two pumps or one

celebrist

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
May 7, 2013
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what are the pros and cons of using two smaller pumps instead of one large one for a two return system? I am leaning towards two in case one fails but since I am going to be using a laguna is that a real risk I need to consider?
 

Chizzle

Piranha
MFK Member
Jan 30, 2011
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Depends. I use two 2400s on my 360g and only one 4280 on my 270g. Also use a single mag18 on my 120g. I like having two pumps, but it costs more. I paid $150 for each 2400 and only $180 for the 4280.

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Drstrangelove

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Oct 21, 2012
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I like 2 pumps, even if one is very large and the other small. Having one go out is only an issue if its the only one you have. An unattended tank even with ~25-33% of required flow will keep the tank going long enough to deal with the situation.
 

johnnytaboo

Fire Eel
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May 4, 2005
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I debated doing this. I really wanted to do 2 pumps, but I kind of exhausted my aquarium budget by the end of my 144 project. If I'd had funds left, I would have gone with 2.

Laguna's are solid pumps though. More efficient than most, which is nice.
 

bassguy

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 10, 2010
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I like 2 pumps, even if one is very large and the other small. Having one go out is only an issue if its the only one you have. An unattended tank even with ~25-33% of required flow will keep the tank going long enough to deal with the situation.
X2 on every thing u said.
 
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