Manifold vs Seperate Pump

T

texreefer

I'm putting my plumbing together for my 40b/29sump (w/ refugium) and I'm looking at my options for return pumps and whether to build a manifold into my return or just add an extra pump later to run my reactor(s). With my 3 1/2 foot head a Mag 5 would put me at right around 300gph, which is what I'd like flowing through my sump, but it would not have much extra flow for my reactor manifold, so I would add something like a mj900/1200 later. A mag 7 however would be plenty for my reactors, but until I have a need to use much of the manifold flow it would be quite a bit more flow through my sump than I would like. I'm just looking for a couple opinions on the choice.

*I know I could add a TEE to my return flow and send it back to the return section to slow down the flow a bit, but it seems unnecessary... if I can avoid it.
 
Doesn't that put extra wear and tear on the pump? I assumed that the least restriction on the flow was the best way to run pumps that are not variable speed.
 
I run a Mag 12 with it about 3/4 of full throttle. I haven't had any issues. Some will say yes it causes issues, and some, like me, will say no.

I have even read a few posts that suggest it actually runs more efficient with the back pressure.
 
I'd suggest separate pumps. Use the return pump to get water up to your tank. That way if you want to turn it off while feeding -- to keep the food in the display and avoid it going down the drain line -- then you won't be disabling your reactors daily. The second pump should be on all the time, feeding the other pieces of gear in your sump and the benefit if it always being on is it doesn't burp a big bubble of air through your media, like GFO in particular. GFO fines can do harm to some fish and corals, if it gets seriously disturbed and sent into suspension into your display.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top