Dual return pump connection

[RLucas50]

Been out of the hobby for about 35 years and things have changed a bit. Now the recommendation is to have 2 return pumps for backup and the arguments seem to make sense. My Waterbox 4820 Peninsula arrived yesterday and I have been setting it up and looking at the fact it has 1 return line, I need a way to tie both pumps to that return. Looking at schedule 80 connectors (even schedule 40) I can't find a "Y" connector, only "T" connectors which would result in the pump flows opposing each other and wasting energy to get the water back to the box. What is the standard method of combining 2 lines into 1? Something I am missing something or am I incorrect in the assumption that the "T" would cause a problem?
I do intend to put check valves on both lines to prevent 1 pump going back to the sump in the event of a pump failure but that is only part of a solution.
Thanks for any advice!

 

[blaxsun]

I have a Y connection on mine, but it takes the output from a single return pump and splits it into separate return lines. I'm thinking a Y connection would be best.

 

[RLucas50]

I have a Y connection on mine, but it takes the output from a single return pump and splits it into separate return lines. I'm thinking a Y connection would be best.

I agree that a Y connector would be best but where do you find one? I have scoured hardware stores, Amazon.com, etc. and can't seem to find anything other than T connectors.

 

[The Farmer]

Are you hard plumbing your return?

 

[DeepintheReef]

I wouldn’t do two pumps on one return line. Usually it’s recommended to have two for redundancy if there are more than one return line

 

[DeepintheReef]

If you’re still intent on combining them, the best bet would be to find a “Y” barb fitting. That would be the easiest without going into larger 1.25”+ fittings.

 

[RLucas50]

Are you hard plumbing your return?

No, silicone hose. But could use hard plumbing down past a Y and then connect to the hose.

 

[The Farmer]

Maybe this would work

 

[The Farmer]

Or this

 

[RLucas50]

I wouldn’t do two pumps on one return line. Usually it’s recommended to have two for redundancy if there are more than one return line

I would agree 2 returns would be best but since the Waterbox 4820 Peninsula comes plumbed with 1 return and I don't intend to start drilling a miscellaneous hole in a new tank, I am kinda' stuck with the 1.

 

[The Farmer]

Look you reef dork on you tube he used 2 return pumps on one return line in his tank

 

[nereefpat]

I would not tie them together.

What return pump are you using?

 

[RLucas50]

Or this

Etsy? Would not have thought of looking there. Thanks!!

 

[RLucas50]

I would not tie them together.

What return pump are you using?

Was hoping to use 2 Sicce - Syncra SDC 6.0 pumps and run them at a lower speed. I guess I could just hookup the 1 and put the other on the shelf for "just in case" but was hoping for the redundancy to be a little more automatic in case I am not there for a day or 2.

 

[DeepintheReef]

Was hoping to use 2 Sicce - Syncra SDC 6.0 pumps and run them at a lower speed. I guess I could just hookup the 1 and put the other on the shelf for "just in case" but was hoping for the redundancy to be a little more automatic in case I am not there for a day or 2.

If that’s what you’re worried about, a better solution would be to hook up whatever wavemaker or flow pump you have to a battery back up in the main display. I’ve been able to have tanks go powerless for a day or two after a storm so long as I had a Wavemaker running.

 

[RLucas50]

If that’s what you’re worried about, a better solution would be to hook up whatever wavemaker or flow pump you have to a battery back up in the main display. I’ve been able to have tanks go powerless for a day or two after a storm so long as I had a Wavemaker running.

Intend on doing that too.

 

[RLucas50]

Look you reef dork on you tube he used 2 return pumps on one return line in his tank

Thanks! I subscribe to Reef Dork but hadn't seen that vid. Found what I was looking for on Ebay:

Hose Pipe Y Piece 25mm 1 Inch Pond Fitting | eBay

Plastic hose fitting ideal for fish pond pipe work, water feature etc. Use to extend your pipework or reparing split pipes. Hose Y Piece For 1" (25mm) Pipe. Zone D - HS, IV41-49, IV50, IV55&56, KA27-28, KW15-17, PA20, PA41-49, PA60-78, PH42-44, ZE, Isle of Man & Channel Islands.

www.ebay.com

Thanks to all who replied with help!

 

[Pennekampdream]

I was wondering how the check valves would reduce flow. Anyone have any data on a typical check valve for 3/4” tubing and how much it would reduce flow.

 

[knockout]

I found this thread because I am in the same boat, I will be using the two pumps and my original thought process was to plum them in a way that they both can run the tank if necessary using gate valves to allow the 2nd to pump the tank if the first was to fail, then I started thinking a stopped pump in water for a long period of time will develop some kind of gunk in there, last night I had the idea to just run them both each pump 11 hours a day (the other hour in between is used for feeding) and use a single return line of plumbing, check valves on both pumps so the water does not return to the sump from each other...