Should I run redundant returns with my 1262?

Swingline77 · Dec 14, 2018

I'm planning a sump. In the winter, I'll have a circuit between the DT and the sump, and in the summer, a chiller will be in line. I have an Eheim 1262, never used, as my return pump. It's occurring to me now that maybe I should add a redundant return pump. If I'm going to do it, and drill another return hole in the DT, now's the time to do it.

In theory, I can see how having a redundant return would be wise. In practice, I see the expense. Adding another return is not something I want to do, and it might not make a real difference if the return on the chiller fails.

Is there pretty much a 99% chance I'll be fine for a year or two, or should I REALLY be adding a redundant return?

Thanks.

KrisReef · Dec 15, 2018

Actually, I was thinking about your proposal and wondering if you could put two pumps in line like a string of locomotives on a train and run two pumps powering one return manifold (with check valves) so that if one failed the other would keep the system moving? ( I think I need to get some sleep, but thanks for making me think. I don't know the answer, but somebody must.)

Let's hear what R2R has to offer?!

Swingline77 · Dec 15, 2018

KrisReef said:
Actually, I was thinking about your proposal and wondering if you could put two pumps in line like a string of locomotives on a train and run two pumps powering one return manifold (with check valves) so that if one failed the other would keep the system moving? ( I think I need to get some sleep, but thanks for making me think. I don't know the answer, but somebody must.) Let's hear what R2R has to offer?!

If I were have redundant pumps, I'd certainly go parallel based on this thread:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/two-return-pumps-parallel-or-series.315448/

I've been reading this post on the issue also:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/dual-return-pumps.393671/

As for being out of town, I can just have a sitter. As for things failing while I'm away for the day, I wonder how long rock will last before it dies, etc.

Series is tempting, and it's something I might have done had I not already drilled for bulkheads, since I'd probably use smaller pumps will smaller fittings if I were to go that route.

Swingline77 · Dec 15, 2018

I sort of wish I'd gone with two smaller pumps in series. I'll have to think on it, but I probably won't do this. What I'll probably do, IF I add a second pump at all, is just add a small one in concert with the 1262.

I was thinking though, what are the real consequences if the main pump goes out? In the summer, the main pump will be hooked to the chiller, so a backup won't help. In the winter, the tank will cool. As it happens, I'm running a cold water tank, so this isn't that big a deal. My rock will still be receiving circulation in the main tank. The problems, unless I'm missing something are: temporary cessation of skimming (which isn't a problem), temporary cessation of ATO (which I doubt would be a problem if caught within a day), and buildup of kalkwasser in the sump, and depletion in the tank. I can see this as being the biggest problem. I'll have chaeto in the sump, and it might suffer as a result of this. I don't know if I'll have my sand/mud bed in the sump or the DT. I'm thinking maybe the DT.

So, would return failure for a day really be that bad in my situation?

Tft12 · Dec 15, 2018

I always feel safer with a redundant return pump. I had my two return pumps on separate circuits last year. An outlet malfunctioned and took out a circuit (very far from the aquarium and not water related). One return pump went down with the circuit, the other return pump kept things going fine until I got home from work. My opinion is redundancy is great anytime you can incorporate it with relative convenience. If it’s only a minor hassle to you I say add it on. If it’s a big hassle, go without...but I would feel better having it.

Are you running a new Apex unit or something that can alert you if a pump goes off line?

rossco · Dec 15, 2018

House wiring and circuits tripping are a valid concern, however the pumps are rock solid.

I have had single Eheim 1260 and 1262’s running on my display returns exclusively since the beginning. My current 1262 has been running for 7 years. The 1260 running now on my frag tank was purchased new by myself in 2006 for my original display, has been through 2 other owners who ran it for a few years and back to me and is still going.

I use Eheim pumps on both the return and skimmer in case the return goes out I can just move the skimmer pump over until a new pump arrives. Never have needed to do that. I have another 1262 I bought used as a backup. It’s still in the closet, hasn’t seen water since I function tested it when I bought it.

I really think a single Eheim 1262 would be fine. Run a battery backup for your flow pumps in the display for piece of mind.

Swingline77 · Dec 15, 2018

Tft12, I'm not running an Apex. I think I'll just stick with the Eheim. I want to start drilling my sump this afternoon. I've been putting this tank off long enough. The circuit issue is one that I hadn't even considered. I'll probably run a battery backup. Thanks for the replies.