Going to be running Dual return pumps

[FLSharkvictim]

I am in the process of finishing up my brand new SCA Rimless 150. For this build, i have decided that I want to run dual Ecotech M1 return pumps , one for each 1'' return! I already have a 20'' external over flow box on it which will be running 3 1.5'' drains down into my sump. Question ?? If you have a system that runs two return pumps, can you post some pictures and how you have yours set up or how you plumbed it?? I will most likely will be plumbing it something like the picture..
The Illustration below is just for an example.

My Drains

1 M1 Vectra Return Pump & will be buying another one

 

[RobZilla04]

No experience doing this, however something worthwhile considering would be plumbing the two pumps into a single larger diameter line, then back to separate lines before returning to the tank. In theory this should help equalize the distribution from each and provide equal pressure through the individual return lines.

For visual reference similar to performance vehicle exhaust:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://images.holley.com/xpipe.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/x_pipes_y_pipes_and_h_pipes/parts/53620FLT&docid=WgMvsDPMBrtBxM&tbnid=irBrbmbIuHk-bM:&vet=10ahUKEwirhLD5tprfAhVLMt8KHX3fDWcQMwjhASgFMAU..i&w=600&h=436&bih=955&biw=1920&q=x pipe&ved=0ahUKEwirhLD5tprfAhVLMt8KHX3fDWcQMwjhASgFMAU&iact=mrc&uact=8

 

[FLSharkvictim]

No experience doing this, however something worthwhile considering would be plumbing the two pumps into a single larger diameter line, then back to separate lines before returning to the tank. In theory this should help equalize the distribution from each and provide equal pressure through the individual return lines.

For visual reference similar to performance vehicle exhaust:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://images.holley.com/xpipe.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/x_pipes_y_pipes_and_h_pipes/parts/53620FLT&docid=WgMvsDPMBrtBxM&tbnid=irBrbmbIuHk-bM:&vet=10ahUKEwirhLD5tprfAhVLMt8KHX3fDWcQMwjhASgFMAU..i&w=600&h=436&bih=955&biw=1920&q=x pipe&ved=0ahUKEwirhLD5tprfAhVLMt8KHX3fDWcQMwjhASgFMAU&iact=mrc&uact=8

Or modify this to my modification but then again I am going to be running a manifold for my BRS Dual Reactor, Kalk Stirrer, and my UV Sterilizer.

 

[Jacked Reefer]

Personally I would run one to the manifold and one for the basic return. And instead of cappin the manifold off you could run it into a T in your return lines as to not build up pump pressure or just recirculate through the sump.

 

[FLSharkvictim]

Personally I would run one to the manifold and one for the basic return. And instead of cappin the manifold off you could run it into a T in your return lines as to not build up pump pressure or just recirculate through the sump.

I am running a M1 for my Manifold and for the main return I will have chosen a L1 for the two 1'' returns that will be reduced down to 3/4''' before it hits my loclines in my 150./
Does that make better sense?

 

[Jacked Reefer]

That makes a lot more sense but what I said still sorta applies. Most people cap off or rust recirculate the excess if they have a pump for only the manifold. I was just saying it would be cool if you would put a T into return and running the excess manifold flow into the return.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

If you have the means, leave the lines separate. I have a remote sump and could not run two separate return lines so my pumps are teed together but there is a fairly significant efficiency loss when combining the lines, and it requires each pump to have a check valve installed after it so that if one fails the other pump will continue to pump up to the tanks and not just out through the failed pump.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

If I was going to run two returns pumps it would be as a fail safe Incase one pump failed. I wonder though, if you have two plumbed together and one fails, what happens exactly. I’d be interested to see the results of the test. It seems like the failed pump would start draining. Would the remaining working pump still be able to get water to the display or would it be offset by the non working pump. You could use a check valve, but I know from experience those don’t work. It might work enough to prevent most of the draining to the failed pump though.

 

[FLSharkvictim]

That makes a lot more sense but what I said still sorta applies. Most people cap off or rust recirculate the excess if they have a pump for only the manifold. I was just saying it would be cool if you would put a T into return and running the excess manifold flow into the return.

Absolutely that makes sense, sorry was not following ya! I will most likely will TEE it off to my Uv Sterilizer..



As far as your answer @DivingTheWorld , you would have one return running if one of the two return pumps breaks down, how I will have it plumbed.. That's why a lot of people do it for that specific reason, so they will always have 1 pump running in case of a short etc etc.

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I run two return pumps on my 240 tank but I plumped one return per overflow. I’m not quite sure why you would want to combine the piping then split it again. In sense yes I can see where the right side pump (in my case will have slower flow because the piping is longer, then the left that’s almost a straight drop into the sump.

However with that said, both of mine are dc controller (like yours) I just adjust them at the controller.

 

[ca1ore]

Not sure I follow ….. regardless, when I ran dual returns years ago (long before variable DC pumps) I ran independent return pipes for each pump back to the tank. I personally prefer a dedicated manifold pump.

 

[RobZilla04]

Or modify this to my modification but then again I am going to be running a manifold for my BRS Dual Reactor, Kalk Stirrer, and my UV Sterilizer.

Exactly what I saw after I posted. You could "T" off as someone else mentioned. I'd do so prior to the joining of the lines, and use the DC control to increase the flow on the side which has pressure loss. That'll ensure that again the flow and pressure equalize before splitting back to two lines.

It appears your interest is to plumb both back to the display in case of failure/short of one pump. Many ways to do this as you can see. My preference would be to "T" off and have a ball valve to control that flow to the UV, Reactor, etc. Simplest is dedicated individual lines for each return with one having a "T" for your additional equipment. How complicated or fancy do you want to get is the question....

 

[FLSharkvictim]

Well, it will be plumbed solid, just like my last tank that I just tore down. Here is a pix of how I plumbed it and ran a tee for the UV light in the back which you can't see... This time I will be running 3 1/5inch drains and 1'' returns.. I have been working on this tank for over 2 years and I am almost ready to start the plumbing process. I went with all GHL Dosing pumps and the new ProfiLuix4 controller. Just waiting untit the end of the month to place my order with Synergy for one of there CL-44 sumps w/ out a refuge Blk and Red Mercury color to match up with my hard plumbing and with my Synergy 20'' external over flow box that I have... Not to mention Synergy CL44 sumps has two 1'' bulkheads so you can fit to Ecotech return pumps in the return section of the sump. It's going to be an awesome build, so make sure you follow me for my new up and coming thread .

 

[FLSharkvictim]

Hello,

I run two return pumps on my 240 tank but I plumped one return per overflow. I’m not quite sure why you would want to combine the piping then split it again. In sense yes I can see where the right side pump (in my case will have slower flow because the piping is longer, then the left that’s almost a straight drop into the sump.

However with that said, both of mine are dc controller (like yours) I just adjust them at the controller.

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Care to share a picture of your set up but no, I will not be using the Dual Pipe! I will be running my M1 FOR my manifold and my L1 for my main two returns if that makes sense?

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

Just I have to find them again or when I’m off I will take a new pic. I wanted it to be as simple as possible, because if something happens it will be faster to fix.