2 return pumps vs 1 return pump?

[terror]

Which would be better, for example i would want a flowrate of 1200 gals per hour for my return pump. would it be better to have 2 600 gal /hr pumps vs 1 1200gal /hr pump? or would 1 pump be better?

I need 1300 gal /h for my tank, but i currently have 1 600 gal/hr pump, so was wondering if i can just add 1 smaller pump to make 1300, or will 1 stronger pump be better?

 

[iamvictor2k]

Which would be better, for example i would want a flowrate of 1200 gals per hour for my return pump. would it be better to have 2 600 gal /hr pumps vs 1 1200gal /hr pump? or would 1 pump be better?

I need 1300 gal /h for my tank, but i currently have 1 600 gal/hr pump, so was wondering if i can just add 1 smaller pump to make 1300, or will 1 stronger pump be better?

that all depends on what application you want to use and the price you are wanting to pay. you already have 1 pump so the cheeper option would be to get another smaller pump. plus you would have better tank flow with 2 inputs into your tank adjusted properly to optimize cirulation. if you didnt have the pump already it would be way cheeper to buy the larger pump. agen i would need much more info on what you are wanting to do with your flow and what you are using to filter and your type of media. also flow is important in the tank to circulate all the water and not leave stagnate pockets but if you take the time to optimize your circulation flow you can use alot less gph. but with using less gph you need a larger media.

 

[terror]

that all depends on what application you want to use and the price you are wanting to pay. you already have 1 pump so the cheeper option would be to get another smaller pump. plus you would have better tank flow with 2 inputs into your tank adjusted properly to optimize cirulation. if you didnt have the pump already it would be way cheeper to buy the larger pump. agen i would need much more info on what you are wanting to do with your flow and what you are using to filter and your type of media. also flow is important in the tank to circulate all the water and not leave stagnate pockets but if you take the time to optimize your circulation flow you can use alot less gph. but with using less gph you need a larger media.

thanks. My sump is a 6x2x187inch sump. media used are matala mats and lots of scrubbies. I also have some crushed corals? might go for another smaller pump, since my tank will have a divider , so i would like both sides to have return flow from my sump. just not sure what the disadvantage of having 2 pump? would it consume more electricity?

 

[iamvictor2k]

thanks. My sump is a 6x2x187inch sump. media used are matala mats and lots of scrubbies. I also have some crushed corals? might go for another smaller pump, since my tank will have a divider , so i would like both sides to have return flow from my sump. just not sure what the disadvantage of having 2 pump? would it consume more electricity?

price is the decicing factor for your project. the more expensive your pump noramly the lower watage you can get for it. what size tank are you filtering???? and what size is your sump? i see you have posted 6x2x187 is all thoes measurements in inches???? why are you looking for so much flow??? the more information you give me the better i can answer your questions. as far as i know there would be and advantage for 2 pumps for 2 inlets to your tank. disadvantage of 2 pumps loss of space. disadvantage of 1 pump for you is that it will be more expensive since you already have 1 pump. but then you have to factor in the cost of tubing and fittings unless you y them to the same tube but agen i need more information. exactly what are you trying to do and why.

 

[terror]

thanks My sump is 6 ft x 2 ft x 18 inches.
the free space is half the size of the sump. My Main tank is 8 x 2.5 x 2.5
currently only 1 powerhead with flowrate of 600+ g/p is being used.
my purpose is mainly for the sump to be a biological filter. fish inhabitant will be 2 arowanas and maybe a pleco and some clown loaches.
currently having ammonia in my tank , 1 arowana is in the tank , i transfered 1 of the original filter from his old tank to this new tank which has dechlorinated water, but detected 1 ppm of ammonia, does this mean seeding failed>?

 

[ghengis]

One word: redundancy. It is the defining reason to have two pumps. If one fails, you still have one running your tank, albeit at a much lower flow rate, so there is movement, and filtration, at least...imagine if your one pump went toes up and the repair shop needed a few days or week to source parts?? You'd be right up the proverbial without a paddle...and likely in a barbwire canoe, to boot!

As to the ammonia situation, how long has the tank been running? The nitrogen cycle usually takes four to six weeks...and I certainly wouldn't be putting any of my prize, expensive fish anywhere near a new tank until at least six weeks beyond that timeframe (making ten to twelve weeks total), just to be sure the system was well matured... jm2c.

 

[iamvictor2k]

One word: redundancy. It is the defining reason to have two pumps. If one fails, you still have one running your tank, albeit at a much lower flow rate, so there is movement, and filtration, at least...imagine if your one pump went toes up and the repair shop needed a few days or week to source parts?? You'd be right up the proverbial without a paddle...and likely in a barbwire canoe, to boot!

As to the ammonia situation, how long has the tank been running? The nitrogen cycle usually takes four to six weeks...and I certainly wouldn't be putting any of my prize, expensive fish anywhere near a new tank until at least six weeks beyond that timeframe (making ten to twelve weeks total), just to be sure the system was well matured... jm2c.

:iagree:except that it isnt that crucial to have that much flow/ backup. i all wase keep a large air pump around for scenarios like that. the pump will give oxygen and movement in your water ample enough till you get your pump fixed.

 

[iamvictor2k]

thanks My sump is 6 ft x 2 ft x 18 inches.
the free space is half the size of the sump. My Main tank is 8 x 2.5 x 2.5
currently only 1 powerhead with flowrate of 600+ g/p is being used.
my purpose is mainly for the sump to be a biological filter. fish inhabitant will be 2 arowanas and maybe a pleco and some clown loaches.
currently having ammonia in my tank , 1 arowana is in the tank , i transfered 1 of the original filter from his old tank to this new tank which has dechlorinated water, but detected 1 ppm of ammonia, does this mean seeding failed>?

that depends on how long you have had the old filter on there. when you transported it was it a long time in between? did you empty the water out of the filter at any time. if you had VERY short transport time then your good. if the filter was without water for a SHORT period of time your screwed. and if its only been 3 days since you have had the old filter on there give it a week and a half till you check again. you gotta give it time for the bacteria to colonize.

 

[iamvictor2k]

id def go with another pump. maybe not so strong on the other pump though. save you some money. and make sure you optimize your flow by practicing. move your tubes around till you see great movement threw the whole tank.
maybe consider filling your other half of your sump with bio media also. sum scrubbies from the dollar store or wall mart and sum pollyfill from wall mart.

 

[Luc]

I second the redundancy comments. Get 2 pumps, gives you more options in every respect. You have also options to replace a pump and use the extra for another setup, sell it or anything, but having 2 pumps is just plain easier to regulate water circulation according to your needs.