Second return pump does not fit in sump - siphon?

[Charlie the Reefer]

Hello everyone,

Yes, I tried searching for the answer everywhere but if you search "return pump siphon" you get only one thing and that's not what I'm looking for.

I'm using two return pumps and the second one doesn't fit in the return section. I was thinking to resolve this I would situate the pump above the other pump, but obviously it would be drawing water at a higher level. Would it be acceptable to attach an elongated PVC elbow to the second (elevated) pump, that pulls water from a lower water level?

Hope this makes sense. Here's a crappy picture to help:

Thanks everyone.

Charlie

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

Why are you using 2 return pumps ?

I was doing something similar, set up two pumps with two check valves below the 60 degree three way union, think ninja star but only 3 blades. Like half of an asterick * .

I recently upgraded and spent the money on Jebao return pump, pushing close to 1500g per hour through my refugium.

Look into possibility of throwing out the 2 pumps and upgrading to one large pump.

I have 0 experience with external pumps, all of mine are submersible. You could do one submersed and one external, then there wouldn't be an issue with fitting them both in the chamber

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

as long as they are both underwater (by 1.5-2 inches ) you should be good the pressure difference in 6 inches depth of water is not significant. Water pressure doubles roughly every 33 feet of depth.

 

[Charlie the Reefer]

Why are you using 2 return pumps ?

I was doing something similar, set up two pumps with two check valves below the 60 degree three way union, think ninja star but only 3 blades. Like half of an asterick * .

I recently upgraded and spent the money on Jebao return pump, pushing close to 1500g per hour through my refugium.

Look into possibility of throwing out the 2 pumps and upgrading to one large pump.

I have 0 experience with external pumps, all of mine are submersible. You could do one submersed and one external, then there wouldn't be an issue with fitting them both in the chamber

I have been told that two return pumps adds some redundancy to your system. Also optionality in the case I would like to add reactors, frag systems, UV sterilizer, etc to each return separately.

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

I have been told that two return pumps adds some redundancy to your system. Also optionality in the case I would like to add reactors, frag systems, UV sterilizer, etc to each return separately.

I definitely get that, I am unfamiliar with the redundancy idea, sorry.. As far as UV's go, I bought one that does not require plumbing. It drops in the tank, suction cups to the wall, no plumbing required. UV is within the device, sucks water in and back out. Added bonus, it pushes a lot of water and acts a free wave maker if you put it in the right spot. Or if it's in the sump, it'll give your refugium some flow.

If you get a strong enough return pump, you can T it off and have lines going out to reactors or your frag systems. Each can be set with a ball valve to easily turn them off for cleaning and maintenance.

I really don't want to sound argumentative lol, I promise i am not trying to be, just offering up advice as I always get such good advice on this forum

 

[Charlie the Reefer]

I definitely get that, I am unfamiliar with the redundancy idea, sorry.. As far as UV's go, I bought one that does not require plumbing. It drops in the tank, suction cups to the wall, no plumbing required. UV is within the device, sucks water in and back out. Added bonus, it pushes a lot of water and acts a free wave maker if you put it in the right spot. Or if it's in the sump, it'll give your refugium some flow.

If you get a strong enough return pump, you can T it off and have lines going out to reactors or your frag systems. Each can be set with a ball valve to easily turn them off for cleaning and maintenance.

I really don't want to sound argumentative lol, I promise i am not trying to be, just offering up advice as I always get such good advice on this forum

Thank you for the response and advice.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I'd be worried about running that pump out of water. Only certain designs are built to not be submerged. Pump failures are a total black swan event. I just run one larger pump to handle return and manifold needs.

 

[Charlie the Reefer]

10-4. Sounds like I should just run one pump. I think I'll take y'alls advice.

Thanks

Charlie

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

10-4. Sounds like I should just run one pump. I think I'll take y'alls advice.

Thanks

Charlie

I'm a big fan of keeping a spare pump around, but meh to running two in a return, especially when you don't have the room!