Manifolds, off the return pump or on separate pump?

[Mandelstam]

Seems like most people are running their manifolds teed off from their return pump but I've seen people running them with a separate pump and their reasoning for that is to not disturb the reactors too much when the return are kicking and blurping off again after a shut down.

What do you prefer? Do you experience any problems with connected equipment when the return pump kicks off?

One less pump is always good but I can see the point with running it off a separate pump as well.

 

[Maacc]

I would recommend the 2nd pump. It's how I have my manifold set up. If you plumb them the same way, your manifold can be a back up in case the spare, which I know everyone keeps, somehow fails during Christmas, snow storm or beginning of a holiday weekend.

 

[newbreefer316]

I'm looking at doing dual external pumps on my new build. One pump strictly for return and the other to power the manifold.

 

[Reefer2]

Running two pumps help so if you shut return off your filtration is still running. Gfo will clump together if not slow tumble for example.

 

[BigJohnny]

Seems like most people are running their manifolds teed off from their return pump but I've seen people running them with a separate pump and their reasoning for that is to not disturb the reactors too much when the return are kicking and blurping off again after a shut down.

What do you prefer? Do you experience any problems with connected equipment when the return pump kicks off?

One less pump is always good but I can see the point with running it off a separate pump as well.

I think you should use a separate pump. Another reason to do so would be if you are running a herbie style full siphon overflow, the fluctuations in flow caused by changes in the manifold/reactors will force you to adjust the siphon waaaay more often in order to balance the water level in the overflow.

 

[Gablami]

I run manifold off my one return pump. I never turn the pump off. Only time I adjust reactors is one every 6 weeks or so when I need to replace gfo. I have an identical backup pump in case it fails. Why run two when you can run one? Less heat too.