Dual Return Pumps

[xxjt2oxx]

I have a 220g in wall tank - long story short I replace a 150g that was previously there and increased the front to back depth of the tank by moving the back wall. Since it went back in the same place, there were a few challenges getting all the plumbing in and there are a few more fittings than would have been ideal.

That all being said, I'm running a Cor20 and I just don't feel like I'm getting enough flow through the sump. I've always liked the idea of dual return pumps, but didn't consider it a possible necessity until now. I have 2 questions -

#1 - My tank has 4 return lines, one in each corner at the top of the tank. Currently the front 2 and back 2 are tied together, and then those lines tie together before continuing down to the return pump. Each individual return to the tank has it's own ball valve. Is it as simple as connecting 2 pumps as easy as Pump -> Check Valve -> Y -> existing return Line?

#2 - $450 for a return pump was fine when I was relying it to be my lifeline, would switching to a cheaper brand DC pump be OK now since I have a fail safe? For less than the price of a COR20 I can buy 2 new pumps plus 2 back ups to keep on hand.. is that a bad idea?

 

[Saltyreef]

Do you have more than 5 feet of head height from your sump to your tank?

If not, i would say your Cor20 is adequate. You are rated around 9x turnover with it and that should be plenty sufficent for anyones needs. I would keep a spare jebao DC pump as backup for emergencies.

Also, you shouldnt need any check valves on the returns if you are running a standard overflow, sump and surface return style system if properly setup.

 

[UncommonSense]

I'm running a Cor20 and I just don't feel like I'm getting enough flow through the sump

What is the plumbing diameter coming off this pump? It sounds like you’re either splitting this pump’s output too many different directions, or the plumbing is restricting flow!

Is it as simple as connecting 2 pumps as easy as Pump -> Check Valve -> Y -> existing return Line?

Assuming both pumps have serviceable check valves (which you actually maintain), and the plumbing is sized correctly for the target flow rate, yes!