lph
  • Max head pressure: up to 4.8 m
  • Power consumption: max. 65 W
  • Inlet diameter: 1.5" (40 mm)
  • Outlet diameter: 1.5" (40 mm)
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.9" x 4.2" x 7.1"
  • Pump power supply: 24 V
  • Power supply transformer: 100 - 240 V 50/60 Hz
  • Protection rating: IP X8
  • Price: $299.99

DC Runner 0-10v Port Strange 0-10v Port. Photo Credit: ReefHog on R2R

One of the most exciting new features of the DC Runner G2 pumps is the 0-10V control port which allows hobbyists to connect the pump to a full-fledged aquarium controller, like the Neptune Systems Apex.

Since Aqua Medic Germany didn't use a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, we worked with our friend and Apex wizard Harry Singer (aka The Harold on Reef2Reef) to find out how to make this work.

You can see the story unfold in this thread on R2R, although to save yourself some time, we created a handy PDF guide to help get you going. As far as difficulty goes, we'd say it's pretty easy to do, will cost you less than $20, and will take only about 5 minutes to accomplish.

I've included a screenshot of the guide below as well:

Aqua Medic DC Runner 0-10v Setup Guide Aqua Medic DC Runner 0-10v Setup Guide