Alright I've got a mop fun project for my family but I have a small detail I'm trying to fine time. We are planning on setting up 4 20 long tanks all in a row. Everyone wanted their own little tank. So I'm wanting to run them all off one sump for more water volume. Now I know ideally it would be best for each one to have there own return pump. Eventually this will be the case but I'm wanting to cut some initial cost. So is there a way to figure out what size pump for a manifold system for a single pump to fed these tanks?
Multi Tank Return
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N2theUnknown
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I know it is but that's not what I'm wanting to do.
Pistondog
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To your original question then.
Size return for 100 gallon tank, and have ball valves for restricted balancing on each return line. Each adjustment changes flow to all 4 returns.
Return should be adjustable flow.
Size return for 100 gallon tank, and have ball valves for restricted balancing on each return line. Each adjustment changes flow to all 4 returns.
Return should be adjustable flow.
I would size for at least 150 to 200 gallons for a couple reasons. You are going to loose flow with the manifold and you should put a valve on each one to adjust flow. Why get something that will just handle the size when you have the control. Also a DC pump like Various, or Apex COR15 would be good so that you can really fine tune.
N2theUnknown
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Thank you. It's not strictly cost it's just more plug in space and more maintenance sump space. Alot of factors are playing into this decision. Would it be best to run a 1" manifold and choke down to 3/4"? Or what
mdb_talon
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I would significantly upsize the return pump and do a 5 way 1/2" manifold. The 5th returning right back to sump. I ran my frag system same way and having that return direct to sump gives you a lot of options in adjusting flow. It is not quite as essential now with DC pumps but still more than worthwhile.
Anything more than 1/2 inch is not needed on 20g tanks. Maybe 1" to the manifold.
Anything more than 1/2 inch is not needed on 20g tanks. Maybe 1" to the manifold.
N2theUnknown
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What's recommend turnover 4-5
Yea I planned on dropping one in the sump for fuge flow as well. And maybe another capped one for water changes. I was looking to see if and how people had done this as far as upsizing pumps and account for losses such as head pressure and fittings.Ignore my messy plumbing i dont care to make my frag system pretty, but this is what mine looks like.
mdb_talon
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Ya good point i forgot to add l. One for the water change is great. In my picture i have a 5th one that goes to the left at top that is hard to see, but that is my WC one. I have 2 ball valves on that one in case one starts leaking and then a hose nipple with a flexible hose attached.
N2theUnknown
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Well I feel much better about this being a good option I know if I lose the pump I lose all the tanks but with the added savings I could buy 2 pumps and have a back up. Just adds less clutter to the sump area.
I would do 1 pump and a backup as you say. its just that much less clutter and numerous electric cords to deal with. Also just less to monitor.
I have both a Various pump and an Apex pump and both seam to work great. I really like the adjust ability of the DC pump.
N2theUnknown
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Yup this is my next task I have an old mag drive pump that's probably 8 years old and running strong lol so this is alittle new. My next task now that I have a GPH to shoot for is a brand. Thank you for your suggestions I'll check them out!
