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thcmusic

Return pumps in sump or external? Best practice?

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thcmusic
, 05-06-2010 at 11:14 PM (2941 Views)
Hello everyone,

I am planning a 120 gal FOWLR tank and am trying to establish about a 10x (1200gph) turnover through the sump back to the tank.

The question I have is are most reef addicts drilling their sump to attach a single external return pump (with an exact extra pump on hand in case of failure)? ... or inserting two smaller return pumps in the sump so in case one burns out the other will function until the problem is discovered (this was recommended by my LFS).

I will have an in sump pump for my skimmer and another small one for my UV. I do not think (but not sure) heat would be an issue since my tank will be in a basement.

Any opinions or other considerations would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Todd

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‎ Electrical , ‎ Plumbing

Comments

  1. melev's Avatar
    I prefer to have two identical pumps, one doing the job and one as a back up. I just posted beneath your entry about that exact situation, and how it worked out well.

    Running two pumps at once will cost more upfront, could add more heat, and costs more in electricity consumption. Plus, you should definitely notice if the return pump has failed the same day it happens. It's glaringly obvious.
  2. fchidsey's Avatar
    I run sort of a Similar setup, I have two gen x 4 pumps (I hate them just for the record) one functions as a return and the other as the skimmer pump. I also have a mag drive as a back up that can handle about 1000 gph with head pressure to the display that is not used at all. then I run a small 300 gph pump for the UV an refuge that has a ball valve on it for flow control.

    this is on a 150 reef tank with a 40 gallon sump.
  3. thcmusic's Avatar
    Thanks melev - I did not see your Little Giant post - it does seem like you got your money's worth!

    I think I am going to drill a hole in my sump and go with an external Little Giant 4-MDQX-SC pumps (one working and one for spare). I have never heard anything bad about them.

    Thanks fchidsey - Just curious ... why don't you like your GenX pumps?
  4. fchidsey's Avatar
    They are really noisy even with foam pad and rubber feet.