Are Two 633 Gph Pumps As Good As One 1267 Gph Pump?

[sahmof2]

I am upgrading tank size from 55 gal to 120 gal. My new sump is 55 gal. I want 1200 gph of return from the sump. I prefer to use two 633 gph pumps instead of one 1267 gph pump due to still having return flow even if one goes out so I do not have to rush out to replace it. The gph rating I am listing are those that ecoplus makes. It is even a little cheaper to but the two smaller pumps compared to the one larger pump. 1st question is do you all think I will have a problem merging two 3/4 pump lines into one 1 inch return using a tee? 2nd question is what brand of pumps do you all recommend to use that will not break the bank?

Thanks,
sahmof2

 

[chr15_8]

depends where your from.

in the uk eheim and ocean runner seem the most recommended.

I would personally run 2 pumps for the reason you stated but im not sure how they will cope with how you want them to run, personally i carnt see a problem but im sure someone will soon tel you for sure

 

[SkiFletch]

Don't tee two pumps together like that. In real-world pratctice, you rarely get double the flow. Better for each to have an individual path back to the display

 

[sahmof2]

Starting to plumb now. Going to put a valve on the output of each pump and feed them to the DT where they will join together but with a value between them. If both pumps are running, the valves on each output will be open and the tie together on the DT return will be closed so each pump provides flow to only half of the return nozzles. If a pump goes out, I will close the outlet valve on the bad pump and open the valve at the DT so the one good pump provides equal flow to all the returns. With one pump, the return flow will definitely be less but hopefully prevent dead spots for a day or two until pump replacement.

Thanks for the help
Sahmof2

 

[jtnova13]

The only problem i could see with this is that the valve between the two runs will have excessive pressure on it. If you are using thin piping, or don't seal it well enough, I could see this leaking or bursting.

Personally, I'd run 1 larger pump with 2 outlets each valved. If you design your sump correctly, even on pump failure you will not overflow and the DT can run for a while without the sump as long as your other equipment is working.