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That's what I did. I bought 2 - 12000 liter DC pumps for my 215 DT gallon and run them both at 50%. This turns my tank over 5 times an hour even if one pump fails. I also have a spare in a box that can be swapped in 5 minutes.Another thing that certainly helps that this thread doesn't talk about is just getting a really over sized DC pump.. That way its built like a tank, and you run it at half its duty cycle. That way the electronics don't get hot, the pump stays cool because your not really pushing it, and it should last forever.
Problem is when your main pump dies and you come home after 12 hours, you cant just swap the pump.
Your biological filtration down below is all dead and your reactors foul.
I guess on the bright side I was planning to upgrade to the COR20 and now I have an excuse too.
12 hours
Not! If this is even possible, your system is hours away from disaster everyday! Not if, but when! Yikes!!!
First off, this is misinformation at its finest, no offense, but it’s not a one size or situation across the board, FOR ANY SYSTEM.
I don’t use reactors... they collect dust the past few years...
Every system is different, set up and built different, stocked different, different biological limits, different stocking limits...different equipment...
Ya get my point...
I have a powerhead run in my sump to prevent settlement... my return could fail for a month... nothing would happen (biologically speaking) in MY system (now if my salinity stayed in balance is a whole other issue!) I also have LR in my sump. I really don’t NEED a sump, but it keeps the surface nice and clean. My critical systems are all on battery backup, and last time I tried it lasted 30 hours, and now I’ve got more backup space and less equipment, so just a gut, guessing backup on my tank is in the 5-7 day range on battery only before the generator starts
But I do agree, biological die off is something to consider, but it’s not as fast die off as you portray, and some systems won’t have any die off... like mine....
Bottom line, we ALL need to keep an eye on our reefs, every reef has a different “weak link”, we all got one. Return pump ain’t mine, and I only got one!
This is how I read your post....my system is different, nothing can go wrong, I advise against a redundant pump - It's my way or the highway.
Generally speaking it's an upgrade to have dual pumps. I recommended dual return pump system WITHOUT knowing specifics of each person's system.
I've run tanks on tap, skimmerless, without water changes, with DSB, etc, etc, etc, etc. Each approach had its limitations.
Would I go around the web and tell everyone tap is great or ditch your protein skimmer and water changes without knowing their specific approach/system and their goals - big fat NO!
Would I recommend a dual return pump approach to just about anybody - without reservation.
This is how I read your post....my system is different, nothing can go wrong, I advise against a redundant pump - It's my way or the highway.
Generally speaking it's an upgrade to have dual pumps. I recommended dual return pump system WITHOUT knowing specifics of each person's system.
I've run tanks on tap, skimmerless, without water changes, with DSB, etc, etc, etc, etc. Each approach had its limitations.
Would I go around the web and tell everyone tap is great or ditch your protein skimmer and water changes without knowing their specific approach/system and their goals - big fat NO!
Would I recommend a dual return pump approach to just about anybody - without reservation.
Suppose I read posts the opposite end of the intent, making it sound like I’m an idiot for not having 2 plumbed and running.
Forums like Reef2Reef are great for sharing experiences an information but I think we all tend to forget how much communication is non-verbal, making it all too easy for people to either write or read a post in ways that were not intended. One of the things I like about R2R is it's a very friendly community - thanks for keeping it civil!You sir are not an idiot - you're a person with an opposing view.
Happy Thanksgiving
Dude, I do the exact same thing but I use check valves. No need for anyone to turn a valve. Trust me, much easier and worry free.
Lots of great info guys, thanks everyone! For me I have my COR-15 in and a Sicce on backup (the former seizing up after only a month of use due to high calcium precipitation and the latter seizing up due to buildup after almost a year. Luckily I was there to clean them both, but I do travel for 2 weeks at a time and the idea of having a 2nd pump plumbed in ready to be turned on via Apex seems like a necessity for me. I don't want to rely on my tank sitter to have to disassemble and or swap a pump.
Can you link us to a check valve online for purchase? All I can find are poorly rated ones or outdoor metal ones. Thanks!
Can you link us to a check valve online for purchase? All I can find are poorly rated ones or outdoor metal ones. Thanks!