Does anyone here run 2 wet dry units with one powerful pump? I know it can be done, but does anyone here do it? Controlling the flow rates with valves? I know its better to have two pumps just incase one goes down, but to save money Im thinking of running two different sumps with one pump
running 2 wet drys with one pump
- Thread starter kwantz
- Start date
yes if you mean running them inline with eachother. and using a couple T's and connect them to the inlet of the pump. Obviously I would have to buy a pump fast enough to keep up with the flow right? i just want to do it this way, I have 3 unused rubbermaid containers that arnt being used right now. So i plan on turning them into sumps. BUt I was to cut corners and save money and just run them inline to one single pump.
Also does anyone have any quick and good easy rubbermaid sump designs i use to have one but i didnt book mark it, now i cant find it for the life of me.
Also does anyone have any quick and good easy rubbermaid sump designs i use to have one but i didnt book mark it, now i cant find it for the life of me.
i got same sumppiggy67;4011184; said:
but instead of bio wheel , i put 5 lb of bio rings, scrubbies . Works well 700 gallons ? Redundancy is a beautiful thing. As systems get larger and the risks of catostrophic failures increase why would one think about saving a few dollars ? My question is genuine, not critical. And hey maybe I'm missing something here.
Redundancy? i was thinking more effiency. It makes alot of sence to me to do it this way, plus im not rich. and spending 700 plus dollars on 3 pumps. or 200 dollars on one powerfull pump to that will serve the exact same purpose? I know it would be nice to have 3 pumps going, just incase one goes down, or when a sump is being serviced i can keep 2 going etc...
also i was thinking one powerful pump running 3 sumps would save on electricty.
also i was thinking one powerful pump running 3 sumps would save on electricty.
Here's my simple wet/dry which can easily be branched off and doubled (while still only using one pump).
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282373
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282373
Well let's dry run a scenario.kwantz;4013445;4013445 said:
You have a 700 gallon tank. You don't state what turnover rate you are looking for but the majority on this forum tends to think life starts at 10X turnover so I'll use that as an example.
A single Reeflo 7400 from Aquarium Guys will get you around 10X turnover depending on Head. This will cost $378.99 and use 5.2 amps @240v
Two Reeflo 1/8hp's From Aquarium guys will give the same turnover and cost you $ 258.99 each or $ 517.98 for the pair. They will use 1.3 amps each or 2.6 amps for the pair @ 120v.
So let's review, If you spend an extra $ 138.99 up front you get a number of advantages.
First, you have the safety of redundant pumps.
Second, After a quick search no one seems to stock the larger pumps. The smaller look to be in stock in more locations. This is especially important if you use one pump, don't own a spare and need one in a hurry.
Last but not least it looks like two smaller pumps will be cheaper to operate, so I imagine you will get your $ 138.99 back fairly quickly.
There is a distinct possibility that someone has actual experience with this and can prove me wrong or at least offer a cheaper alternative.