4 Pumps in Return Chamber...Any Issue?

[LilElroyJetson]

I currently have 3 pumps in my return chamber of my sump (return pump, chaeto reactor pump, gfo reactor pump), because that’s the only place I have room for them. Everything has been fine and I run an ATO so water level stays pretty consistent. I want to add a 4th pump for my thermoelectric chiller. Things will be a little crowded but should have enough space to breath. I’ve never done this so wanted to hear from anyone who has had to.

Are there any potential issues I should take into consideration that I’m not aware of? Thanks in advance!

 

[ScottieB]

Glad I’m not the only one.

I currently have 4 pumps in my sump, one I use only to pump out water during water changes though. Three are running 24/7. It’s crowded for sure and I wonder if my odds of failure are higher with more pumps. I also wonder about the cost of running so many vs one big (dc) pump and a manifold.

I’m currently in the process of re-plumbing my sump and will switch to one large return pump and one for a manifold/water change.

Not sure that helps, just nice to know your not alone.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

Glad I’m not the only one.

I currently have 4 pumps in my sump, one I use only to pump out water during water changes though. Three are running 24/7. It’s crowded for sure and I wonder if my odds of failure are higher with more pumps. I also wonder about the cost of running so many vs one big (dc) pump and a manifold.

I’m currently in the process of re-plumbing my sump and will switch to one large return pump and one for a manifold/water change.

Not sure that helps, just nice to know your not alone.

It’s good to know you haven’t had any failures yet. I was trying to conceive of a potential reason why more pumps in there would lead to failure but as long as water is available I couldn’t think of how more pumps could increase likelihood of causing problems, but then again I’m not an engineer or electrician haha.

And it is nice to know I’m not alone, thanks for the reply!

 

[RandyC]

I would think your life would be easier if you just had two pumps. One pump for the return to the display and one pump with a manifold to power the rest. Less to maintain, fewer power cords.

But yeah, 4 pumps wouldn’t be a problem. Like a previous post said, make sure you have the water volume to support another pump and make sure in a power outage situation, your sump can handle the extra water in the sump if there is any.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

I would think your life would be easier if you just had two pumps. One pump for the return to the display and one pump with a manifold to power the rest. Less to maintain, fewer power cords.

But yeah, 4 pumps wouldn’t be a problem. Like a previous post said, make sure you have the eater volume to support another pump and make sure in a power outage situation, your sump can handle the extra water in the sump if there is any.

Great idea but unfortunately I don’t think I have room for that. I’m running really small pumps aside from the return.

And I appreciate the feedback. My total water volume and return chamber level are good and dialed in for the sump to be able to fill up and not overflow in an outage.

Yeah that’s what I was thinking. I mean hell, if 3 are already doing alright that’s probably an indication it’s all good.