Pumps, how many is too many

[DSR]

Right now I have one pump running the return water and one running to my chiller. But, i really would like to add a phosphate reactor and, possibly, a protein skimmer. As the reactor and the skimmer each use their own pumps, that would bring a total of 4 pumps... not only do I lack the space in the tank for that, but i would imagine that the runnign costs would be pretty high as well....

So fellow nano reefers... what hangon type contraptions devices tools do you use and how do you power them...

 

[fsn77]

Any chance you could use one somewhat larger pump and split its output to run two (or more) pieces of equipment? Or running two pieces of equipment inline off the same pump?

I'd let the skimmer have its own pump, but I would think the phosphate reactor and chiller could be both supplied by a single pump (but maybe not?). You might even be able to get away with running the phosphate reactor inline after the chiller, depending on the flow through your chiller and the flow needed for the phosphate reactor.

 

[excuzzzeme]

As FSN mentioned, I would try to daisy-chain as much equipment as possible. I would also consider using an air-pump

 

[DSR]

I like the idea of creating a daisy chain, but the flow requirement for the chiller is pretty high (290 gph). Not sure about the phosphate reactor. But, assuming it wasn't all that high, couldn't I just run the return from the chiller though the phosphate reactor? Anyone know of a reactor that takes a 1/2" hose?

 

[Ace25]

Reactor is 1/4 or 3/8 I believe. But you could always T off your output line, full flow going one direction, and little adapter to turn it into a smaller barb fitting and a valve to control the flow through the reactor. Sounds big and complicated but it really isn't.

 

[DSR]

I get it and that make sense. Especially if there isn't any else connected to the other end of the "t" it would just end in the back of the tank. Plus, that extra turn might slow down the incoming flow and decrease the amount of micro bubbles I get in the back of the tank. Hmmmm....

 

[reefbumgm333]

I am not too sure, but I dont think you can daisy chain off the chiller. If you add something like a phosphate reactor after the chiller it will definitely slow down the flow of the pump. You need to read the instructions for the chiller and make sure you can run the chiller at a lower flow. Some chillers wont work properly if the flow is impeded.

 

[DSR]

Thank Reefbum. On a related note, I got the JBJ chiller connector kit... for $32 I was expecting a bit more than 12' of 1/2 hose (which I can get at Lowes for $7) and a couple of pieces of PVC outlet tubes (one very long J and one s). However, when I put it all together I was immediately impressed by the fact that short of a dramatic change in gravitational pull in my own little universe, the outlet hose on my chiller will never fall out of my tank again. So, for the added security, I guess I can't complain. And the black hose does look better.