Return pump size - can you go too big?

Jasongtr

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Following on from my uv plumbing thread yesterday

I’m undecided whether to get one or two pumps, if I went way oversized and got a dc pump, if for example it was running at its lowest setting but still pushing too much through could I use a gate valve to tune it back further or would this create a back pressure that’s going to be bad for the longevity of the pump

thanks
 

Bigjay615

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The DC pump Should have a controller so you won't need a gate on output end to throttle. It should all Be speed Contolled.
But you may need gate or bale valves on return lines to get rid of gurgle and return noise...
 
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Jasongtr

Jasongtr

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The DC pump Should have a controller so you won't need a gate on output end to throttle. It should all Be speed Contolled.
But you may need gate or bale valves on return lines to get rid of gurgle and return noise...
Yes I know they are controllable but if they cannot be turned down enough as some don’t go that low
 

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If your sump is big enough (and your pockets deep enough) I would go for two pumps for redundancy. Size them for 50-75% of the required flow so you can get by with one in case of a failure.

As said DC pumps cam be turned down, if using AC pumps use ball or gate vales to throttle the output.
 
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Jasongtr

Jasongtr

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Changed the tank spec to have two drains and now two returns so I can use two pumps running independently one through the uv
 

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