Opinions about running all equip on 1 pump

[d5332]

Wondering if its wise to run all equipment off one single pump?

Returns, reactors, skimmer

Anyone have an opinion on pros and cons?

I ask because I purchased a pump that puts out over 3000 gallons per hour and will probably only need to run it at 60% of its output UNLESS I also use it to run the skimmer.

 

[nickyJ]

In my experience even solid pumps tend to fail as time goes on I would not want everything dependent on one pump. (I actually might do it but keep a backup pump around in case of emergency)

 

[ravi197699]

I have my entire system that runs on one pump Reeflo Dart. It i use that as return and I run phosphate reactor, Carbon Reactor, Feed Skimmer, Feed my algae scrupper and water from algae scrubber goes to sump and not issues at all. But I do have one pump as a backup in case of emergency but Reeflo pumps have very good reputation, As long as pump seal is new. I am very happy and I am trying to use every gallon/hr out of that pump.

 

[d5332]

My intentions are to use a 3200 GPH pump and just put a quick release connector in the plumbing, pump fails and easy switch.

Is your Reeflo loud? can it be hear at night from one room to the next?

I have my entire system that runs on one pump Reeflo Dart. It i use that as return and I run phosphate reactor, Carbon Reactor, Feed Skimmer, Feed my algae scrupper and water from algae scrubber goes to sump and not issues at all. But I do have one pump as a backup in case of emergency but Reeflo pumps have very good reputation, As long as pump seal is new. I am very happy and I am trying to use every gallon/hr out of that pump.

 

[cmantis]

You definitely need a backup! I had my return go out just before a vacation (luckily not during).

 

[ravi197699]

Either that or ball valves I have ball valves on my pump but if you are using insump pump then quick release is fine too

 

[d5332]

Biggest concern is under powering equipment by using only 1 pump, too muxh demand and not enough flow

 

[dubs]

Very bad idea imo when u pump fails ur system is shut down plus how u run ur different equipment om there own time for example I can run any of equipment of my apex or there own controller like my chiller runs on its own controller u cant do this with ball valves and one pump

 

[JimmyR1rider]

There are plenty of pumps-PLENTY that will give you more than enough to run everything. I personally am not a fan of running everything off of one. If it fails and you don't have a back up you're completely screwed, especially if its as large as you plan on going and can't just go to a LFS to get a new one. I like to run skimmers on their own pumps as well as calcium reactors. Media reactors are fine because they're lower flow as well as not essential for tank survival.

Just one thing to remember about manifolds. When you take one thing off line the rest of the outlets experience added pressure so its a balancing act each time you do stuff in any one of them.

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

You definitely can and I do it now. There are two issues one that is an easy problem to fix the other is just a little pain in the ***.

First is make sure you have a backup pump is a must(on hand) for two reasons one for pump failure(which is inevitable) and secondly to clean so you have one to swap out.
Secondly, when you adjust the flow rate of one item it effects everything. So be aware of this and it just take a little tweaking of all the other items that manifold out. I have flow meters on a couple of my items and this has helped tremendously. However, they need to be cleaned often which is a royal pain in the A--.

Thane

 

[dubs]

I just dont like this idea all together imo ur trying eliminate equipment but while doing this u setup other issues

 

[troywalkerphoto]

I was thinking about a manifold myself but the skimmer is a needle flywheel so it what stops me. I would buy two pumps and hold one as a backup.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Like Thane said. If you do it on one you best make sure you buy 2 at the same time or else you'll keep putting it off until its too late. Kind of like we all are with generators and hurricanes.

If you run it all off one when you do your plumbing make sure its a quick and easy swap out so when it happens your day isnt ruined, just your hour.

 

[dacebrown]

I don't see any problem with that ... Remember we only have one heart . No back up lol ..

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I don't see any problem with that ... Remember we only have one heart . No back up lol ..

That's a great analogy with how many people drop dead of heart attacks. :scratchch

 

[edd]

i run one pump, if it goes bad you still have power heads to keep things going for a few days just put your heater in dt.
when it goes bad you order it takes a few days or over night it.

 

[Vic8361]

We need to have a back up pump for our return anyway. Whether it's tee'ed off or not.

 

[ming]

I'm a big fan of minimizing the amount of pumps, but I will still have another pump for skimmer. Everything else can be T'ed off the return pump, chiller, reactors, scrubber, etc. This minimizes the amount of plugs you need since the outlet already looks like an electrical hazard, and the chance of getting stray current in the tank as well. I also have a backup return pump just in case. The ease of just adding something to an existing manifold instead of getting another small pump is fantastic IMO.

 

[d5332]

Yeah, I am thinking along the same lines, not messing with the skimmer pump, manifold for everything except the skimmer.

One pump for UV, reactors, scrubber, returns

One pump for Skimmer, I think....

 

[edd]

Yeah, I am thinking along the same lines, not messing with the skimmer pump, manifold for everything except the skimmer.

One pump for UV, reactors, scrubber, returns

One pump for Skimmer, I think....

thats how i have it, skimmer independent everything else on one pump.
only thing is like mentioned, you tweak one you have to tweak the others but no big deal.